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Entry Level Referee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GOTO PLEX

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... High school diploma or equivalent. * Entry level up to one-year of related experience required.

THE PLEX LLC

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... High school diploma or equivalent. * Entry level up to one-year of related experience required.

THE PLEX LLC

Soccer Referee

San Jose, CA · On-site

$24.32 - $28.42/hr

High school diploma or equivalent. * Entry level up to 2 years of related experience required. * Previous soccer experience preferred. * Knowledge of soccer rules, regulations, refereeing mechanics.

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All JobsReferee JobsEntry Level Referee JobsEntry Level Referee Jobs in California

Entry Level Referee information

What is an entry level referee?

Entry level referees are individuals who are just starting their careers in officiating sports games, typically at the youth, amateur, or recreational levels. They are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, ensuring fair play, and maintaining order on the field or court. Entry level referees usually begin with basic training and certification, and they gain experience by officiating local or lower-level matches. With time and experience, they can progress to higher levels of officiating in more competitive leagues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level referee?

To thrive as an Entry Level Referee, you need a solid understanding of the game’s rules, keen observation skills, and often a basic referee certification. Familiarity with officiating tools such as whistles, scoreboards, and sometimes digital reporting systems is typically required. Strong communication, impartiality, and confidence are essential soft skills for managing players, coaches, and spectators effectively. These skills and qualities ensure fair play, uphold the integrity of the sport, and maintain a safe, respectful environment for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level referees and how can they be managed?

Entry level referees often encounter challenges such as managing game pressure, handling disputes between players or coaches, and making quick decisions in fast-paced situations. To manage these, new referees benefit from thorough knowledge of the rules, strong communication skills, and confidence in enforcing decisions. Many find that seeking feedback from experienced officials and participating in ongoing training helps them improve and build resilience on the field. Teamwork with other referees is also crucial for consistent and fair officiating.

What is the difference between Entry Level Referee vs Youth Sports Official?

AspectEntry Level RefereeYouth Sports Official
Required CredentialsBasic certification, training coursesSimilar certifications, often the same as Entry Level Referee
Work EnvironmentSports fields, gyms, community centersSchool gyms, local sports leagues, community events
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational leagues, amateur sports organizationsSchool sports programs, youth leagues
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Referees and Youth Sports Officials often share similar credentials, work environments, and employer types. Both roles involve officiating youth or amateur sports, requiring basic certification and working in community or school settings. The main difference is that 'Youth Sports Official' specifically emphasizes youth leagues, while 'Entry Level Referee' can refer to a broader range of amateur sports. They are often used interchangeably in searches, reflecting their overlapping responsibilities and environments.

How much do entry level referees make?

Entry-level referees typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on the sport, location, and level of competition. Some referees may also receive additional pay for overtime, travel, or certification requirements.

Is it too late to become an entry level referee?

Entry level referees can typically start at any age, provided they meet the minimum age and certification requirements set by local sports organizations. Most programs offer training and certification courses that allow new referees to begin their roles throughout the year, so it is generally not too late to pursue this position if you meet the eligibility criteria.

What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in California?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Referee jobs in California?

For Entry Level Referee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Referee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Referee jobs in California are:

Entry Level Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Referee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Part Time, and 48% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Hockey Referee

GOTO PLEX

San Jose, CA • On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

The Plex is your premier destination for family fun, event planning, sports, dining, parties, and more. Our 3 operating businesses (The Plex Athletic Club, Sports, and The Penalty Box Bar and Grill) offers 240,000 square feet of entertainment space under one roof where you will find everything you need for fun, fitness, family activities, food & beverage, parties, and social events. Open 7-days a week, our facility offers an arcade of games, bocce ball, bouncy houses, wall climbing, cornhole, darts, pizza, sushi, tapas, a vast beer wall and so much more.
We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to the rules of the game during hockey matches. They are responsible for making impartial decisions, enforcing penalties, and maintaining control over the game to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Arrive before the game and be fully dressed and on the rink at the scheduled start time.
  • Officiate hockey games in accordance with established rules and regulations from start to finish Each game is officiated by two hockey referees and one scorekeeper.
  • Check the nets and playing surface for pucks before the start of any game.
  • Inspect and ensure player equipment before the game to ensure it complies with safety standards, players are wearing elbow pads and a HECC approved helmet (full cages or full shields are required for all players; visors and no visors are not allowed). They must be wearing them throughout the game and during Warmups.
  • Wear an official hockey referee jersey with orange armbands, solid black pants (not tucked into skates), and a HECC approved helmet without a cage. (Visor or No Visor is allowed).
  • Manage the pace of the game, ensuring that it flows smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
  • Maintain control over confrontations and altercations between players.
  • Resolve disputes and conflicts between players, coaches, and other team officials in a fair and professional manner.
  • Assess and administer penalties to players (2, 4, 5, 10-minute penalties) that commit infractions stated in the Rollin Ice Rulebook.
  • Keep track of penalty time and ensure players serve their penalties appropriately.
  • Fill out a suspension form with a clear, detailed, and legible description of the incident that occurs and ensure all three officials (REF, REF, SK) sign the form.
  • Have a full understanding of the Rollin Ice Hockey Rulebook and apply the rules in the games officiated.
  • Make impartial and quick decisions on issues such as goals, penalties, and offside plays.
  • Consult with fellow officials when necessary to reach accurate decisions.
  • Communicate with players, coaches, and team captains to address concerns, provide explanations for calls, and maintain a respectful environment on the ice.
  • Address any safety concerns regarding player equipment promptly.
  • Help scorekeepers if necessary and ensure the scorekeepers are paying attention to the game. Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure.
  • Neutrality and the ability to remain impartial in the face of intense competition.

Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Entry level up to one-year of related experience required.
  • Previous hockey experience preferred, but not required.
  • Knowledge of hockey rules and regulations.
  • Prior experience as a hockey referee is preferred but not always required.

Physical Requirements:
  • Physical fitness and stamina to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the game.
  • Standing for prolonged periods
  • Able to Roller Skate forwards and backwards while keeping an eye on play.
  • Raising Arm to Call Penalties
  • Blowing a whistle loudly -
  • Irregular working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, are common during the hockey season.
  • Good vision and hearing to track the action of the games.

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