Sports Officials and Referees

(NOC 5253)

in All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Sports officials and referees observe and enforce rules and regulations governing sporting events, athletic games and sports competitions. They work for national, provincial and local sporting commissions, organizations and leagues.

Job Outlook

average

Read more

  • Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 5 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2022

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

  • Estimate 840 employment change, 2021-2023
  • Estimate 1495 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
  • Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “average”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is comparable to the average for all occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a small percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are not expected to be a major contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Sports Officials and Referees most commonly work part-time hours.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

Hourly Pay

$13.00

Minimum

$21.00

Median

$40.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$945

Minimum

$11,712

Median

$60,447

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Sports officials and referees observe and enforce rules and regulations governing sporting events, athletic games and sports competitions. They work for national, provincial and local sporting commissions, organizations and leagues.

Job duties

Sports officials and referees:

  • Officiate at sporting events or athletic competitions to maintain standards of play and to make sure that game rules and safety regulations are followed.
  • Record time and keep scores during events or competitions.
  • Judge the performance of competitors, award points, impose penalties and decide results.
  • Gather scores and other athletic records.
  • Create and maintain rapport with coaches, players and organizing committees.
  • Verify credentials of athletes or animals engaged in sports or related special events and respond to written protests.

Sample job titles

  • athletics judge
  • clerk of the course - racetrack
  • figure skating judge
  • goal judge
  • harness racing starter
  • racetrack timer
  • referee
  • sports linesperson
  • sports official
  • umpire

Skills

  • You should be determined, patient, and self-confident. You must be able to organize and plan activities as well as motivate and encourage others to perform at their best. Leadership and decision-making skills may be needed in coaching and training. Both spoken and written communication skills are essential for teaching and instructing. Good physical stamina and an interest in sports and physical fitness are also important.

Job requirements

  • Sports officials need certification by and registration with a sport governing body or commission.
  • Sports referees need to complete an officiating program offered by a sport governing body.

Other considerations

  • Workers may work only part of the year and be unemployed in the off-season.

By the numbers

Quick look

390

employed in 2016

3.8%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

16.7%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
83.3%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
16.8

median age

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

11,000

employed in 2016

53.3%

employed full-time

29.3%

self employed

55.6%
Icons/female Created with Sketch.
44.4%
Icons/male Created with Sketch.
38.2

median age

Where will I likely work?

71.4%

Halifax

N/A
14.3%

North Shore

N/A
7.8%

Cape Breton

N/A
6.5%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

58.8%

Arts, entertainment and recreation

23.5%

Other services (except public administration)

17.6%

Educational services

What is the age of Employment?

91.0%

15-24

4.0%

65+

3.0%

55-64

3.0%

25-34

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

29.7%

15-24

15.9%

35-44

15.7%

45-54

15.4%

25-34

14.9%

55-64

Top levels of education

78.2%

Less than high school

N/A
16.7%

High school

N/A
2.6%

College Diploma

N/A
2.6%

Bachelor

N/A

Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport

26.4%

Bachelor

$17,829 median annual income
24.9%

High school

$7,552 median annual income
19.5%

College Diploma

$22,120 median annual income
13.7%

Less than high school

$2,922 median annual income
7.9%

Master

$36,173 median annual income

Education & training

There is no information to display in this section

Employment requirements & contacts

No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile

Contacts

Communities, Culture and Heritage - Sport and Recreation Funding Programs
Halifax, NS

Website

Sport Nova Scotia
Halifax, NS

sportns@sportnovascotia.ca

Website

Additional resources

There are no additional resources for this occupation.

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