53202 – Sports officials and referees
Lead statement
Sports officials and referees observe and enforce rules and regulations governing sporting events, athletic games and sports competitions.
Main duties
- 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.
Employment requirements
- 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.
Example job titles
referee · sports referee · racetrack clocker · racetrack timer · horse race timer · racetrack steward · horseshoe inspector · horse plating inspector - racetrack · athletics judge · track and field judge · goal judge · racehorse judge - racetrack · sports linesman/woman · paddock judge - racetrack · figure skating judge · patrol judge - racetrack · sports judge · scoreboard operator · scorekeeper · sports official · horse identifier · clerk of scales - racetrack · presiding steward - racetrack · clerk of the course - racetrack · clerk of the course - harness racing · clerk of the course - horseback racing · racing secretary and handicapper · horse racing starter · harness racing starter · commission steward - horse racing · placing judge - racetrack · paddock blacksmith - racetrack · paddock plater - racetrack · paddock horseshoer - racetrack · umpire · standardbred judge - racetrack · track judge · figure skating evaluator · competitive sports judge · sports competition judge
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $15.00 | $19.00 | $30.00 |
| Quebec | $16.10 | $20.00 | $65.93 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $18.00 | $30.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $22.50 | $27.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $15.35 | $20.00 | $25.00 |
| Alberta | $15.00 | $24.01 | $50.94 |
| British Columbia | $17.85 | $26.71 | $46.17 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.