Groundwork Business Advisory

Startup Lab · Spectator Sports

Referee and umpire: what it costs to start

A published start-up figure, the size of the field and how long owners last. Every number names its source.

Start-up cost

$135-$200

New soccer referee course, uniform and equipment about $135-$200 (Arkansas Soccer Association; other sports similar-scale, not verified). Source: Arkansas Soccer Association, Why and How to Become a Referee, . Lab cost band: under $5K to $5K.

The field in numbers

These are Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics figures for the wider field, not for this business alone.

Industry (Census)

Other Spectator Sports (NAICS 711219)

Solo owners in the wider field

269,053 (Spectator Sports)

Average gross sales per solo owner

$23,697 a year, before costs (gross sales, not profit)

Still open after 1, 2, 5, 10 years

80.6%, 71.3%, 52.9%, 35.4% (all businesses in the sector, Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Related businesses in the Lab

Does it fit you?

The Startup Lab asks a few plain questions about your money, time and what you like doing, then narrows 910 businesses to the few that fit. The $10 report on this business adds itemized costs, your county’s numbers and Groundwork Alumni access.

Desk nameplate in a small business office

Not sure where to start?

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