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Entry Level Referee information

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How much do entry level referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level referee in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Referee, and why are they important?

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 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.

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.

How much does a D1 ref get paid?

A Division 1 referee's pay varies depending on the sport and level of competition, but they typically earn between $50 and $150 per game. Many D1 referees are part-time and may also receive training and certification requirements to officiate at this level.

How to start a career as a referee?

To start a career as an entry-level referee, you should obtain the necessary certifications or training from a recognized sports organization, which often involves passing a rules exam and a background check. Gaining experience by officiating youth or amateur games helps build skills and credibility, and understanding the sport's rules and maintaining good communication are essential for success in this role.

How much do entry level referees get paid?

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 travel, training, or certification requirements.

What are entry level referees?

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.

How much do low level referees make?

Entry-level referees typically earn between $15 and $25 per game, depending on the sport, level of competition, and location. Many referees also receive additional compensation for training, certifications, and travel expenses, with some working part-time or on a seasonal basis.
More about Entry Level Referee jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Referee jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs? The most popular types of Referee jobs are:
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Referee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Referee jobs are:
Entry Level Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Sports Official

Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA

Mansfield, TX • On-site

$15 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description:

Employment Type: Part Time

Pay Rate: $15 - $30 per hour


Under the direction of the Sports Director/Sports Coordinator, the Sports Official 1 is responsible for the officiating of youth sport activities and implementation of all league rules and by laws. The successful employee will model the behavioral values established by the Association and will have a passion and enthusiasm for the mission of the Y.


Essential Functions/Responsibilities:


Provide excellent member service through interactions that ensure the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA quality initiatives and goals are met

Communicate effectively and politely with others, portraying excellent listening and interpersonal skills

Supervise volunteer coaches and maintain accurate records

Minimal administrative duties

Able to perform pre-game though end-of-game responsibilities, including, but not limited to arriving in proper attire at least 15 minutes before scheduled game time, and maintaining control and conduct during activity

Ability to keep games on time

Ability to change game standards to meet participants' needs

Assist in keeping equipment in good working condition and reporting any dangerous or damaged equipment to supervisor

Substitute for others as needed

Responsible for minor decisions regarding routine problems

Apply and comply with all YMCA policies and procedures and exemplify the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and faith

Adhere to all risk management and safety practices of the Arlington-Mansfield Area YMCA

Attend youth sports trainings at branch level


Requirements:

Preferred Qualifications:


Must be at least 16 years old

Requires basic knowledge of sports; entry level position

Ability to handle working with youth in a sports setting

Strong interpersonal and communication skills required, speaking politely, clearly, and articulating accurate information

Must have reliable transportation

Must demonstrate good moral character

Physical condition must be good enough to handle physical effort, such as running up and down the field of play or setting up game equipment

Must be able to work effectively with a diversity of people, different backgrounds, abilities, opinions and all ages. Interacts regularly with members, volunteers, staff and other community leaders.

Must have and maintain current CPR Pro/AED, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, Child Abuse Prevention, Blood borne Pathogens training, hazard communication, slips, trips, and falls training, new hire orientation and any other trainings required