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Basketball Referee Near Me Jobs in Riverside, CA

Basketball Referee Near Me information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$18

$37

How much do basketball referee near me jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for basketball referee near me in Riverside, CA is $18.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $21.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a basketball referee do?

A basketball referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, ensuring fair play, and maintaining order on the basketball court. They make calls on fouls, violations, and ensure that the game is played safely and according to official regulations. Referees also manage the game clock, communicate with coaches and players, and may resolve disputes during the game. Their presence is essential for the integrity and smooth flow of basketball games at all levels.

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

To thrive as a Basketball Referee, you need a thorough understanding of basketball rules, strong decision-making abilities, and typically must complete referee certification or training courses. Familiarity with officiating tools like whistles, scoring systems, and timing equipment is necessary. Excellent communication, impartiality, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help referees manage players, coaches, and game situations effectively. These skills ensure fair play, maintain game flow, and uphold the integrity of the sport.

What are some common challenges basketball referees face during games, and how can they manage them effectively?

Basketball referees often encounter challenges such as making split-second decisions, managing disagreements with coaches or players, and maintaining consistency throughout the game. To handle these situations effectively, referees rely on thorough knowledge of the rules, strong communication skills, and teamwork with fellow officials. Ongoing training, self-assessment, and staying calm under pressure also help referees maintain fairness and control on the court.

What is the difference between Basketball Referee Near Me vs Basketball Umpire?

AspectBasketball RefereeBasketball Umpire
CertificationsState or league-specific referee certificationsSimilar certifications, often overlapping with referee credentials
Work EnvironmentIndoor basketball games at various levelsIndoor basketball games, often at amateur or youth levels
Industry UsageCommonly used term in leagues and official settingsLess common, sometimes used interchangeably with referee

Basketball referees and umpires perform similar roles in officiating basketball games, ensuring rules are followed. While the terms are often used interchangeably, 'referee' is more prevalent in official league contexts, whereas 'umpire' may be used in amateur or youth settings. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, making them closely related in the basketball officiating industry.

How do you become a basketball referee?

To become a basketball referee, you typically need to complete a training course and obtain certification from a local or national officiating organization. This involves learning the rules of the game, demonstrating knowledge through testing, and gaining experience by officiating youth or amateur games. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are essential for success in this role.

How do you get a job as a basketball referee?

To become a basketball referee, you typically need to complete a certification or training program through a local sports organization or officiating association. You should gain knowledge of the rules, pass a certification exam, and often start by officiating youth or amateur games to build experience. Maintaining good communication skills and staying physically fit are also important for the role.

What are popular job titles related to Basketball Referee Near Me jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Basketball Referee Near Me jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Basketball Referee Near Me jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Basketball Referee Near Me jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Basketball Referee Near Me jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Basketball Referee Near Me job openings:

Game Day Assistant - GDA for Spirit League -Special Needs Athletics

Spirit League (sports for special needs)

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

There is no organization like Spirit League, providing year-round connection and self-confidence on the field of play to a historically under-supported population. Nearly 600 autistic, neurodivergent, or developmentally disabled youths and adults in Orange County participated in Spirit League athletics in 2025. The League is expanding, and now offers an additional week each season to include a Community Day event - programming that brings experts, families and athletes together to connect, support, and learn from each other, off the fields.
We are the only special needs team sports league in California that offers year-round programming.  We run 11 weeks of Soccer in the Fall, 11 Weeks of Baseball in the Winter, and 11 weeks of Basketball in the Spring.  We hire Game-Day Assistants year-round, as another sports season is always around the corner.  We hire per season, so you can apply anytime of year!
Game-Day Assistant (GDA)
 
Reports To:  Program Director

Rate of Pay:
$25 p/h starting compensation, Part-Time.  We pay more for people experienced and/or trained to work with this population.
Hours:  The GDA is the foundation for the overall quality and delivery of all Spirit League Youth Sports.  The GDA must be present at all Spirit League Youth Athletics unless approved by their supervisor.  Additional hours outside of game time are required to prep, review, and facilitate all SL Youth athletic programming.
Every Spirit League GDA is expected to work effectively with all team members, ensure the health and safety of all athletes, and maintain a caring community that nurtures the growth of all athletes.  General responsibilities of all Program Staff include:

  • Ensuring compliance with safety rules and regulations.
  • Be customer and client-facing through
    • answering phone calls and responding to emails promptly 
    • Resolving customer complaints and issues courteously 
    • Building positive and supportive relationships with all members of the SL community (staff, coaches/volunteers, families, athletes)
    • Ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Function as an ambassador for Spirit League to the larger community; finding opportunities to bring awareness to the League, express its benefits, and always speak positively about the Spirit League community and its value.
  • Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Responsibilities Specific to the Game Day Assistant (GDA):

·         Assist program staff in preparing courts and equipment for games;
·         Manage or referee a game on one's own, assisting coaches and athletes as needed;
·         Helping teach basic sports skills to athletes during practice and game time;
·         Adjusting equipment on the court when preparing for the next age division to play;
·         Helping staff clean up equipment and return to on-site storage;
·         Assisting the Youth Game-Day Athletic Program Manager, as needed, on game day.
 
Candidates should have experience working with athletes/teens with autism and general knowledge of game rules (Soccer, Baseball, Soccer). An understanding of applied behavioral analysis is a plus.
For inquiries, please email our Program Director at info@spiritleague.org