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College Referee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

i9 Sports

Soccer Official - Guilford College

Cary, NC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Replies within 24 hours Benefits: * Employee discounts * Training & development Benefits/Perks * A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun! * Be a role model for athletes * Online training ...

All JobsCollege Referee JobsCollege Referee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

College Referee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do college referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for college referee in Raleigh, NC is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $21.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a college referee?

College referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining fair play during collegiate sports competitions. They make decisions on infractions, manage game flow, and ensure the safety of all participants. College referees often specialize in a particular sport, such as basketball, football, or soccer, and must be knowledgeable about the rules and regulations specific to that sport. Typically, they are certified by governing bodies and may work part-time or full-time depending on the sport and season.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a college referee?

To thrive as a College Referee, you need an in-depth understanding of game rules, strong decision-making abilities, and usually certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with timing systems, video replay technology, and officiating software is often required. Outstanding communication, impartiality, and the ability to handle pressure make someone stand out in this role. These skills ensure fair play, effective game management, and uphold the integrity of collegiate sports competitions.

What are some common challenges faced by college referees during games, and how can they be managed?

College referees often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure situations, handling disputes among players and coaches, and making split-second decisions that can influence the outcome of a game. Staying focused and composed, maintaining clear and consistent communication, and having a thorough understanding of the rules are key strategies for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, referees benefit from ongoing training and feedback, which help them improve their judgment and adapt to different game environments.

What is the difference between College Referee vs High School Referee?

AspectCollege RefereeHigh School Referee
Required CertificationsState or National officiating certification, sport-specific trainingState or local certification, sport-specific training
Work EnvironmentColleges, universities, sports complexesHigh school gyms, fields, local sports facilities
Employer & Industry UsageColleges and university athletic programsHigh schools and local school districts
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both College Referees and High School Referees require similar certifications and work in sports environments, but College Referees officiate at collegiate level games, often with higher stakes and more complex rules, while High School Referees work at the secondary school level. The roles overlap in certification requirements and industry usage, making them comparable career paths within sports officiating.

How do you become a college referee?

To become a college referee, you typically need to have experience officiating at lower levels, complete specific training and certification programs offered by the relevant athletic associations, and pass written and practical exams. Maintaining good physical fitness and understanding the rules of the sport are also essential for this role.

How hard is it to be a college referee?

Being a college referee requires physical fitness, knowledge of the sport's rules, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. It often involves training, certification, and working irregular hours during games and tournaments. The job can be demanding but is manageable with proper preparation and experience.
College Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various College Referee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,324 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Soccer Official - Guilford College

Cary, NC • On-site

i9 Sports
See more jobs at i9 Sportsexternal

$12 - $15/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Replies within 24 hours
Benefits:
  • Employee discounts
  • Training & development

Benefits/Perks
  • A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun!
  • Be a role model for athletes
  • Online training opportunities

Company Overview
Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports® is the nation's first and largest youth sports league franchise business in the United States with over 1 million registrations in more than 500 communities from New York to Hawaii. Established in 2003 by Frank Fiume on the principle that the number one reason kids play organized sports is to have fun, not to become the next draft pick.
i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for kids ages 3-17 in today's most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. With our focus on fun, safety, convenience, and good sportsmanship, i9 Sports is reinventing the youth sports experience for families across the country. It's the way youth sports should be. What does your company do?
Job Summary
The Official is a critical role in any sports field; responsible for enforcing rules while also cultivating a positive culture, acting as an on-field coach, and advocating for the programs. This role has a direct impact on players, coaches, and spectators each and every game day.
Responsibilities
  • Understand & enforce the i9 Sports rules books ensuring a fun, learning, and safety for all players
  • Teach & demonstrate core concepts including Sportsmanship values
  • Keep time and score during the game; manage an age-appropriate level of instruction and competition
  • Consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and superior customer service skills

Qualifications
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Sport-specific officiating, playing, or coaching experience
  • Highly motivated self-starter; can work independently & solve problems
  • Awareness & ability to take charge of any situation to ensure the safety of players
  • Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships
  • Ability to work a varied work schedule including weekends and some evenings (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks)
  • Must be able to pass a National Criminal Background Check

Compensation: $12.00 - $15.00 per hour
With over 3.5 million registrations in communities across the country, i9 Sports is the nation's largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. We offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids ages 3 and up in today's most popular sports such as: flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse. To achieve our mission of helping kids succeed in life through sports, i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. We are committed to providing age-appropriate instruction, making sports fun for kids, and convenient for today's busy families. To us, it's The Way Youth Sports Should Be.
Each franchised location is independently owned and operated and is solely and exclusively responsible for determining local hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and other terms of employment.

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