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Head Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Head Referee information

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How much do head referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for head 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 Head Referees?

Head Referees are the lead officials responsible for overseeing the conduct of a sporting event, ensuring that all rules and regulations are followed. They have the authority to make final decisions on disputes, supervise other referees or officials, and manage any disciplinary actions during the game. Their role is crucial in maintaining fairness and integrity throughout the competition, and they often serve as the main point of contact between coaches, players, and officiating staff.

How does a Head Referee typically manage communication and decision-making during high-pressure matches?

As a Head Referee, effective communication is crucial, especially during fast-paced or high-stakes games. You'll coordinate closely with assistant referees and officials through radios or hand signals, ensuring that everyone is aligned on rules enforcement and player safety. Decision-making often requires quick judgment calls, sometimes under intense scrutiny from teams and spectators. Regular debriefings and clear protocols help maintain consistency and fairness throughout the match. Building trust with your officiating team and maintaining composure are key to successfully navigating challenging situations.

What is the difference between Head Referee vs Assistant Referee?

AspectHead RefereeAssistant Referee
CertificationsReferee certification, advanced trainingReferee certification, specialized training
Work EnvironmentOversees entire game, makes final callsAssists Head Referee, focuses on specific areas
ResponsibilitiesLead decision-making, manage game flowSupport calls, monitor sidelines and offside lines

In summary, the Head Referee is responsible for overseeing the entire game and making final decisions, while the Assistant Referee supports the Head Referee by monitoring specific areas and assisting with calls. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities within the game.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head Referee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head Referee, you need thorough knowledge of the sport's rules, strong decision-making abilities, and relevant officiating certifications. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, instant replay technologies, and communication equipment is often required. Leadership, impartiality, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams, coaches, and other referees under pressure. These skills ensure fair play, uphold the integrity of the game, and maintain control in high-stakes, fast-paced environments.
More about Head Referee jobs
What cities are hiring for Head Referee jobs? Cities with the most Head Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs? The most popular types of Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Head Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Referee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Head Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Head Coach, Middle School Girls Swimming

Head Coach, Middle School Girls Swimming

Castilleja

Palo Alto, CA โ€ข On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Temporary

PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position: Head Coach, Middle School Girls Swimming
Department: Athletics
FLSA Classification: Non-exempt
Schedule of Duties: Seasonal (FALL Late August - Mid October)
Salary: $23.00- $25.00 / hour based on experience
Position Purpose: The Middle School Swim Coach is responsible for developing a Swim program that supports the Mission of Castilleja.
Specific Expectations for part-time, non-exempt Coaches, Administrators and Staff in the Castilleja Athletic Department: In addition to duties and essential job functions listed in job descriptions, the following responsibilities are required or encouraged of all part-time, non-exempt employees in the Castilleja Athletics Department:
  • Seasonal Sports Parents Meetings (required)
  • Coaches Seasonal Workshops (required)
  • Professional development as required by your supervisor, work beyond your regular hours when required by your supervisor, and attendance at, or participation in, mandatory meetings and/or events as directed by your supervisor.
  • All non-exempt employees are required to accurately track their time and paid time-off in the payroll system.

All employees will be paid appropriately and according to current law. If staff are required to work outside of the regular work schedule, permission to work outside of the regular work schedule is required; non-exempt employees will receive overtime pay, as eligible.
Essential Functions
  • The coach must demonstrate strong leadership in player and staff development, sportsmanship, integrity and character development.
  • Leads instruction for athletes in the fundamental skills, strategies and physical training necessary to realize a degree of individual and team success.
  • Leads, through words and action, resulting in an environment that fosters learning, a passion for the game.
  • Works cooperatively with the athletic administration and school community to support the academic and co-curricular aspirations of the Athletics program and all student-athletes.
  • Supervises practices, competitions, tournaments and team trips.
  • Updates knowledge of technical aspects of the sport and shows a willingness to continue to learn and examine new ideas pertinent to the sport and/or to coaching in general.
  • Works cooperatively with the school's athletic trainer and peers.
  • Works in a proactive, positive and realistic manner to support the college athletics goals of the members of the team.
  • Responsible for coordinating with Middle School Athletics Director and Director of Athletics regarding all administrative tasks including but not limited to uniform/equipment issues and inventory, transportation, game scheduling, referees scheduling, and other tasks as directed.
  • Follows the Employee handbook policies for handling issues or concerns that may arise from players and/or parents.
  • Attends coaches' meetings, preseason parents meeting and seasonal coaches' meeting.
  • Organizes end-of-season individual player meetings and post-season team party and awards.
  • Responsible for transporting student athletes by school vans to sports events.

Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED equivalent; college degree is preferred.
  • A minimum of 2 years previous Swimming Coach Experience. Previous work experience in an independent environment is also preferred.
  • Proven ability to develop, organize and supervise a successful swim team.
  • Strong communication and organizational skills. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the skills and strategies of the sport of Swim as it pertains to interscholastic athletics in California.
  • Ability to model excellent ethics and appropriate behavior.
  • Strong ability to successfully collaborate with a broad and diverse school community.
  • Good to excellent computer skills (Google, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • CPR/First Aid certification or the willingness to obtain it.
  • Demonstrative leadership and facilitative skills.
  • Demonstrated excellent attendance and punctuality.
  • Must submit to LiveScan fingerprinting background check.
  • Must comply with COVID-19 testing as required by county, state, and/or federal regulations.
  • A clean driving record and valid California driver's license. Will be subject to clearance through the California Vehicle Report and the standards for driving set by insurance underwriters.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
  • Works in a potentially stressful environment dealing with a wide variety of challenges, deadlines and a varied and diverse array of contacts.
  • Tasks involve the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling and lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or puling of moderately heavy objects and materials weighing 20 to 50 pounds.
  • Works outdoors in weather typical to the Peninsula including heat, cold, rain, etc.
  • Ability to travel safely and comfortably across the Castilleja campus.