How to become a sports official or referee
Official title: Sports officials and referees
Also called: Referee, Sports judge, Sports referee, Sports official, Sports linesman/woman, Competitive sports judge, Sports competition judge, Umpire, Goal judge, Scorekeeper, Track judge, Curling judge
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $37,050 a year The middle half earn $31,200 to $48,750.
- About 6,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 7,300 are projected by 2033. (+17.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a sports official or referee?
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.
How much does a sports official or referee earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $37,050 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $31,200 to $48,750.
Is a sports official or referee a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 18% by 2033, from about 6,200 to about 7,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a sports official or referee?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03