We don’t usually think about the referees in hockey but they make a ton of money and have a pretty good life all things considered. They work a few games per week, usually on weekends, and get paid decent money for it. Furthermore, they have lots of opportunities for growth and development which many people don’t have in life. It’s pretty cool to be a hockey ref because they usually end up being good at what they do and make a lot of money. Many times, they work their way into the Hall of Fame by appearing in a lot of highlight reels.
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The Average Ref’s Salary
While the minimum wage for a hockey referee is not public record, it is generally accepted that it is around $35,000 per year. This puts them toward the higher end of the spectrum compared to other sports officials but it also means they can demand more money for themselves. Many leagues and teams try to negotiate a deal where the official wages are kept confidential so the salaries of the officials don’t get affected but, ultimately, it’s up to the teams to agree to those terms. The average salary for a college hockey referee, for example, is rumored to be around $45,000 per year. This may not seem like a lot but it’s a six-figure income and most people would agree it’s a decent amount considering the risks and challenges they face on a daily basis. Some people refer to hockey officiating as a “sport within a sport” because it is such a highly specialized job. This is definitely true when it comes to the money that they make but it’s also important to consider the challenges that come with the position as well. Most people don’t realize how much work goes into officiating hockey games on a daily basis. They are constantly having to make challenging calls and be on the lookout for any kind of inappropriate behavior by the players so when you add all this up, it makes for a pretty demanding schedule.
The Risks & Demands Of The Job
One of the biggest risks that come with being a hockey referee is having to make critical calls that can go either way. It is essential that they are able to make split second decisions but, at the same time, it is important that the calls that they make are the correct ones. This is why so many of them end up in the hall of fame. Many have pointed out that the most difficult part of the job is not knowing when or how an accident will happen during play. They have to constantly be on the lookout and ready to make the calls quickly so that the game can continue without further interruption. There are also a lot of physical demands that come with refereeing hockey games. They have to handle heavy equipment like the sticks and pucks as well as physically interact with the players which can put an extra strain on their bodies. Sometimes, the games can be pretty rough which is why many of them tend to be good at avoiding injuries. Being in charge of keeping the game at a good pace while at the same time not letting it get too physical can be a lot of work and, for that reason, they tend to be pretty physically demanding jobs. When all is said and done, it’s not a bad life all things considered. The majority of them will tell you that the rush of getting a game under way is what they live for. They love being out on the ice because it’s like a big playground for them but it also means they get to experience lots of different situations. One of the perks associated with the job is that they get to work in different venues. Often, they will work the big game as well as the smaller games that take place in the community to give them a taste of everything.
The Rewards & Perks
While money may never be completely out of style, it can be said that the most important thing to a hockey referee is the respect of the players, coaches, and fans. The position does exist to keep the games fair and action-packed and allow for the utmost entertainment value which, ultimately, benefits the teams, coaches, and players involved. Many players have stated that they feel more appreciated and respected when they play games officiated by someone with more experience in the position. The respect factor can also be an important aspect in negotiation. Teams will often try to work something out where the salaries and benefits of the referees are kept confidential in order to maintain a good reputation around the league. Ultimately, it’s all about maintaining fair play and making the right calls but, for that matter, many would argue that it’s also about making the players and coaches feel appreciated for the product that they bring. The players and coaches love having someone out there watching the game, doing their part to make it fair, and keeping the excitement level high. There is also a ton of respect that comes with the position. A lot of people will tell you that the biggest perks are not financial in nature but, rather, they are related to the travel. Working a game in a different city can be a lot of fun especially if you get the chance to see different parts of the country. Many of the referees that we contacted referred to the “brotherhood” that develops in the pit of competitors battling it out on the ice. The travel will also connect them to competitions around the country which can happen anywhere from regionally to nationally. Finally, there is also the matter of advancement. A lot of refs we talked to mentioned that they have a lot of opportunities for career growth which makes the job much more appealing. The pay is decent but, more importantly, there are always opportunities for growth which is the ultimate compliment that you can pay someone. Being able to provide for your family and have a good life are probably the two most important things to a referee. The amount of respect that they get for doing a decent job combined with their ability to provide for their families makes it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
The Opportunities For Growth
Even though a hockey referee’s salary is decent, it’s not really enough to live on. This is especially true if they want to provide for their families. Many of them will mention that they want to eventually be able to save enough money to purchase a house in the same area where they grew up. For now, they are happily living in the dorms with their friends and looking for ways to make extra money. Even though refereeing college hockey is a demanding job, it doesn’t have to be. Many people get stuck in a rut with no opportunities for growth but, for the most part, it’s a position that provides opportunities for personal growth and development. To any college student or recent graduate who is looking for a change, it might be a great option to consider. Ultimately, being a hockey referee can be a great way to make a decent living but, more importantly, it can be a great way to develop yourself as a person. If you are looking for a change, now might be a great time to consider hockey. Few professions are as satisfying as being able to help others while at the same time helping yourself. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.