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What does a Referee do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A referee is an official who presides over a sporting event.

Referee job duties include:

  • Officiate at sporting events
  • Keep track of the score and time
  • Enforce the rules of the game
  • Call fouls and issue warnings
  • Keep players from fighting
  • Stop play if there is an injury
  • Decide if a goal has been scored
  • Signal for substitutions
  • Keep track of timeouts
  • Award prizes at the end of the game

Referee Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements to become a referee, although most have at least a high school diploma. Certification is not required, but many referees choose to become certified through organizations such as the National Association of Sports Officials. Experience is also not required, but most referees have several years of experience officiating before becoming a professional referee.

Referee Skills

  • Communication
  • Listening
  • Writing
  • Research
  • Flexibility
  • Organization
  • Objectivity
  • Mediation
  • Arbitration
  • Negotiation
  • Time management

Related: Top Referee Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Referee

A referee is an important part of any sport. They are responsible for making sure the game is played fair and within the rules. If you are interested in becoming a referee, there are a few things you need to do.

First, you will need to become familiar with the rules of the sport you want to referee. You can do this by reading the rule book and watching games. It is also a good idea to talk to other referees to get their insights.

Next, you will need to get certified. This usually involves attending a training course and passing an exam. Once you are certified, you will be able to officiate games.

Finally, you need to stay up to date on the rules of the sport. The rules change from time to time, so it is important to keep up with them. You can do this by attending clinics and workshops offered by your local governing body.

By following these steps, you can become a referee and make sure that games are played fair and within the rules.

Related: Referee Resume Example

Related: Referee Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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