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Nfl Football Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee

Lexington, KY

Referees team sports (soccer, flag football, volleyball), encourages sportsmanship and encourages ... NFL Flag Football on Sundays ( 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) * Volleyball on Sundays (5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m ...

Sofive

Flag Football Coordinator

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$21/hr

Ensure all programming follows NFL Flag Football rulesets and Sofive operational standards. * Communicate professionally with players, parents, coaches, referees, and facility leadership. * Assist ...

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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.

Youth Sports Referee

YMCA OF CENTRAL KENTUCKY

Lexington, KY • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 18 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

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