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Umpire

I want to be one
Who This Career is For?
This career is for those individuals who are able to make judgments and eventually make a decision about which is the most appropriate choice. Moreover, this career requires good listening skills and be socially perceptive.
Umpires should be able to make people change their decision and persuade them that their choice is the right one. They must also be able to employ critical thinking as well as be able to effectively communicate to others.

Umpires should also coordinate their actions with others and be able to make hard decisions by themselves. They must also be able to work in teams, with other umpires and referees. The most important skill that an umpire must have is the knowledge about the game he/she is planning to referee.
Want to know more about it?
Umpires and Referees are those people who moderate any sporting activity to make sure that fair play takes place. They can be identified by their uniform which is usually striped. Their main role is to control athletic events and make sure that everything is running smoothly.

They look for players who make violations in the game and give them penalties. Another task that an umpire performs is that he awards points to those teams or individuals who score in the game. Umpires/Referees must also make sure that the equipment being used in the game is up to the standard.

Moreover, Umpires keep time of the game and declare if any additional time is to be given for extra play. It is also umpires who announce the start and end of the game and who also decide which side of the participants is justified when they make a complaint or an appeal.

Furthermore, it is umpires who teach and explain the sport to other officials and who have the final say on the decisions made. Umpires also calculate and verify scores before announcing the winners.

Along with this, umpires are required to research about teams and players to anticipate any problems that may occur on the field. Umpires may work in groups such as those in football or baseball, or they may work along such as those in boxing etc.

Those individuals who become referees when they have played the sport professionally themselves don’t need any formal qualifications. However, those people who haven’t played the sport professionally require a graduate degree.

The candidate should also be at least 16 years of age. They must also register with their local referee association and then give a test to prove their qualifications. Once candidates pass, they can start umpiring in some local games before gaining the experience to referee in the minor or major leagues.
What are Salary Prospects?
In the United States, the salary for referees who are starting out is approximately $1,800 per month, however once the referees are established, their salary ranges from $84,000 to $300,000 per year.

Most umpires are self employed so they don’t get any benefits of permanent employment, however those umpires that are hired by institutions may receive paid benefits such as medical benefits and paid vacations. Travel and accommodations are also provided free of cost.

In India, the salary of an established umpire ranges from Rs. 75,000 to Rs. 100,000 per match. In the UK or Australia, Umpires get roughly £2700 per match.
How is Life?
Becoming an

umpire

or referee is for those people who love sports and want to see it being played according to the rules. It is a stressful job because it requires the individuals to quickly react to plays on the field or court.

Umpires and referees also face a lot of opposition when they make decisions that are unpopular. They face a lot of abuse; both verbal and physical, and sometimes even have lawsuits filed against them for their decisions.

Moreover, when the

umpire

or referee is just starting out, it can be a risky profession to be in. Approximately one third of all umpires and referees work part time. This job includes travel when the

umpire

is employed professionally and is established.

Umpires may also spend a large amount of time away from home. It also requires umpires and referees to have a lot of stamina to deal with the job.
What Perks come along with this career?
There is a lot of travel involved and this is great for those people who love seeing new cities and countries. Another advantage is that this career keeps the umpire fit and healthy. Moreover, for those people who are passionate about sports, this career enables them to do what they love professionally; watch sports.

An added bonus is that umpires are an integral part of the game and so get to have a say in the sport as well. This career also brings fame to those umpires who are dedicated and good at what they do, also earning them a large salary.
Which Downsides are there in this career?
Being an umpire is a very lonely job because it requires a lot of travel when the umpire is in the minor or major leagues. Moreover, there is a lot of stress involved in the job as some decisions may have to be made which are not supported by a majority of people.

Umpires are subjected to verbal and physical abuse as well as may have lawsuits filed against them for an unpopular decision.
How is Competition?
Employment of umpires, referees, and other sports officials is expected grow rapidly till 2014. There is a lot of interest in playing sports to remain healthy and watching sports for entertainment purposes.

The industry is also growing because of the increasing number of women and alternate sports that are now available. The best chance at employment is for those who are looking for part time work at high schools and recreational centers.

After gaining experience and other qualifications, these individuals can move on to minor and major league sports. There will be tight competition for those jobs which pay more such as at the college and professional level, as compared to the other positions.

Approximately one third of umpires work in private educational institutions while the rest work in health clubs, gyms, and other facilities. Less than 10% of umpires of referees/umpires work in the spectator sports industry. There is more demand than supply of umpires/referees.
Locations where this career is good?
Umpires can be found in most major cities where there is a court, ring or stadium available. Depending upon the sport, it can be located where there is a hub. For example, football is most common in European countries, while basketball is more USA based.

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