To work as an umpire or referee, you must:

Have many years of sports experience;

Be in excellent health and physical condition;

Have a working knowledge of the sport;

Be able to handle pressure; and

Be decisive.

Most work only during the season their sport is played.

May work part time or full time, but most work less than 40 hours a week.

Travel often and for long periods, if they work in professional sports.

UMPIRES AND REFEREES will:

Are experts in the sports they oversee.

Regulate play and detect when rules are broken.

Often wear a uniform.

Often handle conflict situations with players or coaches.

May work only during the season their sport is played.

Have many years of sports experience.

About 25 percent are self-employed.

UMPIRES AND REFEREES frequently:

Stand for long periods of time.

Walk or run, depending on the sport.

Repeat the same movements.

It is important that UMPIRES AND REFEREES be able to:

See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.

Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Understand the speech of another person.