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Football Referee Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Referees team sports (soccer, flag football, volleyball), encourages sportsmanship and encourages children to build their confidence through sports. Opportunities available for our spring sessions ...

Referees team sports (Flag Football), encourages sportsmanship and encourages children to build their confidence through sports. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: * Arrives 10 minutes prior to ...

Referees team sports (Flag Football), encourages sportsmanship and encourages children to build their confidence through sports. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: * Arrives 10 minutes prior to ...

Football Referee information

See Kentucky salary details

$5

$18

$50

How much do football referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for football referee in Kentucky is $18.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.43 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by football referees during matches?

Football referees regularly encounter challenging situations such as making high-stakes calls in real-time, managing player disputes, and handling crowd or coach reactions. Staying focused and impartial amid intense scrutiny is essential, as even minor mistakes can influence the outcome of a game. It’s also common to work in varying weather conditions and to be on your feet for long periods. However, with proper training, ongoing education, and support from officiating teams, referees can develop strategies to handle these challenges effectively and continue to grow within the profession.

How do I become a football referee?

To become a football referee, you typically need to complete a certification course through your local or national football association, which covers rules, game management, and safety protocols. After training, you must pass an exam and obtain certification to officiate matches at various levels, often starting with youth or amateur games and gaining experience over time.

How do you become a football referee?

To become a football referee, you typically need to complete a certification course through your local or national football association, which covers rules, mechanics, and game management. After certification, referees often gain experience by officiating youth or amateur matches and may pursue ongoing training to advance to higher levels of competition.

How much do football referees get paid?

Football referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition and experience. Local referees may earn between $20 and $100 per game, while those officiating professional matches can earn several hundred dollars or more per game, with some top-tier referees earning annual salaries in the thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Certification and training are required to officiate at higher levels.

How much does a football referee get paid?

The pay for football referees varies depending on the level of play and location. Local referees may earn between $20 and $100 per game, while those officiating professional matches can earn several hundred dollars or more per game, with some top-tier referees earning annual salaries or stipends. Certification and experience influence earning potential, and referees often work part-time or on a freelance basis.

What are popular job titles related to Football Referee jobs in Kentucky?

For Football Referee jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Football Referee jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for Football Referee jobs in Kentucky are:

Infographic showing various Football Referee job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,815 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Youth Sports Referee

YMCA OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description
Referees team sports (soccer, flag football, volleyball), encourages sportsmanship and encourages children to build their confidence through sports. Opportunities available for our spring sessions which run March through May.
Our winter sports programs include the following sports:
  • Soccer on Saturdays (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
  • NFL Flag Football on Sundays ( 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Volleyball on Sundays (5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.)

Site locations for each sport vary. Staff are not guaranteed to work at any specific site. Site assignments are at the discretion of the hiring manager(s).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Have a basic understanding of the sports rules (will be provided info).
  • Arrive 30 minutes prior to your first game.
  • Look over the field to make sure everything is safe for the children to play.
  • Enforce sportsmanship and healthy competition.
  • Let the participants know what they did wrong if you call something against them. Explain foul or infraction to aid in learning process.
  • Be respectful to the coaches, participants and parents.
  • At the end of every game, make sure that both teams high five or shake each other's hands as a sign of good sportsmanship.
  • Make the games fun for the participants.
  • Before leaving, make sure that everything is put back properly and nothing is left out that should be put up.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To successfully accomplish this job, an individual must be at least 16 years of age and competent in performing each essential duty. The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills and be able to work effectively with staff members, volunteers and the public. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
BENEFITS
FREE city-wide YMCA membership
Discounted Program Fees