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Nfl Football Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Flag Football Referee

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

NFL FLAG Football Referee Position Summary The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while ...

Town of Leesburg

NFL Flag Football Referee

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$20/hr

About the Town of Leesburg and Nature of Work The Town of Leesburg Parks and Recreation Department is seeking NFL Flag Football referees for its recreation league that offers a competitive playoff ...

Kansas City NFL Flag

NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, 1099 Independent ... Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ...

Kansas City NFL Flag

NFL Flag Referee

Lenexa, KS

NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, 1099 Independent ... Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ...

Colorado NFL FLAG

NFL Flag Referee

Denver, CO

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Officiate youth flag football games in accordance with NFL FLAG rules and league guidelines.

Colorado NFL FLAG

NFL Flag Referee

Denver, CO · On-site

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Officiate youth flag football games in accordance with NFL FLAG rules and league guidelines.

Colorado NFL FLAG

$20 - $35/hr

NFL Flag Referee Job Summary ... As a Referee, you will play a crucial role in officiating flag football games, ensuring fair play ...

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How much do nfl football referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for nfl football 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 NFL football referee?

NFL football referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during professional football games in the National Football League. They lead a team of officials on the field, make crucial decisions on plays, and ensure the game is played fairly and safely. The referee has the final authority on all rulings and is easily identified by their white hat. They must possess extensive knowledge of NFL rules and demonstrate strong judgment and communication skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an NFL football referee?

To thrive as an NFL Football Referee, you need extensive knowledge of football rules, sharp decision-making abilities, and prior officiating experience at collegiate or professional levels. Familiarity with instant replay systems, communication headsets, and certification from governing bodies such as the NFL Officiating Department are commonly required. Exceptional focus, integrity, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure fair play, maintain game integrity, and manage fast-paced, high-stakes situations on the field.

What challenges do NFL football referees face during games, and how are they supported by their officiating crew?

NFL Football Referees often encounter challenges such as making split-second decisions under immense pressure, handling disputes from coaches and players, and managing the fast pace of the game. To address these challenges, referees work closely with a team of officials, each responsible for specific areas of the field and types of plays. This collaborative approach ensures accurate calls and helps distribute responsibility, while ongoing training and access to video review technology further support referees in maintaining fairness and consistency throughout the game.

What is the difference between Nfl Football Referee vs College Football Referee?

AspectNfl Football RefereeCollege Football Referee
CertificationsOfficial NFL certification and trainingNFHS or NCAA certification and training
Work EnvironmentProfessional NFL games, stadiums, national TVCollege stadiums, regional broadcasts
EmployerNational Football League (NFL)Colleges and universities
Game RulesNFL rules and regulationsNCAA rules and regulations

While both NFL and college football referees officiate American football games, NFL referees work in professional league settings with specific certifications, higher stakes, and different rules compared to college football referees, who officiate at the collegiate level with their own certifications and rule sets.

Do NFL football referees have a full-time job?

NFL football referees are typically part-time officials who work during the football season and often have other full-time careers. They usually train and prepare during the off-season and must pass certification tests to officiate games. Many referees hold jobs outside of officiating, such as in education, law enforcement, or business.

How to get hired as an NFL football referee?

To become an NFL football referee, candidates typically start by gaining experience as a high school or college referee, obtaining certification from a recognized officiating organization, and demonstrating strong knowledge of the rules and game mechanics. Aspiring referees often need to attend training clinics, pass written and practical exams, and build a reputation through consistent performance before being considered for NFL opportunities, which are highly competitive and involve a rigorous selection process.
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Nfl Football Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nfl Football Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Flag Football Referee

YMCA

Sun Prairie, WI • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 20 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,988 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

573rd of 773 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

NFL FLAG Football Referee

Position Summary
The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while promoting safety, sportsmanship, and a fun experience for all participants.

Responsibilities

  • Officiate YMCA NFL FLAG Football games using league rules.
  • Ensure a safe and positive environment for players, coaches, and spectators.
  • Enforce rules consistently and communicate professionally with coaches, players, and families.
  • Report injuries, incidents, or concerns to the Site Supervisor.
  • Assist with basic game-day setup and cleanup as needed.

Schedule

  • Season Dates: September 12 October 17
  • Game Days: Saturdays
  • Hours: 8:30 AM 1:30 PM
  • Referees may officiate multiple games each Saturday.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of football is preferred but not required.
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.
  • Reliable, punctual, and enjoys working with youth.
  • Ability to run up and down the field throughout games.

Training
No prior officiating experience is required. All referees will complete YMCA NFL FLAG Football Referee Training before the season, covering league rules, officiating mechanics, game management, and sportsmanship expectations.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15 - 18/hour

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