Keep your competitive spirit alive! Consider becoming a referee or umpire to stay involved in sports!
Hello and welcome! Learn How to Become a Sports Referee! Whether you are passionate about basketball, soccer, or any other competitive sport, taking on the role of a referee or umpire can be immensely rewarding. This sports guide is tailored for individuals who aspire to officiate in sports, providing comprehensive information and guidance on various aspects of sports officiating.
As the demand for referees continues to rise across youth, high school, and adult leagues, the importance of fair play and safety becomes increasingly evident. If you possess the potential for this role, discover the available steps to advance your journey.
Check out Nine Reasons How to Become a Referee. Learn more.
Referee and Umpire Training Near Me
Select your state from the choose a state page to learn more about your area’s referee training programs, including high schools. From here, you can follow the links to the association which oversees interscholastic sports in your state. These pages include information about becoming certified as a high school referee or umpire.
Career Path for Sports Officials
The content on the Choose of Sports page discusses the process of becoming an official in various sports on a sport-by-sport basis. Here, you will find information about popular sports that require the services of a referee or umpire. These sports include baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball, and wrestling. Note that each career path for Sports Officials differs in how it trains and certifies its officials.
When Can You Begin as a Referee?
Becoming a referee or umpire begins at different times for different people. Almost all states require you to be at least 18 years old to be certified to referee at the high school level. Sometimes, younger referee candidates can begin training before their 18th birthday. This way, when they turn eighteen, they can take the exam to become certified and start right in. From there, if they go on to college, they can work games in their area as a patched official.
There are, of course, many youth sports that promote refereeing at a young age. These sports include baseball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, and field hockey. This certification will allow you to work on youth-level games only. Beginning at an early age will give you great experience should you become certified to referee at higher levels once you meet the age requirement.
Adults become referees at various stages of their life. Some become referees as soon as their competitive sports-playing days end. Adults with children often become referees once their coaching days are over. Usually, a parent will wait until their children have competed in playing their field of sports before they become referees. This way, the opportunity to referee will not interfere with the chance to watch their children compete.
Get Ready to Referee
In any case, there is no absolute right time. What matters is what is best for the person involved. If you have a basic understanding of a sport and can handle the physical demands required, there may be no reason not to become a referee right now! I know referees’ careers in adulthood still go up and down the court. If your mind is sharp, your body is sound, and you can keep up with the play, you can have a long career as a referee.
Thank you once again for visiting! And always keep in mind: instead of just complaining about the calls, why not consider yourself Become a Referee?
