Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (25%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (19%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 9 (56%)

• Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Verify scoring calculations before competition winners are announced.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Compile scores and other athletic records.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Judge performances in sporting competitions to award points, impose scoring penalties, and determine results.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Verify credentials of participants in sporting events, and make other qualifying determinations, such as starting order or handicap number.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Research and study players and teams to anticipate issues that might arise in future engagements.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect game sites for compliance with regulations or safety requirements.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect sporting equipment or examine participants to ensure compliance with event and safety regulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Start races and competitions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Direct participants to assigned areas, such as starting blocks or penalty areas.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about umpires, referees, and other sports officials and AI