As a referee, your role goes beyond just enforcing rules; it involves maintaining order, making quick decisions, and ensuring fair play.

To stand out in a competitive field, a well-crafted application is crucial. This article will guide you through creating a compelling referee resume, complete with examples and practical tips.

Whether you're a seasoned official or just starting, these insights will help you highlight your skills and experiences effectively.

Referee resume examples

Soccer referee resume sample

Soccer referee resume template

Soccer referee resume template
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Resume for soccer referees | Plain text

John Matthews

Seattle, WA
(206) 555-1234
john.matthews@email.com

Objective

Dedicated and passionate Soccer Referee with over 8 years of experience officiating youth, high school, and amateur league matches. Committed to ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to the rules of the game. Seeking opportunities to bring my skills to professional and semi-professional leagues.

Experience

Lead Soccer Referee

Seattle Youth Soccer Association - Seattle, WA

March 2018 – Present

  • Officiate over 300 youth soccer matches across various age groups.
  • Conduct pre-match inspections of equipment and field conditions to ensure safety standards are met.
  • Mediate disputes between players and coaches, maintaining control of the game while enforcing FIFA rules.
  • Train and mentor junior referees, providing feedback and guidance to improve their officiating skills.

Soccer Referee

Washington State High School Athletic Association (WSHSAA) - Seattle, WA

September 2016 – March 2018

  • Officiated high school soccer matches, including state championship games.
  • Collaborated with assistant referees to ensure accurate calls and maintain game flow.
  • Issued cautions and ejections based on infractions, maintaining discipline and game integrity.

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified — Issued: January 2022; Expires: January 2024
  • United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Referee Certification, Grade 7 (Active) — Issued: June 2016
  • SafeSport Certification — Issued: May 2016; Expires: May 2024

Education

Bachelor of Science in Sports Management

University of Washington, Seattle, WA

Graduated: May 2016

Skills

  • Expert knowledge of FIFA rules and regulations
  • Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Physical fitness and stamina
  • Quick decision-making and attention to detail

Volunteer Experience

Soccer Clinic Volunteer Coach

Seattle United Soccer Club - Seattle, WA

June 2017 – Present

  • Volunteer as a coach for summer soccer clinics, focusing on developing young players' skills and understanding of the game.
  • Organize and lead drills, practice sessions, and scrimmages for youth players aged 10-14.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance, encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork.

Awards and Honors

  • Seattle Youth Soccer Association Outstanding Referee — 2022
  • WSHSAA Referee of the Year — 2019

Strong sides of this referee resume:

  • The role of mentoring junior referees and being a lead specialist indicates leadership qualities.
  • The volunteer work with a soccer clinic shows community involvement and a passion for developing the next generation of players.
  • Receiving awards emphasizes the referee's recognition within the community, underscoring excellence in officiating.
How to properly format a resume for referees?
  • Use a clean, professional font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
  • The body text should be 10-12 points. Your name at the top can be slightly larger.
  • Keep the referee resume to one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.
  • Use 1-inch margins on all sides to keep the document clean and easy to read.
  • Leave a blank line between different sections to separate content clearly.
  • Save and send your document as a PDF file to ensure the layout remains consistent.

One of the best tips to avoid formatting issues when creating a resume is to use an online builder.

Resume Trick allows you to easily input your information into pre-designed templates, ensuring that everything aligns properly and looks professional.

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Basketball referee resume example

Sample basketball referee resume

David Carter

Chicago, IL
(312) 555-4567
david.carter@email.com

Summary

Basketball Referee with 12+ years of officiating experience at the high school and college levels. Adept at maintaining game control, enforcing rules, and ensuring the safety of players. Seeking to contribute my expertise to a professional basketball league.

