Top performing associates have gone on to full-time positions with organizations such as the NFL ... Communicate with coaches, referees, and facility staff to ensure a smooth tournament operation
Top performing associates have gone on to full-time positions with organizations such as the NFL ... Communicate with coaches, referees, and facility staff to ensure a smooth tournament operation
Nfl Football Referee information
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$6.25 - $11.01
15% of jobs
$12.34 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$11.01 - $15.78
37% of jobs
$15.78 - $20.54
21% of jobs
$21.17 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20.54 - $25.31
18% of jobs
$25.31 - $30.07
4% of jobs
$30.07 - $34.83
0% of jobs
$34.83 - $39.60
0% of jobs
$39.60 - $44.36
1% of jobs
$44.36 - $49.13
2% of jobs
$49.13 - $53.89
1% of jobs
$53.89 - $58.65
1% of jobs
$6
$20
$58
How much do nfl football referee jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 9, 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?
| Aspect | Nfl Football Referee | College Football Referee |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Official NFL certification and training | NFHS or NCAA certification and training |
| Work Environment | Professional NFL games, stadiums, national TV | College stadiums, regional broadcasts |
| Employer | National Football League (NFL) | Colleges and universities |
| Game Rules | NFL rules and regulations | NCAA 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.
More about Nfl Football Referee jobs
What are popular job titles related to Nfl Football Referee jobs?
For Nfl Football Referee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Basketball Operations Co-Op, Fall 2026 (Mid-Atlantic Region)
Clay, NY • On-site
AEG •
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees51 - 200 employees
$16/hr
Full-time
This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.
Key responsibilities
Assist in planning, organizing, and supporting weekend basketball tournaments and events throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Manage pre-event logistics including team scheduling, venue coordination, staffing, and equipment preparation.
Support event operations by traveling to events, managing on-site activities, recording scores, and ensuring smooth tournament execution.
Job description
Zero Gravity Basketball is a youth basketball event operator based out of Woburn, MA and the market leader of grassroots events, primarily operating on the East Coast. Zero Gravity plans and manages basketball tournaments, leagues, prep school showcases, and camps for children and young adults. Participants span from beginner level 2nd graders through Top-100, Nationally Ranked HS prospects. Zero Gravity has many established partnerships including Under Armour, Jr. NBA, Spalding, Gatorade, BeTheBeast, Yeti, Today's Military, & Simax
Zero Gravity Basketball is a part of 3Step Sports LLC, the nation's largest and most impactful youth sports club and event operator. With more than 2,500 events and 1.1+ million participants in nine sports each year, 3STEP has an indelible impact on athletes and families in all 50 states. 3STEP basketball is made up of the most influential people & brands in grassroots basketball including The Hoop Group, Select Events, ESPN Recruiting & the National Prep Championship series.
Job Description:
The Zero Gravity Basketball Operations Co-Op is a 3 month (September - November) paid position based out of. Applicants for the Mid-Atlantic region must be located in either the Syracuse, NY area or the Greater Philadelphia area. The Basketball Ops Co-Op will work under the guidance of ZG Leadership & Regional Director's to plan and implement events and tournaments on a weekly basis. This annual program has been the kickstart to many careers across not only grassroots sports but also collegiate and professional organizations.
The goal of our Basketball Operations Program is to provide a fully immersive experience in all aspects of sports business and create a path towards a successful career in the industry. Top performing associates have gone on to full-time positions with organizations such as the NFL, NBA, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, Washington Wizards as well as collegiate basketball programs such as Arizona State, Texas, Marquette, UMass and VCU. In addition, many have stayed on in full-time positions with both Zero Gravity Basketball & other brands/departments within 3STEP Sports such as West Coast Elite, Select Events, 3STEP Operations, 3STEP Marketing, and 3Step Football.
Pre-Event Duties Include:
Event Duties Include:
Desired Characteristics:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
Zero Gravity Basketball is a part of 3Step Sports LLC, the nation's largest and most impactful youth sports club and event operator. With more than 2,500 events and 1.1+ million participants in nine sports each year, 3STEP has an indelible impact on athletes and families in all 50 states. 3STEP basketball is made up of the most influential people & brands in grassroots basketball including The Hoop Group, Select Events, ESPN Recruiting & the National Prep Championship series.
Job Description:
The Zero Gravity Basketball Operations Co-Op is a 3 month (September - November) paid position based out of. Applicants for the Mid-Atlantic region must be located in either the Syracuse, NY area or the Greater Philadelphia area. The Basketball Ops Co-Op will work under the guidance of ZG Leadership & Regional Director's to plan and implement events and tournaments on a weekly basis. This annual program has been the kickstart to many careers across not only grassroots sports but also collegiate and professional organizations.
The goal of our Basketball Operations Program is to provide a fully immersive experience in all aspects of sports business and create a path towards a successful career in the industry. Top performing associates have gone on to full-time positions with organizations such as the NFL, NBA, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, Washington Wizards as well as collegiate basketball programs such as Arizona State, Texas, Marquette, UMass and VCU. In addition, many have stayed on in full-time positions with both Zero Gravity Basketball & other brands/departments within 3STEP Sports such as West Coast Elite, Select Events, 3STEP Operations, 3STEP Marketing, and 3Step Football.
Pre-Event Duties Include:
- Assist in planning and organizing weekend basketball tournaments throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region (PA, DE, & NJ)
- Manage pre-event logistics such as team scheduling, venue coordination, staffing, and equipment preparation
- Responsible for communicating with all major customers and selling events/tournament slots to customers and teams
- Working directly with Zero Gravity's leadership team on market strategy including, but not limited to: setting season schedules, projecting facility needs, implementing new market strategies
- Registering and collecting payments from our vast customer base on a weekly basis
- Help run all Zero Gravity Social Media channels
- Drive revenue growth through building/maintaining strong customer relationships
- Communicate with venues to coordinate event set up
- Help to improve part-time event staff list. Assist in staffing facilities on a weekly basis and training them in various capacities (Ticket Sales, Scorekeeping, Site Directing, etc.)
- Assisting with venue/facility setup and breakdown each week
Event Duties Include:
- Travel to weekend events (primarily Saturday/Sunday) to support operations including team check in, site management, and customer service
- Communicate with coaches, referees, and facility staff to ensure a smooth tournament operation
- Record and update live scores, standings, and brackets during events
- Acting as on-site lead at Zero Gravity events and tournaments throughout our Fall Season
- Assisting with venue/facility setup and breakdown each week
Desired Characteristics:
- Recent graduate or current senior working towards a degree in Sport Management, Business, Marketing, or a related field
- Experience as a Graduate Assistant or Student-Manager on a Men's or Women's basketball staff a plus
- Aspirations to be a leader in sports industry
- Desire and ability to work in an extremely demanding, fast-paced environment
- Interest in event operations or facility management
- Excellent organization and interpersonal skills
- Ability to multitask
- Self-starter, able to work independently and as part of a team
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills
- Prior event management experience is a plus
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Ability to work extended hours
- Willing to travel frequently to various locations on the East Coast
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
About AEG
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Recruiting and staffing services
Company size
51 - 200 Employees
Headquarters location
Saint Louis, MO, US
Year founded
1992