Referees - Physical Demands
Umpires and referees frequently:
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Walk or run for long periods of time.
It is important for umpires and referees to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- [ More ]
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for umpires and referees to be able to:
- Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
- [ More ]
- Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
- Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
- React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
- Move arms and legs quickly.
- Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
- Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
- Determine the distance between objects.