Sports officials and referees – NOC : 5253

Unit Group

5253 Sports officials and referees

Sports officials and referees observe and enforce rules and regulations governing sporting events, athletic games and sports competitions. They are employed by national, provincial and local sporting commissions, organizations and leagues.

Example 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

View all titles

Main duties

Sports officials and referees perform some or all of the following duties:

Officiate at sporting events or athletic competitions to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules and safety regulations are observed
Record lapsed time and keep scores during events or competitions
Judge the performance of competitors, award points, impose penalties for infractions and determine results
Compile scores and other athletic records
Establish 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.

Employment requirements

Sports officials require certification by and registration with a sport governing body or commission.
Sports referees require completion of an officiating program offered by a sport governing body.

Classified elsewhere

Coaches (5252)
Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness (5254)