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While chances of employment as a professional athlete are slim, there are many opportunities for at least a part-time job as a coach, instructor, referee, or umpire in amateur athletics or in high school, college or university sports.
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials officiate at competitive athletic and sporting events. They observe the play, detect infractions of rules and impose penalties established by the rules and regulations of the various sports. Umpires, referees, and sports officials anticipate play and position themselves to best see the action, assess the situation and determine any violations.
Some sports officials, such as boxing referees, may work independently. Other, like umpires, work in groups. Regardless of the sport, the job is highly stressful because officials are often required to make a decision in a split second, sometimes resulting in strong disagreement among competitors, coaches and spectators.
How long will it take?
Each sport has specific requirements for umpires, referees and other sports officials. Officiators often begin their careers by volunteering for intramural, community and recreational league competitions. Standards for officials become more stringent as the level of competition advances.
AC has a sports officiating option as part of our Physical Education coursework to help you gain skills.
How much will you earn?
Median annual wage and salary earnings of sports officials were about $23,000 in 2006.
Where can you work?
Most cities have municipal sports leagues and school athletics, so just about anywhere.
AC can help you get there!
