Building a referee resume in soccer

1. What is the purpose of a referee resume in soccer?


The purpose of a referee resume in soccer is to provide a detailed summary of an individual’s experience, qualifications, and achievements as a soccer referee. It serves as a means to showcase the referee’s skills and abilities to potential employers or organizations looking for referees to officiate games at various levels of competition. A well-written referee resume also helps demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the rules and regulations of the game, as well as their professionalism and ability to handle difficult situations on the field. Ultimately, the goal of a referee resume is to secure opportunities for the individual to continue working as a referee in the sport of soccer.

2. What information should be included in a referee resume?


1. Contact Information: This should include your name, address, phone number, and email address.

2. Professional Summary or Objective: A brief statement that highlights your experience and skills as a referee and what you are looking for in your next role.

3. Relevant Experience: List the names of teams or organizations you have refereed for, the position you held, and the dates of employment. Provide a description of your duties and responsibilities in each role.

4. Certifications and Training: Include any certifications or training courses you have completed related to refereeing such as rule interpretation clinics, safety training, or first aid/CPR certification.

5. Skills: Highlight any specific skills that make you a strong referee such as communication skills, knowledge of rules and regulations, conflict resolution abilities, and decision-making skills.

6. Achievements/Awards: If you have received any awards or recognition for your work as a referee, be sure to include them in your resume.

7. Education: List any relevant education or degrees you have earned such as sports management or physical education.

8. References: Be sure to include at least two professional references who can speak to your abilities as a referee. This can be coaches, league officials, or other referees who have worked with you.

9. Optional Sections:

– Volunteering/Community Involvement: If you volunteer for any sports-related organizations or events, this can demonstrate your passion for the sport.
– Languages Spoken: If you are fluent in any additional languages than the ones commonly spoken in your area, it can be an asset as an official.
– Availability/Scheduling Flexibility: Depending on the type of refereeing role you are applying for, it may be helpful to indicate your availability for different shifts/games/seasons.
– Physical Fitness/Health: Refereeing often requires being physically fit and healthy to keep up with players on the field/court/rink. If this is a strength of yours, you may want to mention it in your resume.

10. Formatting: Use a clean and professional format with easy-to-read fonts and appropriate headings. Avoid using colors or graphics that are distracting or make the information difficult to read. Also, be sure to proofread for any spelling or grammatical errors before submitting your resume.

3. How can you highlight your experience as a referee on your resume?


1. Include a “Refereeing Experience” section: Create a separate section on your resume specifically for your experience as a referee. This will make it easy for employers to find and also show them that you consider this experience important enough to highlight.

2. Add relevant keywords: Use industry-specific keywords or phrases throughout your resume, especially in the “Refereeing Experience” section. This will help your resume stand out and show that you have knowledge of the field.

3. Quantify your accomplishments: When describing your experience as a referee, try to quantify your achievements where possible. For example, mention the number of games or events you refereed, any awards or recognition received, or the percentage of successful calls made.

4. Highlight transferable skills: Refereeing requires strong communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills – all of which are highly valued by employers in any industry. Make sure to highlight these skills in both your work experience and skills sections.

5. Use action verbs: Begin each bullet point describing your refereeing experience with an action verb to make it more impactful and engaging for the reader. Examples include “administered,” “enforced,” “lowered,” etc.

6. Provide context: Be specific when discussing your refereeing experience by providing context about the level and type of games you refereed (e.g., youth leagues, high school tournaments, professional games). This will give employers a better understanding of the scope and intensity of your role.

7. Include any additional training or certifications: If you have undergone any additional training or received certifications related to refereeing, include them on your resume under a separate “Training & Certifications” section. This will demonstrate your commitment to improving yourself in this role.

8. Mention information about sportsmanship or teamwork: As a referee, you play an essential role in maintaining sportsmanship and promoting teamwork during games. Include any relevant information about how you have positively influenced these aspects in the “Refereeing Experience” section or your cover letter.

9. Provide references: If possible, include references from coaches, players, or officials that you have worked with during your time as a referee. This will add credibility to your experience and give potential employers the opportunity to speak directly with individuals who can vouch for your skills and abilities.

10. Keep it concise: Make sure to only include relevant and significant experiences on your resume as a referee. Recruiters and employers typically spend only a few seconds scanning resumes, so try to keep it concise and focus on the most impactful points of your experience.

4. Should you list all of your officiating experience on a referee resume or only the most recent ones?


It is generally recommended to list all of your officiating experience on a referee resume, as this will give a comprehensive overview of your skills and abilities. However, if you have a lot of experience and it would result in a lengthy resume, you can focus on listing the most recent and relevant experiences.

