How to Become a Umpire

- Salary, Qualification, Skills, Role and Responsibilities

#Referee

Who is a Umpire?

A good umpire, like a good FBI agent, is never noticed, if he is doing a good job ~ Thomas Boswell

A career as an umpire is a popular profession among those who are sports enthusiasts. It is a high-profile job, which requires quick thinking and keen observation skills. Any mistake or incident can change the outcome of the game or race. This is where an umpire comes into the picture.

On-field, the umpire has the last say in matters of conflict. An umpire is an important individual in sports, without which, there will be no smooth running of the game. A referee and umpire is an individual who controls all sporting events to ensure fair play.

He or she can be recognised by his or her uniform. Monitoring athletic events and ensuring that everything runs properly is his or her main responsibility. The stakes are quite high both in terms of monetarily and emotionally. In this article, we will discuss the details of how to become an umpire in India, roles and responsibilities, skills and umpire eligibility.

Umpire in a Nutshell

Individuals who opt for a career as an umpire and a referee is sports official responsible for ensuring there is no illegal act that has been involved to affect the result of the match. They both are responsible for ensuring that actions taken by participants comply with the standard rules and regulations of the game. In a career as an umpire, individuals are responsible for maintaining decorum during the game and penalising any player who has caused any infraction.

Quick Facts for Umpire

Suitable for
Male, Female, Others

A career as an umpire or a referee is suitable for each gender. It is a fact that men are more active in sports and hence career is more dominated by male referees. But, there are no restrictions for skilled female candidates who want to opt for a career as an umpire or referee.
Any special needs
Yes

A career as an umpire and referee is suitable for candidates provided their disability should not affect the decision making.

Table of Contents for Umpire

What is the role of Umpire?

What is the workplace/work environment of Umpire like?

How to become a Umpire?

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Umpire?

What is the job outlook for Umpire?

Frequently Asked Questions for Umpire

What is the role of Umpire?

Individuals who opt for a career as an umpire are responsible for judging performances in sporting competitions to determine whether a winner has legally won the game or not. They anticipate play and stand in a position from where they can carefully watch the show. The umpire or referees are responsible for honestly judging performances in sports matches.

Umpires are responsible for inspecting sports equipment and examining all the participants. They are responsible for keeping track of all the events and starting as well as stopping the match whenever it is required. In several sports games, an umpire or referee may use video recording to make the correct decision.

Signalling

The umpire roles and responsibilities are signalling the participants to regulate play or competition. He or she also makes them aware of infractions.

Inspection

The role of an umpire involves the inspection of sports equipment and the examination of participants. He or she ensures that sports activities are carried out in compliance with the standard rules and regulations.

Time Keeping

The umpire roles and responsibilities for keeping track of all the duration of time taken in various activities such as race times, elapsed times during segments, and start and stop of the game when required.

Judging

An umpire is responsible for judging the performances of players in sports competitions to award points. He or she also imposes scoring penalties after determining results.

Resolving disputes

An umpire is responsible for resolving claims or disputes of rule infractions. He or she resolves the issues raised by complainant players to assess any necessary penalties in compliance with the standard rules and regulations of the sports.

What is the workplace/work environment of Umpire like?

In a career as an umpire, individuals work in both indoor as well as outdoor locations. Sports officials including umpires and referees who work outdoors are usually exposed to all types of weather conditions.

Several officials are required to travel on long bus rides to sporting events. Several sports officials travel by flight. Several sports demand umpires, referees, and other officials to run, sprint, and jog for extended hours. An umpire or referee is responsible for carefully observing play and making split-second rulings.

Does Umpire require travelling?

Likely

An umpire or referee often requires travel to reach the places of sports events. In a career as an umpire, individuals are often required to participate in training sessions to keep themselves updated about the new set of rules and regulations of the game.

Employment Shifts

Full Time, Part Time, Hourly Basis

In a career as an umpire, an individual may work on an hourly basis, part-time basis, and regular basis as well. The umpire and referee career often falls in certain shifts. He or she is often required to work irregular hours. In a career as an umpire, an individual may work on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Several umpires work on a part-time basis.

Employment Nature

Contractual, Permanent

An umpire is employed on both a contractual as well as permanent basis. Several sports associations hire umpires on a contract basis depending on the schedule of the sports event. While several works permanently.

Work Place

On-Field

In a career as an umpire, an individual works indoors as well as outdoors depending on the nature of the game.

Presence in Geographical Area

Rural, Semi-urban, Urban

Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kanpur, and Kolkata provide alluring salary packages to umpires and referees.

Time Pressure

Likely

An umpire and referee have to perform under frequent time pressure. His or her job is one of the most stressful jobs.

Overtime Details

In a career as an umpire, an individual may be required to work extended hours in several circumstances. Usually, his or her work hours are dependent on the duration of the sports event.

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 40 Hours

Umpires often work on a seasonal basis. Their services can be availed for the entire tournament, season or just individual matches.

How to become a Umpire?

Steps to become a Umpire

When you hear the word Umpire, immediately cricket word hits your mind. An individual as a Umpire ensures the smooth running of the game. If you love watching cricket or any other game and are interested in opting for a career as a Umpire then in this section we have provided all the steps for you to guide you on how to become a Umpire in India.

Identifying the Skills
Enrol in Formal Training/Course
Get Registered with BCCI

01 Step

Identifying the Skills

You must have some of the relevant Umpire skills including soft and hard skills. Below we have provided some of the skills that you must develop from time to time.

Some of the Umpire's soft skills are time management skills, adaptability, conflict resolution skills, flexibility and communication skills.

Communication Skills	Presentation Skills
Conflict Resolution	Leadership Skills
Enthusiasm	Teamwork
Adaptability	Time Management Skills
Passion	Organisation Skills

Some of the hard skills of the Umpire are physical stamina, safety regulations knowledge, excellent physical stamina and physical condition.

