10. Increased involvement of women officiating in amateur sport

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The number of adult Canadians involved in sports as referees, officials or umpires decreased 15% to 800,000 in 2005 after it peaked at 937,000 in 1998. Still, the 2005 number was much more than the 550,000 reported in 1992. The national participation rate in amateur sport as referees, officials or umpires was 3%, about the same rate as in 1992, and down one percentage point from 1998.

Long dominated by men, officiating in amateur sport has seen increased involvement of women over the years. In 1992, men outnumbered women 5 to 1 in these activities. By 2005 the ratio was less than 2 to 1 in men's favour.

Adult Canadians' involvement as administrators or helpers followed a similar pattern. About as many men as women were involved as administrators or helpers in 2005. That was not the case thirteen years earlier when men outnumbered women 2 to 1. Overall, over 2 million Canadians volunteered their time as administrators or helpers in amateur sports in 2005, up 18% from 1998.

The rates of volunteering in this area were highest in Saskatchewan and Alberta at 12% each. The rate was lowest in Quebec (5%). Ontario, New Brunswick, Manitoba and British Columbia all tied for the second lowest rate at 8% each.

Table 13
Canadians (15 years and older) who participated in amateur sport as a referee, official or umpire, 2005

Table 14
Canadians (15 years and older) who participated in amateur sport as an administrator or helper, 2005