5. How important is it to include references on a referee resume?


Including references on a referee resume can be helpful, but it is not always necessary. If the employer asks for references in the job posting or during the hiring process, it is important to have them ready and provide them upon request. However, if the job posting does not mention references or the employer has not specifically asked for them, it is not necessary to include them on the resume.

One reason why it can be helpful to include references on a referee resume is that it shows that you are prepared and organized. It also allows potential employers to contact your referees easily. Having positive references from previous employers or colleagues can also give you an advantage in the hiring process.

On the other hand, including references can also take up valuable space on your resume that could be used for more relevant information. It may also raise questions if you are including references from your current job without informing your employer first.

In conclusion, while including references on a referee resume can be beneficial, it is not always necessary. It ultimately depends on the specific job and employer you are applying to. If in doubt, it is best to leave out your references and provide them upon request during the hiring process.

6. Is it necessary to include any certifications or training on a referee resume?


It is not necessary to include certifications or training on a referee resume, as these are often provided by the organization they are refereeing for. However, if the referee has any relevant certifications or training that may be beneficial to their role (such as CPR or first aid certification), they may choose to include this information on their resume.

7. How should you format and organize your referee resume?

When formatting and organizing your referee resume, it is important to keep in mind that it should be clear, concise, and well-organized. Here are some tips for formatting and organizing your referee resume:

1. Use a professional and easy-to-read font: Stick to a simple and professional font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using fonts that are difficult to read or too decorative.

2. Choose a clean layout: Use bullet points, headings, and spacing to make your resume easy to scan and read. A cluttered or too busy layout can make it difficult for the hiring manager to find the information they need.

3. Keep it concise: Your referee resume should ideally be one page long (unless you have extensive experience). Avoid including unnecessary information or long paragraphs.

4. Focus on relevant skills and experience: Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.

5. Start with a strong summary or objective statement: This should be a brief overview of your qualifications, skills, and any notable achievements related to refereeing.

6. Include key details about your experience: When listing your experience as a referee, include details such as the name of the league or organization you worked with, types of sports you refereed, level of competition (e.g., youth vs. professional), and any specific responsibilities or achievements.

7. Use keywords from the job description: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for specific keywords before passing them on to hiring managers. Incorporating keywords from the job description can improve your chances of getting noticed by the ATS.

8. Proofread carefully: Remember that referees are expected to pay close attention to detail – so ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors in your resume.

Overall, make sure your referee resume is visually appealing and easy-to-read while also highlighting your relevant skills and experience.

8. Are there any specific key skills or qualities that referees should mention on their resume?


Yes, referees should mention the following key skills and qualities on their resume:

1. Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Referees should be able to effectively communicate their thoughts, provide feedback, and build relationships with colleagues and players.

2. Knowledge of the sport: They should have a strong understanding of the rules, strategies, and techniques involved in the sport they are referring.

3. Attention to detail: Refereeing requires being able to observe every aspect of a game or event closely and make accurate decisions based on what is seen.

4. Conflict resolution: Referees need to be able to handle conflict and make fair decisions in potentially tense situations.

5. Physical fitness: While not always necessary, physical fitness can be an advantage in certain sports where referees need to keep up with fast-paced action.

6. Decision making skills: Referees must be able to make quick and effective decisions under pressure.

7. Confidence: A confident demeanor can help command respect from players and maintain control over a game.

8. Time management: Being able to manage time effectively is crucial for keeping track of the game, enforcing rules, and staying on schedule.

9. Fairness and impartiality: Referees must remain objective and fair throughout a game or event, regardless of personal biases or outside influences.

10. Adaptability: Referees may encounter unexpected situations during a game or event, so being adaptable and quick-thinking is essential for maintaining order on the field or court.

9. How can you tailor your referee resume for different levels of play (e.g., youth, amateur, professional)?


1. Highlight relevant experience: When applying for a referee position at different levels, it is important to highlight your experience in that particular level of play. For example, if you are applying for a youth referee position, focus on your experience working with young players and managing age-specific rules and regulations.

2. Emphasize training and certifications: Different levels of play may require different certifications and training for referees. Make sure to list all relevant training and certifications on your resume, such as officiating courses and safety training.

3. Showcase game management skills: Refereeing at different levels involves varying degrees of game management skills. For amateur and professional games, referees are expected to have strong communication skills and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Be sure to highlight any experience you have in this area.

