We surveyed 2,111 referees to better understand the work environment and required skills of a typical referee. Here are the results.
How much intelligence is required as a referee?
Low
High
Working as a referee typically doesn’t require the use of high levels of intelligence in daily tasks.
Can I learn to become a referee?
Intrinsic Talent
Acquired Talent
A career as a referee typically depends predominantly on qualities you can gain through experience, with a small aspect of skills you are born with.
Is it easy to get a job as a referee?
Easy
Hard
It’s typically difficult to find a job as a referee. If you’re curious about the numbers, check out the job market for referees.
Do referees work full-time or part-time?
3% of referees work in full-time roles while 97% work part-time.
Is being a referee stressful?
Low
High
Stress is not uncommon amongst referees, with daily work sometimes being quite demanding.
Is being organized important as a referee?
Low
High
Organization is not considered a particuarly important part of being a referee.
How competitive is the workplace for referees?
Low
High
Referees see mild competition in their workplace.
Does being a referee require frequent time pressure to complete tasks?
Low
High
Time pressure tends not to be a major contributor of stress for referees.
Are referees allowed to express themselves creatively?
Low
High
Referees rarely get a chance to express themselves creatively.
Do referees have control over the direction of their work?
Low
High
While sometimes the direction is set, occasionally referees will have some flexibility over the direction of their work.
Is being a referee physically demanding?
Low
High
Being a referee requires significant physical work, and is not a career for those unable to perform continuous and/or strenuous physical activity.
Are referees exposed to a wide variety of work?
Low
High
Referees tend to have a monotonous work routine, with little variety in their day-to-day tasks.
Does being a referee require attention to detail?
Low
High
Attention to detail isn't necessarily required to be successful as a referee.
Does being a good referee require compassion and empathy?
Low
High
Being compassionate and empathetic is considered helpful to those looking to pursue careers as referees.