Tuesday, June 17, 2025

WHAT SPORT IS THE HARDEST AND MOST DANGEROUS TO OFFICIATE?


If you've been channel surfing in recent days, you've seen virtually all of the top sports in the world.  Hockey is in its final stages, the same for the NBA (WNBA is just getting started), MLB is in full speed, Golf just completed the U.S. Open, Tennis finished up the French Open and Soccer is still in full swing.  Heck let's not forget Football with its recent UFL Title Game.  Yes, you've been able to see a variety of sports, some that require officials on the field of play and others, like Tennis, where the judge sits in the safety of a chair.  Even Track and Field has its own nuances. So, having a chance to see so many, I asked myself the question, what is the hardest and most dangerous sport to officiate?   


A puck can do serious damage to the face, teeth and body, for sure 

 In doing some follow-up research to my question, it appears that baseball, football, soccer and hockey seem to be the leaders.  Let's take a look at each.

BASEBALL:  

A game of precision, power and speed.  Umpires need excellent vision, hearing and stamina. An ability to see the spin on a curve ball and a bang, bang play at first is crucial. It's going to be interesting to see how their duties change when the robo umpire comes into play in the not-too-distant future.  Some danger for sure, especially if you're hit by a 100-mph fastball or a battled ball at speeds nearing 120-mph.  A minimum of four umps on the field of play and replay help in the ease of making the right call.

FOOTBALL: 

In a typical college or pro football game, there are seven officials on the field. That number plus replay is again a helping factor in making crucial calls.  The most obvious danger is getting run over by 300-pound linemen, which seldom happens.  The weather might be one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome.  Play continues in nearly every condition but lightning.  The speed of the game and the physical play makes this job somewhat difficult.

SOCCER:

Endurance and good vision make for an excellent official.  There are generally three referees on the field.  Over enthusiastic fan bases typically make calling a soccer match extremely hard.  That fact alone makes their job dangerous. Soccer games have long halves with minimal stoppages.  Refs cover a large area and are susceptible to injuries from running and collisions.  

HOCKEY:

The absolute #1 sport. Four on-ice officials are required in hockey.  Hockey is incredibly fast-paced, and officials must maintain constant awareness of the puck. Physical contact breaking up altercations happens often throughout the game as is the exposure to collisions with players from each team. Verbal abuse from fans and players are continual.  And lastly, the officials have to skate, skate, skate.  Players typically have a shift of 30-60 seconds.  Not the officials.  Endurance is essential.

A POSSIBLE HOCKEY SUBSTITUTE?

"In 1996, sports anchor Ed Harding explored a unique twist on hockey, a version played off the ice and in the water.  This version challenged players to keep their snorkels clear with navigating the game.  Actual underwater footage of the game showed how strategic people need to be. Just like in regular hockey, players duked it out in corners and fought for control over the puck.  Poetically, one player stated, "age and treachery will always overcome youth and skill".

YOUTH SPORTS (HONORBLE MENTION): 

It goes without saying, the most demanding officiating takes places at the youth level.  Overzealous parents and coaches are tremendously demeaning to officials at this level.  So much so, it is becoming harder and harder each year to find volunteers to fill these roles. 

Next time you watch a sporting event, watch the officials, umpires or referees and see how they do their job.  Each sport has its unique flavor to add to the difficulty of officiating.  Appreciate the job they do. Not everyone wants their jobs.  Can I get an amen?  

Heck, even Roller Derby has three officials.  Although you'd never know it.....

Have a great sports day.     


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