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Nfl Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football are seeking dependable, level-headed, and professional referees to officiate youth flag football games during the Fall 2026 season. Our ...

NFL FLAG Referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for ...

NFL FLAG Referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for ...

Position Overview NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football are seeking dependable, level-headed, and professional referees to officiate youth flag football games during the Fall 2026 season. Our ...

$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 and upholding the rules and guidelines set forth by the league. You ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

NFL Flag Line Judge

Denver, CO · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Line Judges will work closely with referees, handle basic calls such as out of bounds, and maintain the field area by monitoring cones placement and picking up trash between and after games.

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Nfl Referee information

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How much do nfl referee jobs pay per hour?

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

NFL referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during professional American football games in the National Football League. They lead a crew of other officials, make crucial decisions on the field, and ensure fair play by interpreting and applying the game's rules. NFL referees must have a thorough understanding of the game, excellent judgment, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure. They often have years of experience officiating at lower levels before reaching the NFL. Their decisions can significantly impact the outcome of a game.

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

To thrive as an NFL Referee, you need an in-depth understanding of football rules, strong decision-making abilities, and years of officiating experience, typically beginning at lower levels and advancing through rigorous evaluation. Familiarity with instant replay systems, communication headsets, and NFL officiating mechanics is essential. Exceptional communication, confidence under pressure, and teamwork help referees effectively manage games and interact with coaches and players. These skills ensure fair, accurate, and authoritative enforcement of the rules in high-stakes, fast-paced professional football environments.

What challenges do NFL referees face during games, and how do they manage high-pressure situations?

NFL referees regularly encounter fast-paced and high-pressure situations, especially when making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome of games. One common challenge is maintaining focus and composure amid loud crowds, critical media attention, and real-time game dynamics. Referees rely on thorough rule knowledge, teamwork with other officials, and clear communication to resolve disputes and ensure fair play. Ongoing training, video reviews, and feedback sessions also help them continuously improve their decision-making and handle the intensity of each game.

What is the difference between Nfl Referee vs Nfl Umpire?

AspectNfl RefereeNfl Umpire
CertificationsOfficial NFL officiating certificationSame as referee, NFL officiating certification
Work EnvironmentOn-field, overseeing game callsOn-field, focusing on line of scrimmage and player safety
Roles & ResponsibilitiesMain game official, making final callsAssists with line of scrimmage calls, player safety

The NFL referee and umpire roles are both essential officiating positions with similar certifications and work environments. The referee typically has a broader role, overseeing the entire game, while the umpire focuses more on line of scrimmage and player safety. Both positions require NFL officiating certification and are vital to maintaining game integrity.

Do NFL referees have day jobs?

NFL referees are typically part-time officials who work other jobs during the week and officiate games on weekends or evenings. Many have careers outside of officiating, such as in education, law enforcement, or business, and they often undergo training and certification to maintain their roles. The demanding schedule requires strong time management and knowledge of the rules and game mechanics.

How do you get a job as an NFL referee?

To become an NFL referee, candidates typically start by gaining experience officiating at lower levels such as college or semi-professional leagues, developing strong knowledge of football rules, and demonstrating good judgment and communication skills. They often attend officiating clinics, pass written and physical tests, and are evaluated through a series of assignments before being considered for NFL positions. Certification from recognized officiating organizations and a thorough background check are also required.

Is it difficult to become an NFL referee?

Becoming an NFL referee requires extensive experience officiating at lower levels, such as college or semi-professional leagues, and passing physical and knowledge tests. Candidates often need strong knowledge of football rules, good judgment, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations, making the process competitive and demanding.
More about Nfl Referee jobs
Infographic showing various Nfl Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Part-time, Contractor

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Organizations: NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football
Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, 1099 Independent Contractor
Minimum Age: 16
Season: Mid-September through mid-November 2026
Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, depending on league location
Locations: Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding Kansas and Missouri communities

Available League Locations

Referee opportunities may be available at the following league locations:

  • Overland Park, Kansas

  • Olathe, Kansas

  • Lawrence, Kansas

  • Liberty, Missouri

  • North Kansas City, Missouri

  • South Kansas City, Missouri

Game days vary by league location and may take place on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

Assignments will be based on league needs, referee availability, experience, location preference, and proximity to each league location. Applicants may be considered for one or multiple locations.