Experience

Basketball Referee

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) - Chicago, IL

November 2014 – Present

  • Officiate over 500 high school basketball games, including regional and state playoff.
  • Collaborate with a team of referees to ensure consistent and accurate enforcement of rules.
  • Manage game flow, making quick decisions on fouls, violations, and other in-game situations.
  • Provide post-game reports and feedback to coaches and athletic directors.

NCAA Division III Basketball Referee

North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) - Cleveland, OH

October 2012 – March 2014

  • Officiated college-level basketball games, ensuring adherence to NCAA rules and regulations.
  • Maintained professionalism and control during high-stress, competitive environments.
  • Attended pre-season referee clinics to stay updated on rule changes and officiating techniques.

Certifications

  • CPR and First Aid Certified — Issued: February 2023; Expires: February 2025
  • National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Basketball Certification (Active) — Issued: August 2014
  • SafeSport Certification — Issued: June 2014; Expires: June 2025
  • NCAA Basketball Officiating Certification — Issued: October 2012; Expires: December 2024

Education

Associate of Arts in Physical Education

City Colleges of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Graduated: May 2011

Skills

  • In-depth knowledge of NFHS and NCAA basketball rules
  • Excellent game management and communication skills
  • Ability to maintain composure under pressure
  • Physical fitness and quick reflexes

Professional Development

Advanced Officiating Techniques Workshop

National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) - Milwaukee, WI

August 2023

  • Participated in a 3-day workshop focused on advanced basketball officiating techniques, including positioning, signal mechanics, and conflict resolution.
  • Gained insights into the latest rule changes and their application in high school and collegiate games.

Referee Leadership Seminar

Illinois High School Association (IHSA) - Chicago, IL

March 2020

  • Attended a seminar aimed at developing leadership skills among referees, including how to mentor junior officials and manage game-day stress.

Community Involvement

Basketball Camp Referee and Coach

Chicago Youth Basketball League - Chicago, IL

June 2015 – Present

  • Volunteer as a referee and coach during summer basketball camps for underprivileged youth.
  • Lead sessions on the rules of basketball, encouraging sportsmanship and fair play.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a referee resume will impress recruiters:

  • It boasts over a decade of officiating experience, including high-pressure environments like regional and state playoff games.
  • The participation in advanced workshops and seminars reflects a commitment to continuous improvement.
  • Holding active certifications demonstrates a strong foundation in the standards.
Should I choose a referee resume objective or summary?

If you have several years of officiating experience, a summary is typically more effective.

  • It highlights your key achievements, skills, and qualifications in a concise manner.

Referee resume summary sample:

Dedicated referee with over 7 years of experience officiating high school and regional league basketball games. Proven ability to manage high-pressure situations and enforce rules with precision. Known for excellent communication skills and a strong commitment to fair play.

If you’re just starting out or have less experience in officiating, an objective might be more appropriate.

  • It states your career goals and what you aim to achieve in the role.

Referee resume objective example:

Motivated sports enthusiast seeking to leverage my knowledge of basketball rules and passion for fair play as a junior referee in local leagues. Committed to gaining experience and building a long-term career in sports officiating.

How to showcase your referee resume skills?

A well-crafted skills section offers a quick snapshot of your abilities and allows hiring managers to immediately see what you bring to the table. This is especially useful in competitive fields where quick assessments are made.

  • Hard skills are specific, teachable knowledge sets that are often quantifiable and can be measured or tested.
  • Soft skills are non-technical attributes that relate to how you interact and communicate with others.

Referee hard skills:

  • Rules Interpretation
  • Game Scoring Systems
  • Officiating Techniques
  • Video Review Analysis
  • Penalty Enforcement
  • Game Management
  • Fitness and Endurance
  • First Aid/CPR Certification
  • Equipment Handling
  • Timekeeping

Referee soft skills:

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Decision-Making
  • Stress Management
  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Empathy
  • Adaptability
  • Problem-Solving
  • Assertiveness

Baseball umpire resume sample

Baseball referee resume template

Baseball referee resume template
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Resume for referees in baseball | Text version

Margaret Morris

Boston, MA
(617) 555-7890
margaretmorris@email.com

Objective

Seasoned Baseball Umpire with a solid background in officiating high school, collegiate, and minor league games. Possesses a deep understanding of the game and a strong commitment to fair play. Seeking to bring my experience to a professional or semi-professional baseball league.

