Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials.

This job has 16 core tasks. We went through 10 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

1. TASK 01

   Compile scores and other athletic records.

   AI DOES

   Collects, organizes, and formats game scores and stats into records automatically

   YOU DO

   Verify unusual situations, handle disputed calls, and confirm data accuracy from live events

2. TASK 02

   Research and study players and teams to anticipate issues that might arise in future engagements.

   AI DOES

   Gathers player stats, past game data, and behavioral patterns to surface trends fast

   YOU DO

   Use your on-field experience to judge which patterns will actually cause problems in real game situations

3. TASK 03

   Verify scoring calculations before competition winners are announced.

   AI DOES

   Checks score totals, flags arithmetic errors, and cross-references rules automatically

   YOU DO

   Make the final call when rules are disputed or unusual situations arise

4. TASK 04

   Teach and explain the rules and regulations governing a specific sport.

   AI DOES

   Drafts rule summaries, quizzes, and plain-language explanations of complex regulations

   YOU DO

   Use your lived experience on the field to make rules click for real people

5. TASK 05

   Report to regulating organizations regarding sporting activities, complaints made, and actions taken or needed, such as fines or other disciplinary actions.

   AI DOES

   Drafts report templates, organizes incident details, and suggests standard language for disciplinary write-ups

   YOU DO

   Own the firsthand account and stand behind every ruling you made on the field

6. TASK 06

   Verify credentials of participants in sporting events, and make other qualifying determinations, such as starting order or handicap number.

   AI DOES

   Scans registration databases, flags missing credentials, and pre-calculates handicaps or starting orders

   YOU DO

   Confirm identity in person and make final eligibility rulings on the spot

7. TASK 07

   Confer with other sporting officials, coaches, players, and facility managers to provide information, coordinate activities, and discuss problems.

   AI DOES

   Drafts pre-game communication templates, logs discussion notes, and summarizes rule clarifications

   YOU DO

   Read the room, manage conflict, and build trust face-to-face in high-pressure moments

8. TASK 08

   Keep track of event times, including race times and elapsed time during game segments, starting or stopping play when necessary.

   AI DOES

   Logs and displays time data on digital scoreboards or officiating software

   YOU DO

   Stay present on the field and make real-time calls to start or stop play

9. TASK 09

   Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.

   AI DOES

   Reviews instant replays, flags possible rule violations, and tracks stats to support review decisions

   YOU DO

   Trust your eyes and experience to make real-time calls and manage the human dynamics of live competition

10. TASK 10

    Resolve claims of rule infractions or complaints by participants and assess any necessary penalties, according to regulations.

    AI DOES

    Looks up rulebook language and past precedents to support a decision

    YOU DO

    Watch the play live and make the final call in the moment