Position Overview

NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football are seeking dependable, level-headed, and professional referees to officiate youth flag football games during the Fall 2026 season.

Our referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting sportsmanship, managing game conduct, and making timely and impartial decisions on the field.

The ideal candidate communicates confidently, remains calm during challenging situations, works well as part of a team, and demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism. Previous officiating experience is preferred but not required.

Applicants must be reliable and able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the season. This is a seasonal, part-time, 1099 independent contractor opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Officiate youth flag football games in accordance with NFL FLAG rules and league guidelines.

  • Promote player safety, fair competition, inclusion, and good sportsmanship.

  • Make timely and impartial decisions involving penalties, scoring plays, out-of-bounds calls, and other game situations.

  • Monitor game play and address rule violations appropriately.

  • Manage player and coach conduct in a calm, respectful, and professional manner.

  • Address unsportsmanlike behavior and on-field disagreements without escalating the situation.

  • Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and fellow officials.

  • Accurately record final scores and report game results to the Field Manager.

  • Assist with field and equipment setup or cleanup when needed.

  • Follow all referee uniform and equipment requirements.

  • Complete and maintain required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

  • Remain current on league rules, procedures, and officiating expectations.

  • Attend weekly referee calls or review the weekly call recording during the season.

  • Arrive on time and prepared for every assigned game day.

  • Maintain reliable availability for assigned weekends throughout the Fall 2026 season.

  • Notify the appropriate supervisor as early as possible when an unavoidable emergency affects availability.

  • Officiate divisional tournaments and other scheduled league events when assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at least 16 years old.

  • Able to work as a 1099 independent contractor.

  • Dependable, punctual, level-headed, and professional.

  • Able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the Fall 2026 season.

  • Able to remain calm and make fair decisions in fast-paced or challenging situations.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Able to interact respectfully and impartially with children, coaches, parents, staff, and fellow officials.

  • Reliable transportation to assigned league locations in Kansas or Missouri.

  • Available to work assigned Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, depending on league location.

  • Willing to complete required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

  • Able to attend weekly referee calls or review the recorded call each week.

  • Physically able to stand, walk, jog, and run throughout multiple games.

  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience officiating football, flag football, or another sport.

  • Knowledge of football or flag football rules and game procedures.

  • Current NFL FLAG certification or comparable officiating certification.

  • Experience working with children, families, coaches, or youth sports organizations.

  • CPR or First Aid certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Referees must be physically capable of standing, walking, jogging, and running throughout multiple games. Officials must be able to keep pace with game play and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals when they do not prevent the individual from performing the essential responsibilities of the position.

Compensation and Professional Development

  • Compensation is provided on a 1099 independent contractor basis.

  • Opportunities may be available to officiate additional regular-season games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

  • Low-cost or no-cost training opportunities may be available for qualified candidates.

  • Additional assignments may be offered based on performance, reliability, league needs, and availability.

Why Join Our Team?

This opportunity is a great fit for experienced officials, student-athletes, coaches, teachers, sports professionals, and individuals interested in building experience in youth sports.

As a referee, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Make a positive impact on young athletes.

  • Support both coed and girls’ flag football programs.

  • Build leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Gain or expand sports officiating experience.

  • Work in an active, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.

  • Be considered for additional games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

Apply Today

If you are dependable, confident, fair-minded, and passionate about creating a positive youth sports experience, we encourage you to apply.

Join our NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football officiating team and help us provide a safe, fair, and enjoyable Fall 2026 season for athletes and families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Employment Type: Temp/Seasonal
Years Experience: Less than 1 year
Salary: $15 - $30 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No