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Entry Level Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is temporary, entry level work assisting with recreational activities, events and programs of ... Referee Youth/Prep Basketball Referee Official 2 Adult Football Referee 6 271 $ 40.00 Adult ...

This is temporary, entry level work assisting with recreational activities, events and programs of ... Referee Official 310/12U/14U/16U Softball Umpire7273 $ 50.00 Adult Basketball Referee Adult ...

$17.25 - $22/hr

... referee, act as a camp counselor, perform in athletic events, and other administrative duties ... is an entry level position, little to no experience required, all training will be provided.

$17.25 - $22/hr

... referee, act as a camp counselor, perform in athletic events, and other administrative duties ... is an entry level position, little to no experience required, all training will be provided.

$17.25 - $22/hr

... referee, act as a camp counselor, perform in athletic events, and other administrative duties ... is an entry level position, little to no experience required, all training will be provided.

Teaching Associate

Seattle, WA · On-site

$8.6K - $9.7K/mo

... entry-level practice. The course emphasizes structured lab-based learning, standardized skill ... Contact information for at least two referees who are prepared to provide a letter of ...

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Entry Level Referee information

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How much do entry level referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 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.
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What states have the most Entry Level Referee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Referee jobs include:

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Part Time, and 50% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire (Soccer Seasonal Summer)

Myrecreationdistrict

Mecca, CA • On-site

$19.10 - $34.55/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Organization
Covering over 1,800 square miles, Desert Recreation District (DRD) provides recreational services to more than 380,000 residents throughout the Greater Coachella Valley. We work with municipalities in a collective effort to assure equitable service delivery to every community regardless of economic means. The District boundary has expanded in recent years to provide barrier-free, safe service to more unincorporated areas of the Coachella Valley and municipalities not previously served.
DRD is responsible for over 30 recreational facilities that include community and fitness centers, sports fields, swimming pools, a golf course and driving range, and various parks and open spaces. In addition, DRD creates and delivers quality programs, services and classes; and, facilitates leisure opportunities through partnerships that encourage residents to engage in healthy lifestyles and wellness activities. In the past year we have offered over 2,800 classes and programs, and more than 200 special events.
Please note: Desert Recreation District does not participate in CalPERS retirement system.
EOE Statement
***DISCLAIMER: The District reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
All employment offers made by the District are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but are not limited to: drug screening, comprehensive background check, criminal history check, employment verification, education verification and physical.
Full-Time/Part-Time
Seasonal
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Hourly/Salary Range
$19.10 - $34.55
Close Date
Description
DEFINITION: Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), performs a combination of instructional and officiating duties in connection with District sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Officiates games, tournaments, and competitions; enforces rules and regulations; demonstrates techniques and skills; and ensures a safe, engaging, and positive environment for participants. Continuously monitors participant safety and well-being, maintains program records, and provides customer service while supporting program operations. Performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED: Receives general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Instructor I - Referee/Umpire: This is the entry-level classification in the series responsible for performing basic instructional and officiating duties within assigned sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Incumbents assist in leading activities and officiating games for youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors, while developing knowledge of instructional techniques, rules of play, and program procedures. Positions at this level receive guidance and direction as needed.
Instructor II - Referee/Umpire: This is the journey-level classification in the series responsible for independently performing instructional and officiating duties across a variety of sports and program areas. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in conducting classes, activities, games, and tournaments, and require minimal supervision.
Instructor III - Referee/Umpire: This is the intermediate journey-level classification in the series responsible for performing more complex and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require advanced knowledge, skills, and certifications, and exercise a high degree of independent judgment in program delivery and officiating competitive events.
Instructor IV - Referee/Umpire: This is the advanced-level classification in the series responsible for performing the most difficult and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and subject matter expertise, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Officiates games and competitions; interprets and enforces rules and regulations; assesses penalties; and ensures fair and safe play.
  • Demonstrates and instructs proper techniques, skills, and methods; provides guidance to promote skill development and safety.
  • Supervises participants during programs and events; maintains control of activities; and monitors conditions to prevent accidents and ensure participant safety and wellbeing.
  • Promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive, inclusive environment.
  • Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from participants and the public; resolves issues within established guidelines or refers to appropriate staff.
  • Inspects facilities, playing areas, and equipment to ensure safety and proper use; reports maintenance or safety concerns.
  • Assists with program setup, breakdown, and general operations.
  • Implements and follows District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including administering first aid and CPR as necessary.
  • Documents game and/or tournament records and outcomes.
  • Provides effective customer service and maintains positive working relationships with participants, parents, staff, and the public.
  • Attends required trainings and meetings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
  • Instructional and officiating methods and techniques applicable to assigned programs and sports.
  • Rules, regulations, and standards of play for assigned sports and activities.
  • Methods and techniques of implementing recreation and sports programs.
  • Age and abilityappropriate program content and activity design.
  • Principles and practices of participant supervision, safety, and risk management.
  • Care and proper use of recreational equipment and facilities.
  • District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including first aid, CPR, and AED.
  • Techniques for providing effective customer service.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:
  • Lead, instruct, and officiate sports and recreation programs effectively.
  • Interpret and enforce rules, regulations, and policies with fairness and consistency.
  • Monitor participants and activities to ensure safety, control, and wellbeing.
  • Demonstrate and teach proper techniques, skills, and safe practices.
  • Exercise sound judgment and make decisions in dynamic situations.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Provide courteous and professional assistance to participants and the public.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Work independently and as part of a team.
  • Respond appropriately to emergencies and administer first aid/CPR as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire:
Education: Equivalent to completion of tenth (10th) grade. The minimum age for this position is at least 16 years of age at the time of employment.
Instructor I - Referee/Umpire:
Experience: One (1) year of demonstrated experience in specific sports, recreation, and/or leisure program related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor II - Referee/Umpire:
Experience: Two (2) years of demonstrated experience in sports referee/umpiring in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor III - Referee/Umpire:
Experience: Three (3) years of demonstrated experience in sports referee/umpiring in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Instructor IV - Referee/Umpire:
Experience: Four (4)+ years of demonstrated high school level referee/umpire experience in a sport related to the assigned area of responsibility.
Licenses and Certifications:
Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire:
  • Possession of valid certifications in First Aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adult, child and infant, to be maintained throughout employment.

Instructor I - Referee/Umpire
  • Successful completion of the District's proprietary sports department training modules and coursework within six (6) months of hire. Major coursework in recreation or equivalent subject matter, OR possession of a valid basic/entrylevel, license or certification from a National Governing Body for an activity/sport/exercise.

Instructor II - Referee/Umpire
  • Possession of a Referee/Umpire certification required to perform work in the assigned area of Referee/Umpire. Certification must be issued by a national governing body for a sport relevant to the assigned area of responsibility and must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.

Instructor III - Referee/Umpire
  • Possession of a valid, intermediate level Referee/Umpire license/certification, high school level or above, to assigned area of referee/umpire specialty for a specific sport from a national governing body, to be maintained throughout employment.

Instructor IV - Referee/Umpire
  • Possession of a valid, advanced level Referee/Umpire license/certification, high school level or above, to assigned area of referee/umpire specialty for a specific sport from a national governing body, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
This position requires sitting, standing, walking on slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stopping, squatting, crouching, hearing, speaking, grasping and making repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of this job, employees may work indoors and outdoors and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
This position is currently accepting applications.