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Assistant Referee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Youth Soccer Referee

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

The Youth Soccer Referee is responsible for officiating youth soccer games for ages 4-14. A ... Ability to lead or assist with games, group activities, and small projects * Clear decision-making ...

Takes initiative to assist in developing others. Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments ... No experience refereeing is necessary, but the person must have knowledge of the sport and basic ...

Display God-honoring communication with other coaches, parents, athletes, and referees. * Maintain ... Assistant coaches are assigned select roles by the head varsity coach. These could include strategy ...

Assistant Softball Coach

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$1.5K - $3.0K/yr

Display God-honoring communication with other coaches, parents, athletes, and referees. * Maintain ... Assistant coaches are assigned select roles by the head varsity coach. These could include strategy ...

Display God-honoring communication with other coaches, parents, athletes, and referees. * Maintain ... Assistant coaches are assigned select roles by the head varsity coach. These could include strategy ...

Utilize volunteer assistant coaches * Referee flag football scrimmages and games * Create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for kids and parents What We're Looking For * Played football ...

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Assistant Referee information

See Illinois salary details

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$15

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How much do assistant referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant referee in Illinois is $15.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant referee?

Assistant referees, formerly known as linesmen, are officials in football (soccer) matches who support the main referee in enforcing the rules of the game. Their primary duties include indicating when the ball has left the field of play, signaling offside offenses, and assisting with other decisions such as substitutions or fouls near their touchline. Assistant referees use flags to communicate their observations to the main referee, helping ensure fairness and accuracy throughout the match.

How much do assistant referees get paid?

Assistant referees typically earn between $50 and $150 per match, depending on the level of competition and the governing organization. Higher-level matches and professional leagues tend to offer higher compensation, and referees often need certification and experience to qualify for paid assignments.

What is the difference between Assistant Referee vs Referee?

AspectAssistant RefereeReferee
CertificationsFIFA or national certification, specific trainingSame as Assistant Referee, plus leadership skills
Work EnvironmentAlongside the main referee, near sidelinesCentral position on the field, overseeing entire game
Roles & ResponsibilitiesFlagging offsides, out-of-bounds, foulsMaking final decisions, issuing cards, controlling game flow

Assistant referees primarily support the main referee by monitoring specific game aspects like offsides and fouls, working alongside them on the sidelines. Referees hold the main authority, making all critical decisions and managing the overall game. Both roles require similar certifications and are essential in officiating soccer matches, but their responsibilities and positioning differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant referee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Referee, you need a thorough understanding of the rules of the sport, physical fitness, and typically certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with communication systems such as referee radios and proficiency in using flags or electronic signaling are important technical requirements. Excellent observation, quick decision-making, and clear communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate, fair game management and effective teamwork with referees, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of sporting events.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant referees during matches, and how can they effectively manage them?

Assistant Referees often encounter challenges such as maintaining focus during fast-paced play, accurately judging offside situations, and managing interactions with players and coaches. To effectively handle these, Assistant Referees rely on strong communication with the referee team, continual positioning adjustments, and thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game. Staying calm under pressure and consistently applying the rules help ensure fairness and minimize conflict on the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Referee jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Referee jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Assistant Referee jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Assistant Referee job openings:

Youth Sports Referee Trainee

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT

Rockford, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Rockford Park District rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

TitleYouth Sports Referee TraineeDepartmentYouth SportsStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToYouth Sports CoordinatorWage$16/hourPosition DescriptionReferees will participate in training to work toward IHSA certification and officiate Park District athletic programs. Including game officiating, scorekeeping/timekeeping, assisting with program set-up and tear down, and ensuring a safe, positive experience for participants. This position is funded through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Grant. Strong communication skills, reliability, and professionalism are required.ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned
  • Attend and participate in training sessions in effort to become an IHSA Certified Referee.
  • Complete mandatory USA Football, NFL Flag Football, and Basketball referee certification courses.
  • Referee games for Park District programs including, but not limited to: Jr. NBA, NFL Flag Football, Spring Basketball.
  • Assist program staff in set-up and tear down or program.
  • Observe and practice officiating mechanics, participate in live training sessions.
  • Support game operations, including scorekeeping or timekeeping as needed.
  • Understands physical safety issues of each participant.
  • Communicates with staff, participants, and coaches.
  • Exhibits patience, maturity, and dependability
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the site supervisor and referee assigner.

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