Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
During a game or competition, the job is to keep play within the rules: spotting infractions, signaling them to players and other officials, and deciding penalties. Sites, equipment, and participants are inspected beforehand so the event meets safety and regulatory requirements. Disputes from players or coaches have to be settled on the spot, and the same person may teach or explain the rules of that sport. Afterward, reports go to regulating organizations covering complaints, fines, or other discipline, and there is regular talk with fellow officials, coaches, players, and facility managers. It suits people who like applying written rules quickly, staying even-handed under pressure, and making calls others will challenge.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$40'710
Median Wage Market Position
$40'710
What you might do
- Officiate games and enforce the sport's rules
- Signal fouls and other rule infractions
- Settle disputes and assign needed penalties
- Inspect fields and gear for safety
- Explain the sport's rules to players and coaches
- Report complaints, fines, and needed actions
Skills that matter
- Calling infractions during live play
- Weighing complaints and assigning penalties
- Checking venues against safety rules
- Signaling calls to players and crews
- Explaining the sport's rules to others
- Filing reports with governing bodies
AI & the future of this role
Automated replay and sensors could take over some calls, yet live authority, crowd management, and rule judgment in the moment still matter. Demand for fair, human-led officiating is likely to keep the role reasonably resilient.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details