4. Tailor your language: The language you use on your resume should reflect the level of play you are applying for. For youth positions, focus on creating a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for players, while for professional positions emphasize your ability to enforce rules effectively.

5. Be specific about game experience: At higher levels of play, referees are usually required to have extensive game experience. Be sure to list any significant games or tournaments you have officiated at the desired level.

6. Include feedback or evaluations: If you have refereed at a higher level before or have been evaluated by other referees, include this information on your resume. This will provide credibility to your skills and commitment as a ref.

7. Customize based on sport: Refereeing requirements may vary depending on the sport being played. For example, soccer referees may need more physical endurance compared to basketball refs who might need better hand-eye coordination skills.

8. Mention any professional affiliations: Being affiliated with major sports organizations can demonstrate dedication and professionalism in your role as a referee.

9. Keep an updated resume: As you gain more experience at different levels of play, make sure to update your resume accordingly. This will constantly demonstrate your growth and expertise in different levels of refereeing.

10. Is it beneficial to include any relevant soccer playing or coaching experience on a referee resume?

Yes, it can be beneficial to include relevant soccer playing or coaching experience on a referee resume as it can demonstrate a strong understanding and knowledge of the game. Additionally, if you have experience in both playing/coaching and refereeing, it can showcase your well-rounded expertise in the sport. However, this should not take precedence over highlighting your referee qualifications and experiences.

11. What is the best way to showcase your commitment and dedication to being a referee on your resume?


1. Highlight your referee experience: Start by creating a section on your resume specifically dedicated to your experience as a referee. This will help draw attention to your dedication and commitment to the role.

2. Mention any special qualifications or certifications: If you hold any specific certifications or qualifications related to being a referee, make sure to mention them on your resume. This will showcase your dedication and desire to continually improve in this role.

3. Include specific examples of successful games: Use specific examples of games you have refereed that were particularly successful or challenging. This will demonstrate your ability to handle difficult situations and showcase your commitment to the role.

4. Quantify accomplishments: If you have any noteworthy achievements as a referee, such as refereeing at high-level competitions, include them on your resume. This will help highlight your commitment and dedication to the role.

5. Showcase transferable skills: Being a referee requires strong communication, decision-making, and leadership skills – all of which are highly valued by employers in any industry. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume, along with how they have benefited you as a referee.

6. Include volunteer work: Many referees start out as volunteers for local sports leagues or community organizations. If this applies to you, make sure to include it on your resume as it demonstrates not only commitment but also a willingness to give back to the community.

7. Link to personal social media accounts: If you have social media accounts related specifically to refereeing (such as an officiating blog or Twitter page), consider linking them on your resume. This can provide further evidence of your dedication and passion for the role.

8. Get endorsements from coaches/players: If possible, ask for endorsements from coaches or players who have worked with you in the past. These can be included on your resume or provided upon request and can serve as strong testimonials of your commitment and dedication as a referee.

9. Be prepared to discuss challenges and successes: During an interview, be prepared to discuss specific challenges you have faced as a referee and how you handled them. This will not only showcase your commitment but also your ability to problem-solve and think on your feet.

10. Emphasize time management skills: Being a successful referee requires strong time management skills to juggle multiple games, schedules, and responsibilities. Make sure to highlight this on your resume as it demonstrates dedication and the ability to handle pressure.

11. Mention availability for officiating opportunities: Lastly, make it known that you are actively seeking out opportunities to continue refereeing. This can be mentioned in a cover letter or in the objective/statement of purpose section on your resume. It shows that you are committed to the role and eager for new experiences.

12. Are there any common mistakes or pitfalls to avoid when creating a referee resume?

Some common mistakes to avoid when creating a referee resume include:
– Not tailoring the resume to the specific job or organization you are applying to. Make sure to highlight relevant skills and experience that align with the requirements and values of the position.
– Including too much irrelevant information or details. Stick to relevant and recent experiences and keep the resume concise.
– Not showcasing diverse experience. If you have refereed for multiple levels or types of sports, make sure to mention this in your resume rather than focusing on just one aspect of your experience.
– Failing to proofread for errors. A resume is a representation of your professionalism and attention to detail, so be sure to thoroughly proofread for any spelling or grammar mistakes.
– Neglecting to include relevant accreditations or certifications. Refereeing requires certain qualifications and training, so make sure to list any relevant ones on your resume.

