Occupation AtlasUmpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
O*NET · 27-2023.00
Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Officiate at competitive athletic or sporting events. Detect infractions of rules and decide penalties according to established regulations. Includes all sporting officials, referees, and competition judges.
46 more
Dance Critic · Diving Judge · Dressage Judge · Equestrian Events Judge · Flag Football Referee · Football Referee · Handicapper · Harness Racing Handicapper · Hoof and Shoe Inspector · Horse Identifier · Horse Race Starter · Horse Race Timer · Horse Show Judge · Intramural Sports Official · League Coordinator · Major League Baseball Umpire (MLB Umpire) · Marshal · MLB Umpire · Paddock Judge · Patrol Judge · Pit Steward · Placing Judge · Presiding Steward · Race Starter · Racetrack Steward · Racing Secretary · Referee · Scoreboard Operator · Scorekeeper · Scorer · Soccer Official · Soccer Referee · Softball Umpire · Sports Activities Foul Judge · Sports Official · Starter · State Referee · Stewardess · Test Scorer · Timekeeper · Ultimate Hoops Referee · Umpire · Volleyball Official · Volleyball Referee · Youth Soccer Referee · Youth Sports Official
Compare with another occupationCompare with Childcare Workers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
ECREnterprising · Conventional · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- E Enterprising5.77
- C Conventional4.53
- R Realistic4.30
- S Social3.44
- I Investigative1.60
- A Artistic1.15
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (38%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (24%)
- On-the-job training
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month (29%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Time ManagementImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- NegotiationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- Service OrientationImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- WritingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- SciencebasicImportance 1.4Level 0.8
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.1Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.1Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 8 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.Importance 5.0
- Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.Importance 4.6
- Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.Importance 4.5
- Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.Importance 4.4
- Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.Importance 4.3
- Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.Importance 4.2
- Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.Importance 4.0
- Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.Importance 4.0
Show the other 8
- Judge performances in sporting competitions to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results.Importance 4.9
- Verify scoring calculations before competition winners are announced.Importance 4.4
- Start races and competitions.Importance 4.3
- Verify credentials of participants in sporting events, and make other qualifying determinations, such as starting order or handicap number.Importance 4.1
- Compile scores and other athletic records.Importance 4.1
- Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary.Importance 4.0
- Direct participants to assigned areas, such as starting blocks or penalty areas.Importance 4.0
- Research and study players and teams to anticipate issues that might arise in future engagements.Importance 2.9
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- PsychologyImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- MathematicsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
Show all 33
- AdministrativeImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- TransportationImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Law and GovernmentImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- DesignImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- BiologyImportance 1.5Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.5Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.3Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.3Level —
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.3Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Far VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
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- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Time SharingImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- MemorizationImportance 3.0Level 2.8
- Speed of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Trunk StrengthImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Category FlexibilityImportance 2.9Level 2.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- StaminaImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.9Level 2.6
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- VisualizationImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Reaction TimeImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Static StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.8Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Rate ControlImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.3Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Getting InformationImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
Show all 41
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
- Processing InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.7Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.5Level 2.6
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Organize a work schedule that is repetitive and easy to plan
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
10 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (6)
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
- Database software
- Email software
- Video editing software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
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Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.