The rules governing referees may seem both specific and, at times, peculiar. One area that often raises eyebrows and questions pertains to the presence of tattoos among soccer referees.
While the guidelines in this regard are not as straightforward, CheapGoal’s aim is to dispel any confusion and provide answers to your questions.
There aren’t strict regulations regarding soccer referees having tattoos, but if they aspire to progress in their careers, it’s advisable to keep tattoos covered for a more polished and professional appearance.
In lower leagues, visible tattoos are generally acceptable as long as they are not deemed offensive.
The decision on whether to display tattoos depends on the league or team you referee for, so we’re here to assist you in making the most informed choice based on your specific circumstances.
Why Don’t Referees Display Their Tattoos?
I’ve been watching soccer games for decades and had a few stints playing in France. Over the years, I’ve rarely come across a referee with visible tattoos.
It’s possible they hide them well or simply don’t have any.
Referees often avoid displaying tattoos, and this can be attributed to several factors. One key reason is the professional expectations and standards set by the governing bodies of soccer competitions.
While there may not be strict rules against referees having tattoos, there is a general expectation of maintaining a polished and professional appearance.
Referees, especially those aspiring to officiate at higher levels, are conscious of the competitive nature of their profession.
In many cases, visible tattoos might be considered a deviation from the traditional, conservative image associated with officiating.
The desire to conform to established norms and project a more traditional and uniform appearance may lead referees to keep their tattoos hidden during matches.
Also, the decision-makers involved in referee promotions often come from older generations where tattoos might have been associated with a less formal or tidy appearance.
Refs may choose to cover their tattoos to align with the expectations and perceptions of those who determine their career progression.
As societal attitudes towards tattoos continue to evolve, it’s possible that the stigma associated with visible ink on referees will diminish, allowing for more individual expression on the field.
For perspective, there are about 28,000 referees registered with the Football Association in England. Out of these, only 22 serve as referees at the top level, with an additional 28 as assistant referees.
Given these numbers, referees are cautious about making mistakes and go to great lengths to impress their superiors.
However, for now, many referees opt to keep their tattoos hidden to adhere to professional norms and increase their chances of career advancement.
Referees who do display tattoos are more common in lower divisions, and as you move up the ranks, they become less visible.
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If You Have Tattoos And Want To Become A Referee
Having tattoos won’t necessarily stop you from becoming a referee, especially for non-league or lower-league teams. However, if you want to referee in more professional or competitive leagues, visible tattoos might be a challenge.
You might face resistance, mainly from the audience or parents of players, who might see your tattoos as unprofessional.
To handle this, especially if you’re aiming for higher leagues, consider the following:
Covering Tattoos: Depending on where your tattoos are, covering them could work.
For example, if you have a sleeve of tattoos on your arms, wearing long-sleeve jerseys can make you look more professional and meet dress code standards.
Career Advancement: Moving up in the referee career might be tougher if your tattoos are visible. The Football Association, for example, suggests covering tattoos for those aiming for higher leagues.
Makeup: If your tattoos are in harder-to-cover places, like your face, using high-coverage makeup temporarily might be an option. However, it depends on how comfortable you are and the potential judgment you might face.
Professional Appearance: Keeping a professional appearance is important. It’s not about limiting your career but about presenting yourself in a way that fits the expectations of higher-level leagues.
Remember, having tattoos doesn’t mean you can’t move up the ladder, but it might take more effort to overcome potential biases.
Demonstrating your skills and dedication as a referee can outweigh concerns about tattoos, and with time, you might gain acceptance and opportunities for advancement.
Are You A Referee And Considering Getting Tattoos?
If you’re a referee and thinking about getting tattoos, I’d advise either choosing a spot that can be covered or picking a design that won’t offend your team or the audience.
If you see refereeing as a career and want to move up in the leagues, you might want to avoid getting a tattoo altogether or go for a location covered by your regular referee uniform, like the shoulder, back, chest, ankle, or upper thigh.
The European Football Association says non-league referees should hide their tattoos if they aim to move up to higher leagues, like the English Football League.
This is to maintain the professional image of soccer leagues and clubs because referees are expected to look professional.
While ideas of professionalism have changed, some still don’t see tattoos as professional, especially in jobs like soccer refereeing.
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