How to become a Sports Official
Sports officials oversee sporting events to ensure the rules of the game are followed. All sports have rules that need to be followed and they can vary greatly. This covers sports such as Australian Rules Football (AFL), rugby, soccer, cricket, baseball, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and boxing.
Personal requirements for a Sports Official
- Thorough understanding of the rules of your chosen sport
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Able to keep calm and act professionally in stressful situations
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Good observational skills
- Able to quickly assess the state of play
- Able to cope with the physical demand of the job
- Honesty and integrity
- Good concentration
- Conflict management skills.
Duties & Tasks of a Sports Official
Sports officials may perform the following tasks:
- Monitor the actions of participants in sporting events to see where rules are broken and to award penalties
- Inspect team record sheets and players' clothing
- Check that equipment is working properly and safely
- Keep an eye on the time of a sporting event and start and stop play
- Ensure play is conducted as safely as possible
- Award the points scored during the game
- Adjudicate on the rules and regulations
- Report sporting misconduct and dangerous play to controlling bodies.
Working conditions for a Sports Official
Sports officials may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the sport in which they are involved. Those required for outdoor sports may have to work in all weather conditions. Sports officials must also be prepared to travel to different sporting venues. They may be required to work on weekends, public holidays and evenings.
Specializations
Sports Official
Sports officials oversee sporting events to ensure the rules of the game are followed. All sports have rules that need to be followed and they can vary greatly. This covers sports such as Australian Rules Football (AFL), rugby, soccer, cricket, baseball, netball, hockey, tennis, basketball and boxing.
