What does a referee do?

Who is that person running up and down the basketball court in a black and white striped shirt? Is it one of the players? No! It’s the referee, and if he or she weren’t there, the players wouldn’t be able to finish their game! 

Referees oversee sporting events. They carefully watch the action, making sure that players are following the rules of the game. If a participant breaks a rule, the referee must impose a penalty. For example, when a player in basketball commits a foul against a shooter from the other team by holding or pushing, the shooter gets to make free throw shots.

Being a referee is not an easy job! Referees must make important decisions at a moment’s notice, and at times the players, coaches and audience members are not happy with the call! Referees must thoroughly understand the game they are presiding over, as they are the ones in charge of making sure regulations are followed, and they must know exactly where to place themselves in order to best observe the activity.

Referees communicate well with others and pay attention to details. They are comfortable making decisions carefully yet quickly. Referees must also be physically fit, as sports like basketball and soccer require their refs to repeatedly run up and down the court!  Other sports, such as baseball, use the term “umpire” to refer to the officials presiding over the game.

Name some of the qualities you think it would take to be a good referee. Being fair, honest, and hard-working are all good examples. What others can you think of??