13. Should you list any awards or recognitions received as a referee on your resume?

It depends on the relevance and importance of the award or recognition. If it is directly related to your experience or skills as a referee, then it may be beneficial to include it. However, if it is not relevant or significant, it may be best to leave it off. You can always mention any awards or recognitions in an interview if they come up naturally in conversation.

14. How many years of experience should be listed on a referee resume?


Typically, it is recommended to list the past 10-15 years of experience on a referee resume. This allows for a concise and relevant overview of your experience, while still showcasing your most recent and significant roles. However, if you have prior experience that is particularly relevant or impressive, you may choose to include it as well. Ultimately, it is up to your discretion based on the specific requirements and preferences of the organization or job you are applying for.

15. Is it recommended to have multiple versions of your supervisor when listing past officiating positions?


It is not necessary to have multiple versions of your supervisor when listing past officiating positions. It is sufficient to list the most recent or relevant supervisor for each position, and provide contact information for that person in case a potential employer wants to verify your experience and performance in the role. However, if you have worked for the same organization or league at different levels with different supervisors, it may be beneficial to include all their names and contact information to showcase your range of experience within that particular organization. Ultimately, focus on including accurate and relevant information rather than trying to fit multiple versions of your supervisor onto your resume.

16. Can referees include written evaluations or feedback from coaches and players on their resumes?


Yes, referees can include written evaluations or feedback from coaches and players on their resumes. This information can showcase a referee’s skills, experience, and ability to effectively handle game situations. However, it is important to ensure that the evaluations are honest and come from credible sources.

17. How often should referees update their resumes, and what changes should be made each time?


Referees should update their resumes at least once every 6 months or any time there is a significant change in their experience, skills or qualifications. Changes that should be made each time include adding new work experiences, updating education and training, highlighting any new achievements or awards received and making sure all contact information is accurate and current. Additionally, referees should review the content of their resume for relevance and make adjustments as needed to tailor it to the specific job they are applying for.

18. Is including personal information such as age, gender, or nationality necessary for a coach looking at resumes?


No, including personal information such as age, gender, or nationality is not necessary for a coach when looking at resumes. This information does not directly relate to the applicant’s qualifications and experience as a coach and could potentially lead to bias in the hiring process. It is more important for the coach to focus on the applicant’s relevant skills, experience, and achievements.

19: Are there any specific rules or guidelines for creating and submitting an electronic version of a referee resume?


There are no specific rules or guidelines for creating and submitting an electronic version of a referee resume, as it may vary depending on the recipient or job application requirements. However, here are some general recommendations that can help you create a professional and effective referee resume:

1. Format your resume properly: Start by choosing a clear and easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman and use a consistent font size throughout the document. Use bold, italics, bullet points, and headings to highlight important information and make the document more visually appealing.

2. Keep it concise: A referee resume should ideally be one page long and include only relevant information about your experience as a referee. Avoid including unnecessary details that do not add value to your application.

3. Include contact information: Make sure to include your full name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) in the header section of your resume. This will make it easier for potential employers or recruiters to contact you.

4. Highlight your experience: In the main body of your resume, list down your previous refereeing experiences in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent position). Provide details about the level of games you have officiated, any significant tournaments or competitions you have been a part of, and any awards or recognition received.

5. Showcase relevant skills: Refereeing requires a unique set of skills such as strong decision-making abilities, communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and physical fitness. Make sure to highlight these skills in your resume with examples from your past experiences.

6. Use metrics or numbers when possible: If possible, include quantifiable metrics such as number of games officiated per season or percentage of accurate decisions made in crucial situations to showcase the impact you have made in previous roles.

7. Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with an action verb (e.g., officiated, communicated) to make your statements more impactful and action-oriented.

8. Tailor your resume to the job: If you are applying for a specific refereeing position, make sure to tailor your resume to the job description by including relevant skills and experience.

9. Proofread for errors: Before submitting your electronic referee resume, make sure to proofread it for any grammar or spelling mistakes. You can also use online tools or ask a friend or family member to review it for you.

10. Save in an appropriate format: Lastly, save your referee resume as a PDF to ensure that the formatting remains consistent across different devices and programs. This will also prevent any accidental changes when opened on different software versions.

20: Should referees provide additional materials, such as match reports or game footage, along with their resumes for added credibility?


It is not necessary for referees to provide additional materials, such as match reports or game footage, along with their resumes. This information may be helpful in showcasing their experience and skills, but it is ultimately up to the hiring organization or employer to determine what evidence they require for credibility. Some organizations may request this type of additional material, while others may rely solely on the referee’s resume and references. It is always best to follow the specific instructions and requirements of the job application or interview process.