Head Referee
A Head Referee is the lead official who oversees sporting events and manages other officials on the field or court. They are responsible for making final decisions, ensuring games follow official rules, and maintaining player safety and fair play. Think of them as the manager of the officiating team - they coordinate with other refs, handle disputes, and take charge when difficult situations arise. Similar roles might be called Chief Official, Senior Referee, or Lead Official, depending on the sport.
Examples in Resumes
Served as Head Referee for state-level basketball championships, managing teams of 3-4 officials per game
Head Referee and Chief Official for regional soccer league, overseeing 200+ matches annually
Promoted to Senior Referee position, responsible for mentoring junior officials and conducting pre-game briefings
Typical job title: "Head Referees"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Head Referees
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Communities
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where two officials on your crew strongly disagree about a crucial call?
Expected Answer: A senior referee should discuss their process for gathering input from both officials, evaluating the situation quickly, making a definitive decision, and maintaining crew unity after the call.
Q: Describe your approach to mentoring new officials.
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in training others, providing constructive feedback, and developing officials through gradual responsibility increases and ongoing support.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you prepare for a big game or tournament?
Expected Answer: Should discuss reviewing rules, conducting pre-game meetings with officials, checking equipment and facilities, and coordinating with event organizers.
Q: What steps do you take when dealing with an aggressive coach?
Expected Answer: Should explain their process for maintaining composure, using proper warning procedures, and knowing when to take stronger action while keeping the game under control.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic responsibilities of a Head Referee?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain primary duties like making final decisions, managing other officials, ensuring safety, and communicating with teams.
Q: How do you handle a situation where you're unsure about a rule?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of proper procedures for consulting with other officials, referring to rulebooks, and making timely decisions.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic knowledge of sport-specific rules
- Game management fundamentals
- Basic signals and mechanics
- Communication with other officials
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced rule interpretation
- Conflict resolution
- Team leadership
- Tournament/event management
Senior (5+ years)
- Official development and mentoring
- High-pressure game management
- Advanced conflict resolution
- League/organization leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of proper certifications for the sport level
- Poor communication skills or inability to handle conflict
- No experience with game management software or reporting systems
- History of controversial or disputed calls without proper resolution
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