Umpires and referees are sports officials who apply the rules of the sport during games.

Amateur umpires and referees don’t have any formal qualifications in umpiring. They’ll usually have experience playing the sport that they’re umpiring.

The award that covers an amateur umpire or referee depends on:

• the industry or industries their employer operates in
• whether there’s an award classification which matches the employee’s skills and duties.

Coverage for professional, semi-professional and other qualified umpires will depend on the specific circumstances. Employees may wish to seek independent advice on their own situation.

Industry award coverage

An amateur umpire or referee may be covered by one of the following industry awards. Another industry award may apply if the employer operates in the industry defined and there’s a classification for the employee.

Amusement Award

The Amusement Award can cover an amateur umpire or referee if their employer operates in the amusement, events and recreation industry.

For example, a bowling umpire employed by a bowling alley to officiate competitions held at the alley.

Local Government Award

The Local Government Award can cover employees who are employed in facilities operated by a local government entity or corporation.

Example

Diarmaid is employed as a casual water polo referee at an aquatic centre operated by the municipal council. He’s an experienced water polo player but has no formal qualifications in refereeing.

The aquatic centre runs the water polo competition.

Diarmaid is covered by the Local Government Award.

Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award

The Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award can cover amateur umpires and referees if:

• their employer is in the school education industry
• the employee isn’t performing the job as a qualified teacher
• the employee is under the general supervision of a member of teaching staff.

Example

Kevin is a netball referee. He is employed by Wattletree Secondary College.

Kevin doesn’t have a teaching qualification. He referees school games and interschool games under the general direction of a sports teacher.

Kevin is covered by the Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award.

No industry award coverage

Amateur umpires and referees not covered by an industry award are covered by the Miscellaneous Award. They'll be classified according to their duties and experience.