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.
Common Job Titles
- Horse Show Judge
- Major League Baseball Umpire (MLB Umpire)
- Referee
- Sports Official
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate player actions and game situations for rule infractions in real-time competitive athletic events, making immediate determinations of compliance with regulations.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess contested plays and close calls under time pressure, using critical thinking to determine appropriate rulings.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate fairness principles with authoritative decision-making when managing high-stakes competitive environments and emotionally charged situations.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for game integrity and sportsmanship standards while interacting with coaches, players, and spectators during competitive events.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery of positioning and movement patterns to maintain optimal field of view while tracking fast-paced athletic action.Proficient
- KnowledgeInterpret complex rule applications and situational exceptions for coaches and players, clarifying decisions with clear verbal communication.Proficient
- MindsetReconcile conflicting perspectives among competing parties through negotiation and de-escalation techniques in high-pressure game situations.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply sport-specific rules and penalty protocols during live athletic competitions, ensuring fair play and consistency.Developing
- Hands-onOperate officiating equipment and communication devices including whistles, penalty flags, timing devices, and headsets during competitive events.Developing
- KnowledgeApply current rule updates and regulatory changes through continuous study and certification maintenance across multiple sport seasons.Developing
- MindsetEngage in collaborative officiating crew coordination building trust and maintaining consistent standards with fellow officials throughout events.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain officiating decisions and penalty determinations through verbal and written documentation for league administrators and review processes.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
15,080
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $25,070. 25th percentile: U.S. $30,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $38,820. 75th percentile: U.S. $53,560. 90th percentile: U.S. $93,180. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $25,070 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $93,180 |
| Workers on average earn | $52,800 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- English Language3.4/5
- Education and Training2.9/5
- Administration and Management2.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.7/5
- Psychology2.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
- Database software
- Email software
- Video editing software
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
Tools & Equipment
- Air gauges
- Announcement systems
- Ball inflators
- Communications headsets
- Countdown timers
- Digital video disk DVD players
- Elbow pads
- Electronic display boards