Safety Regulations Knowledge	Excellent Physical Condition
Judgment Calls	Disciplinary Actions
Knowledge of Game Rules and Ground Rules	League Rules and Safety Hazards

02 Step

Enrol in Formal Training/Course

Are you thinking of how to become a Umpire in cricket in this section we have provided a complete guide for you. There is no minimum or specific educational requirements however you must have basic reading and writing skills and a basic educational background to be familiarised with the rules and regulations governing the game.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the national governing body of Cricket in India provides short-term and long-term courses to train passionate umpires or referees. You can opt for the BCCI course or you can also opt for other recognised cricket associations.

Pass the Umpire Certification Examination

Most of the state cricket association provides four days of training courses and on the fourth day, the exam takes place. The test consists of three rounds such as theory, practical and oral.

Once you have passed this test you will be eligible to become a cricket umpire in a match organised by the State cricket bodies. You must work for two to three years as an empire and then you can apply for the BCCI Level 1 examination.

Get Eligible for BCCI Umpire

Your age must be at least 18 years
Clean track record with no criminal offences
Experience as a cricketer or playing games at a competitive level (not mandatory)

Enrol for BCCI Courses

You can enrol for the BCCI courses or any other courses from recognised cricket associations in your state. You must learn about various game laws, decision-making, communicating, match management and other such aspects. To become a cricket Umpire in India you must be aware of the 42 cricket laws.

Gain Practical Experience

When you have gained theoretical knowledge, it is also important that you have practical knowledge in a career as a Umpire. You can start practising in local matches, schools or colleges, and club-level tournaments. You can also participate in the matches governed by the State Cricket Association.

Pass the BCCI Exam Level 1

You are required to pass the BCCI Exam Level 1 and Level 2. The BCCI Level 1 will have an internal screening process and if you are shortlisted there will be theoretical training and assessments that you must go through before going to the next level.

Pass the BCCI Exam Level 2

After passing the BCCI Level 1 exam, appear for the BCCI Level 2 exam in which you will have three rounds: Theory, Practical, and Oral Examination (Viva). Once you have cleared the level 2 examination you will be appointed as the BCCI umpire which means you can empire games in most of the cricket matches governed by the BCCI.

03 Step

Get Registered with BCCI

After passing the umpiring examination, you are required to register with the BCCI as an umpire. The registration will open the doors of opportunities to officiate in various domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Indian Premier League (IPL) and others.

What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Umpire?

Communication skills
Decision making skills
Teamwork
Physical strength
Vision

You must be wondering how to become an umpire in India. In this section, we will be answering the most commonly asked questions related to it. One must possess some of the umpire skills that are required to function effectively.

Communication Skills: In a career as an umpire, an individual is required to communicate with other sports officials and participants. An umpire in cricket is responsible for informing the rules of the games to athletes. An umpire and referee discuss infractions and settle disputes, therefore communication skills play a crucial role in their profession.

Decision-Making Skills: A sports career demands good observation to assess various situations and make an impartial decision. An umpire in cricket may often be required to make split-second decisions.

Vision: An umpire and referee's work responsibilities demand a good vision to view infractions and determine if there has been any foul play involved in the sports game and take necessary action against it. In several sports such as gymnastics and diving sports, officials are required to observe imperfections in an athlete’s form.

Physical Strength: An umpire in cricket must possess physical fitness as their career demands them to stand, walk, run and squat for longer hours during sports events.

Teamwork: A sports career such as umpire, referee, or any other sports official demands an inbuilt team spirit within the candidate to ensure fair play and officiate the game. It is crucial to perform efficiently in groups officiate the game and cooperate to come to a mutual decision.

Also Read: Career as Physical Education Teacher

What is the job outlook for Umpire?

There is an expected growth of six per cent in employment opportunities for umpires, referees, and other sports officials till the next decade. It is faster than the average for other occupations. The competition for a sports official career such as umpire and referee is going to be tougher in upcoming years.

There are exciting opportunities at the youth level and high school and cricket umpire certification levels. There are very few job openings at collegiate and professional levels and the umpire cricket salary will depend on their experience.

Frequently Asked Questions for Umpire

Que. What are the minimum educational qualifications of an umpire or referee?

Ans.

There are not any mandatory requirements of minimum education qualifications for umpire referee or any other sports official career.

Que. What is the average fee of a bachelor of sports management?

Ans.

The fee varies depending on the institution. The average fee of a bachelor of sports management programme ranges from Rs. 170,000 to Rs. 700,000 per annum.

Que. What qualifications do you need to be an umpire?

Ans.

To become an umpire, you are required to be 18+ years of age and must have passed the certification course and registered with BCCI.

Que. What is the exam to become an umpire?

Ans.

One of the exams to become an umpire is the BCCI. You can write this exam to become an umpire in India.

Did you know?

Fact 1

The term ‘referee’ originated from the football game.

Fact 2

In basketball sport, the referee is the lead official who is assisted by one or two umpires.

Fact 3

The fencing matches usually have a referee instead of the umpire.

Fact 4

Two referees with equal power control the floorball game.

Fact 5

Hitesh Modi and Subhash Ranchhoddas Modi are the only father-son duo who officiated in an international cricket tournament as a batsman and an umpire.

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How to Become a Umpire

Who is a Umpire?

Umpire in a Nutshell

Quick Facts for Umpire

Table of Contents for Umpire

What is the role of Umpire?

Signalling

Inspection

Time Keeping

Judging

Resolving disputes

What is the workplace/work environment of Umpire like?

Does Umpire require travelling?

Likely

Employment Shifts

Full Time, Part Time, Hourly Basis

Employment Nature