Becoming a referee is a great way to stay involved in your favorite sports, earn some money, and help keep games fair. This guide will help you understand how to get started.
Refereeing can be a good way to earn extra money. Depending on the sport and level, you can make anywhere from $20 to $100 per game. As you gain experience and referee more competitive games, you might even earn more.
Before you start, make sure you meet these basic requirements:
Age: Most sports require you to be at least 13 years old to become a referee.
Physical Fitness: Referees need to be in good shape because they often run up and down the field or court.
Knowledge of the Sport: You should have a good understanding of the rules and how the game is played.
1. Find the Assignor
The first step is to find the person who schedules referees for games, known as the assignor. You can do this by looking up your city and the sport you're interested in, along with terms like "referee assignor" or "game assignor." You can also visit the websites of local sports organizations or leagues and check for a "Referee" or "Officials" section. If you know any referees, ask them who to contact for more guidance.
2. Make Contact
Once you find the assignor, reach out to them by email or phone. Introduce yourself and express your interest in becoming a referee. Ask about the steps you need to take to get started.
3. Complete Training
The assignor will inform you about the necessary training and certification required to become a referee. This might include online courses where you learn the rules and responsibilities of a referee, in-person clinics where experienced referees teach you what you need to know, and certification exams to prove you understand the rules.
4. Get Your Gear
You'll need some specific equipment to referee games. This typically includes a standardized referee uniform appropriate for the sport you'll be officiating, a whistle for making calls and controlling the game, scorecards or notebooks to keep track of scores and fouls, a stopwatch for timing the game, and flags for certain sports to signal calls.
5. Handle Paperwork
As a referee, you'll often be an independent contractor, which means you work for yourself rather than being an employee. Here's what you need to do:
Fill out a W-9 form, which is used to report your earnings to the government. The organization you work with will need this form.
You might also need to sign an independent contractor agreement, which is a document that explains your responsibilities and how much you'll get paid.
Don't worry if this sounds complicated-your assignor or organization will likely help you understand the paperwork and make sure you have everything you need.
6. Start Refereeing
With your training complete and equipment ready, you're prepared to start officiating games. The assignor will schedule your first games, giving you an opportunity to gain experience and improve your skills. Here are a few tips for your first games:
Arrive early to meet other officials and review any last-minute details.
Pay close attention to the game and make confident, clear calls.
After the game, ask for feedback from more experienced referees to help you improve.
Becoming a referee is a straightforward process that involves finding the right contacts, completing necessary training, getting the proper equipment, and handling some paperwork. By following this guide, you can start your journey as a referee, earning money, and helping ensure the games are fair and fun for everyone involved.
