We surveyed 692 sports referees to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical sports referee. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a sports referee?
Low
High
Working as a sports referee typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a sports referee?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a sports referee typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a sports referee?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a sports referee. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for sports referees.
Do sports referees work full-time or part-time?
3% of sports referees work in full-time roles while 97% work part-time.
Is being a sports referee stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst sports referees, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a sports referee?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a sports referee.
How competitive is the workplace for sports referees?
Low
High
Sports referees see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a sports referee require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for sports referees.
Are sports referees allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Sports referees rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do sports referees have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally sports referees will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a sports referee physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a sports referee requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are sports referees exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Sports referees tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a sports referee require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a sports referee.
Does being a good sports referee require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as sports referees.