Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Sports Official
What sports officials actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Arrive at the field and inspect the playing surface. From there, the day usually includes enforce rules during games, make calls on plays, and manage player and coach conduct. Games are often evenings and weekends; many officials work part-time, seasonally.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a sports official working full time.
- Arrive at the field and inspect the playing surface.
- Meet with the officiating crew and coaches.
- Officiate a high school soccer game.
- Manage a heated moment with a yellow card.
- Complete the game report.
- Review video clips of tough calls.
- Study rule updates for the next game.
Where sports officials work
Officials work on fields, courts, rinks and pools, often outdoors and in front of crowds.
Hours and schedule
Games are often evenings and weekends; many officials work part-time, seasonally.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Enforce rules during games
- Make calls on plays
- Manage player and coach conduct
- Keep time and score
- Inspect fields and equipment
- Write reports on incidents
- Study rule changes
Tools you’ll use every day
- Whistles and flags
- Uniforms
- Cards and scorecards
- Timers
- Rule books
- Video review tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Stay involved in sports
- Flexible part-time work
- Exercise
- Advance to higher levels
What’s hard
- Criticism from fans and coaches
- Irregular part-time income
- Travel to games
- Pressure on close calls
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love sports
- I stay calm under criticism
- I make quick decisions
- I know rules well
- I want part-time work
- I stay fit
Not sure? Take the free Sports Official fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Inspect fields and equipment
- Stop play for weather such as lightning
- Watch for heat illness
- Leave venues safely after heated games