In an earlier article, we explored the downsides of being a referee, from the long hours necessitated (and associated bone-deep exhaustion) to physical isolation that may have to be endured for the duration of a competition.
For instance, while said physical isolation can be hard, depending on the duration of a competition (hours to days) it also opens the door for new connections and relationships, among fellow referees, athletes and even coaches.
As referees tend to be known faces among competitions, outside of them, coaches and athletes may reach out, either to ask for advice and feedback based on what was observed in competition, or simply to ask after the journey of becoming a referee.
During competitions itself, referees have the unique opportunity to be enforcers of fair play, from maintaining the strict application of rules and regulations and upholding the integrity of their chosen sport, to ensuring player safety by (at times, literally) standing between two competitors if the sport requires physical contact.
As a quick aside, this can also be linked to a downside of refereeing – referees have been known to take accidental hits from players.
More than that, another benefit is the enhancement of endurance and stamina.
During competition, referees have to maintain a high level of concentration and energy, in order to ensure the best possible outcome of a match. This can range from keeping eyes peeled to award points when necessary or catch unfair play, to exuding dynamism and energy, for players to feed off and use in their games.
Referees also need to maintain focus and a cool, level head during competitions, to make the best decisions in split seconds, either to deduct points for errors, or ensure player safety. This sharpens focus and decision-making skills and lends confidence and the backbone needed to stand up for decisions made (especially unpopular ones).
Cultivating a willingness and openness to always keep learning is another benefit refereeing gives – every competition is a learning experience for all involved, even referees. Some may encounter experiences never before seen and others may learn from seeing their more experienced counterparts manage a particularly rowdy match.
Those are some benefits that can extend from refereeing to personal and professional lives.
On a lighter note, refereeing can also offer school-going young adults the chance to make some extra pocket money on top of the benefits listed above.
However, the biggest benefit of being a referee may be the chance to give back to your chosen sport, to contribute to its standards by maintaining fair play and thus further develop it.
So now that you know the upsides and downsides of refereeing, would you also like to contribute to your sport in this manner?
If you’re interested in giving back to your sport but think you would prefer to do so in another way, fear not. We’ll be exploring the operations side of competitions and sports soon.
Written by Victoire Morier
