Sports Officials and Referees
(NOC 5253)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportSports 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
Limited
Read more
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “limited”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is below average when compared with other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent and jobseekers may face competition. The number employed in this occupation is expected to decline slightly over the next few years, which may affect the number of new opportunities available. 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
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$24.73
Median$36.29
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout 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 linesman/woman
- 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
North Shore
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
15-24
65+
55-64
25-34
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
Less than high school
N/AHigh school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.