Experience

Baseball Umpire

Eastern Massachusetts Baseball Umpires Association (EMBUA) - Boston, MA

April 2015 – Present

  • Officiate over 400 baseball games across high school and amateur levels.
  • Accurately call balls, strikes, and plays, ensuring compliance with the official rules of baseball.
  • Maintain a professional demeanor when handling disputes from coaches and players.
  • Regularly participate in association meetings to discuss rule changes and best practices.

Minor League Baseball Umpire

New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) - Hartford, CT

June 2012 – September 2014

  • Officiated minor league games, ensuring the fair application of MLB rules.
  • Collaborated with other umpires to ensure consistent and accurate calls on the field.
  • Managed player and coach interactions to maintain game control and sportsmanship.
  • Attended pre-season training camps to refine umpiring techniques and stay current with rule updates.

Certifications

  • Professional Baseball Umpire Corp (PBUC) Certification — Issued: March 2023
  • SafeSport Certification — Issued: April 2013; Expires: April 2025
  • National Association of Sports Officials (NASO) Member — Active since May 2012

Education

Bachelor of Science in Sports Studies

Boston University, MA

Graduated: May 2010

Skills

  • Thorough knowledge of MLB and high school baseball rules
  • Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities
  • Strong communication and conflict resolution skills
  • Physical stamina and attention to detail

Publications

"The Art of Calling Balls and Strikes: A Umpire’s Perspective"

Baseball Umpire Journal — Published: July 2023

  • Authored an article detailing the challenges and strategies of accurately calling balls and strikes in high-pressure games.
  • Discussed the importance of consistency, positioning, and understanding player tendencies to improve decision-making on the field.

"Evolving with the Game: How Rule Changes Impact Umpiring"

New England Sports Officiating Review — Published: October 2022

  • Explored the impact of recent rule changes on baseball officiating, offering insights into how umpires can adapt to maintain game integrity.

This referee resume is effective for several reasons:

  • It highlights experience from high school to minor league games, showing the umpire's ability to officiate at various competitive levels.
  • The inclusion of authored articles in respected journals showcases the expertise and positions them as a thought leader in the field.
  • The PBUC Certification and NASO membership demonstrate a solid foundation and ongoing commitment to professional standards.
What educational credentials should I add to my referee resume?

Your educational background can indicate your understanding of the game’s rules, regulations, and strategies, especially if you have formal coursework or certifications related to sports or officiating.

  • List any degrees you hold, including the field of study.
  • Include any certifications related to officiating.
  • Mention any specific courses or training that are directly relevant.
  • Provide the name of the institution where you obtained your credentials.
  • If applicable, list any honors or distinctions received.
How to organize the experience section in a referee resume?

Start with your recent or current experience and work backward. This format ensures that the most relevant and current experience is seen first.

  • Clearly state your role, e.g., "Senior Referee", "Assistant Referee", or "Game Official".
  • Include the name of the league, team, or organization where you officiated.
  • Mention the city and state (or country) where the games took place.
  • Specify the timeframe you were in the role, e.g., "June 2021 – Present".

Use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and achievements. This format improves readability and allows you to highlight your accomplishments effectively.

Focus on quantifiable data and specific tasks.

Conclusion

A strong referee resume is your ticket to advancing in the field of officiating.

By showcasing your experience, skills, and certifications clearly and professionally, you can set yourself apart from the competition. Use the examples and tips provided to refine your application and make a lasting impression.

With a polished resume, you'll be better positioned to land the opportunities you deserve and continue your growth as an exceptional referee.

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