Career Guides
Sporting Officials, Umpires, or Referees
Umpires/referees officiate at sporting matches by interpreting and enforcing the rules of the game being played.
Where you Might Work
The location of your career as an umpire may depend on what sport you wish to be a part of. Different sporting locations that require umpires include:
- Playing fields
- Tennis, basketball, squash courts
- Swimming pools
Key Responsibilities
An umpire’s main role is to uphold the rules and regulations of a sporting or recreational event; however, there are other responsibilities that also need to be practised. These responsibilities include:
- Officiating at sporting events to interpret and enforce rules.
- Communicating with players, coaches, and other officials about decisions, how you are officiating the game, and the respect that needs to be shown between all parties.
- Disciplining players and spectators who are disrespectful or break the rules.
- Coordinating and directing sporting activities.
The Attributes and Skills You Will Need
To make sure sporting events run smoothly, umpires or referees must possess certain skills or attributes. These could include:
- Strong physical and verbal communication skills
- Physical, verbal, and emotional confidence. Not everyone is always going to agree with an official’s decision, but it is important to be confident in standing by a call.
- A good level of physical fitness.
- An interest/good understanding of the sport you wish to officiate.
- Completed training with the relevant sporting association you wish to officiate for.
Salary: The salary of an official, umpire, or referee cannot be determined as this career spans across multiple sports and organisations.
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Market Insights
Retrieved from: Labour Market Insights
Salary: The salary of an official, umpire, or referee cannot be determined as this career spans across multiple sports and organisations.
Qualifications
There are no universal qualifications to become an umpire. Most courses or accredited training is done through the sport’s state or national body. Some useful links to find which sport you want to officiate can be found below.
- Rugby League: https://www.playrugbyleague.com/referee
- Rugby Union: https://australia.rugby/participate/referee
- Australian Football: https://www.play.afl/umpire/
- Cricket: https://www.community.cricket.com.au/umpire
- Football: https://footballqueensland.com.au/referees/how-to-become-a-referee/
- Basketball: https://queensland.basketball/RefereeCourses.html#:~:text=Referee%20courses%20range%20from%20Community,with%20your%20association’s%20referee%20coordinator.
- Tennis: https://www.tennis.com.au/learn/ballkids-officials-coaches-and-volunteers/officiating
- Volleyball: https://www.vq.org.au/play-learn/referees/
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