Professional Soccer Referee
ぷろさっかーしんぱん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Professional soccer referees officiate matches as main or assistant referees in professional soccer leagues such as the J-League, ensuring fair competition management.
Description
Professional soccer referees are certified as Grade S referees after rigorous screening and training by the Japan Football Association, and they work as main referees, assistant referees, or fourth officials in professional official matches including the J-League and domestic/international competitions. During matches, they make a wide range of judgments such as rule application, mediating player disputes, and operating VAR (Video Assistant Referee), requiring communication skills and high fitness levels. They travel nationwide and overseas for matches, and their mission is to continuously make accurate and fair judgments under intense pressure.
Future Outlook
With the expanding introduction of technologies such as VAR and the professionalization of domestic and international leagues, demand for highly skilled referees is expected to increase.
Personality Traits
Calm and composed / High concentration / Physically fit / Strong sense of responsibility / Values fairness and impartiality
Work Style
Freelance common / Long-distance travel / Seasonal contracts / Shift work
Career Path
Regional league referee → J-League referee → International referee (FIFA) → Referee instructor → League operations staff
Required Skills
Communication skills (interpersonal) / Fitness ability / Judgment / Positioning / Rules understanding
Recommended Skills
Basic psychology / Multilingual communication (English) / VAR operation knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | To flexibly respond to rapidly changing match developments and environments. |
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | To prevent missed calls or misjudgments, it is necessary to accurately judge fine plays. |
| Communication Skills | To communicate appropriately with players and coaches and smoothly progress the match. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | High endurance is required to run for more than 90 minutes. |
| Stress Tolerance | It is necessary to continue making calm judgments under high attention from spectators and media. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creative idea generation is not particularly required in refereeing work. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Complex mathematical analysis is not required. |
Related Qualifications
- Japan Football Association certified Grade S referee
Aliases
- J-League referee
- Pro referee
- Soccer referee
Related Jobs
- Soccer coach
- Sports instructor
- Sports referee