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Evaluator, Linesman, Judge, Referee, Technical Controller / Specialist, Umpire
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Sports officials maintain standards of play and enforce the rules and regulations that govern their sport. They may specialize in sports such as football, hockey, curling, baseball, figure skating, and ski jumping. In general, sports officials ensure the sport is played in a safe and fair manner. They:
Depending on the sport, they also may keep track of the score and other athletic records. They may:
In some sports, officials use hand signals to communicate their decisions.
Sports officiating is often strenuous. It demands close attention to detail and involves a great deal of pressure and concentration. Evening and weekend work is common. Travel to attend games or tournaments is expected. Depending on the sport, officials may work indoors or outdoors. In some cases, officials routinely lift heavy items or wear protective gear to prevent injury.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in signalling to start and stop games; and in recording lapsed time and keeping scores during events, in compiling scores and other athletic records, and in verifying credentials of athletes and animals engaged in sports and related special events
Interest in analyzing the performance of competitors to award points, impose penalties for infractions and determine results; and in observing and enforcing rules and regulations governing sporting events, athletic games and sports competitions and in responding to written protests
Interest in establishing and maintaining rapport with coaches, players and organizing committees, and in conferring with opposing teams and players when required to settle disputes
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Sports officials need:
They should enjoy having clear rules and guidelines for their work, analyzing and directing the performance of others, and dealing with people.
Sports officials must have extensive knowledge of their sport and its rules. They must be certified and registered with the governing body or commission responsible for the sport. For details, see Certification Requirements.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Although no legislation currently regulates this occupation, employers require certification.
Requirements for registration and certification vary from sport to sport. For example:
Many sports have different certification requirements for different levels of competition. For information, contact the governing or official body for the sport.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment opportunities for sports officials at the professional level are limited. Most officials in amateur sports are volunteers or are paid per game. They officiate as a hobby or to supplement income from other sources.
Sports officials may be selected to work at provincial and national tournaments as they progress through the levels of an officiating program. Officiating at the Alberta Summer or Winter Games or national championship games offers a chance to showcase their skills and perhaps be invited to move to a higher level of their sport.
For example:
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 5253: Sports officials and referees occupational group, 75.5% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5253: Sports officials and referees occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.8% from 2021 to 2025. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 6 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Most sports officials are paid a set fee per game. Fees vary from one sport to another and depend on the level of sport.
Alberta Sport Connection website: www.albertasport.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
