Umpire, Referee, Sports Officer

Overview

Who is Umpire, Referee, Sports Officer?

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game. They are responsible for ensuring that actions taken by participants are in compliance with standard rules and regulations of the game. While officiating at sporting events, umpires, referees, and other sports officials must anticipate play and position themselves where they can best see the action, assess the situation, and identify any violations of the rules. Some sports officials, such as boxing referees, may work independently. Others, such as baseball or softball umpires, work in groups. They might work for professional sports organizations, schools, or community sports organizations.

Typical day at work

What does Umpire, Referee, Sports Officer do?

Sports officers are in charge of stimulating interest in sports and promoting participation by organising activities that encourage people to participate. To get more people engaged in sports, a sports officer will develop and organise programmes and campaigns. They want to make the sport more accessible to everyone while also encouraging individuals to live a better lifestyle. They may specialise in a certain sport or target a specific set of individuals, or they may have a broader mandate. In several sports and competitions, an umpire is a person who is in charge of upholding the laws of the game, including sportsmanship choices such as expulsion. Cricket, tennis, baseball, Aussie rules football, and other sports utilise umpires. Lacrosse, dodgeball, basketball, boxing, ice hockey, and other sports need referees.

• Officiate sporting events, games, and competitions
• Judge performances in sporting competitions to determine a winner
• Inspect sports equipment and examine all participants to ensure safety
• Keep track of event times, starting or stopping play when necessary
• Signal participants and other officials when infractions occur or to regulate play or competition
• Settle claims of infractions or complaints by participants
• Enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary

Abilities & aptitude needed

What are the skills, abilities & aptitude needed to become Umpire, Referee, Sports Officer?

• Communication skills. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good communication skills because they inform athletes on the rules of the game, discuss infractions, and settle disputes.
• Decision-making skills. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must observe play, assess various situations, and often make split-second decisions.
• Good vision. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have a good vision to view infractions and identify any violations during play. In some sports, such as diving or gymnastics, sports officials must also be able to observe an athlete’s form for imperfections.
• Physical stamina. Many umpires, referees, and other sports officials are required to stand, walk, run, or squat for long periods during games and events.
• Teamwork. Because many umpires, referees, and other sports officials work in groups to officiate a game, the ability to cooperate and come to a mutual decision is essential.

Courses

Which course I can pursue?