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Nfl Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Brighton, MI · On-site

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

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 ...

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Saint John, IN · On-site

$11.75 - $14.75/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Charlotte, NC · On-site

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

South Bend, IN · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

South Bend, IN · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$12.75 - $16/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Noblesville, IN · On-site

$12.25 - $15.25/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

Exos

Basketball Referee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Basketball Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

RCX Sports

NFL FLAG Official

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

RCX Sports is hiring NFL FLAG Officials (1099 Independent Contractors) to support NFL FLAG leagues ... Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics.

Exos

Basketball Referee

Rochester, NY · On-site

$30 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Basketball Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

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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All JobsNfl Referee Jobs

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.
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What job categories do people searching Nfl Referee jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Nfl Referee jobs are:

Nfl Referee jobs near you
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.

Youth Sports Referee Trainee

Rockford Park District

Rockford, IL • On-site

$16/hr

Temporary

Posted 7 days ago

Rockford Park District rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

343rd of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Description
TitleYouth Sports Referee Trainee DepartmentYouth SportsStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToYouth Sports CoordinatorWage$16/hourPosition DescriptionReferees will participate in training to work toward IHSA certification and officiate Park District athletic programs. Including game officiating, scorekeeping/timekeeping, assisting with program set-up and tear down, and ensuring a safe, positive experience for participants. This position is funded through the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Grant. Strong communication skills, reliability, and professionalism are required.
ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.
RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.
ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned
  • Attend and participate in training sessions in effort to become an IHSA Certified Referee.
  • Complete mandatory USA Football, NFL Flag Football, and Basketball referee certification courses.
  • Referee games for Park District programs including, but not limited to: Jr. NBA, NFL Flag Football, Spring Basketball.
  • Assist program staff in set-up and tear down or program.
  • Observe and practice officiating mechanics, participate in live training sessions.
  • Support game operations, including scorekeeping or timekeeping as needed.
  • Understands physical safety issues of each participant.
  • Communicates with staff, participants, and coaches.
  • Exhibits patience, maturity, and dependability
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by the site supervisor and referee assigner.

Requirements
Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
  • Must be at least 16 years of age
  • Good organizational and leadership skills.
  • Have a working technical knowledge of a variety of sports, including but not limited to: basketball, football, and soccer.
  • Ability to communicate well with supervisors, participants, and coaches
  • Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
  • Ability to perform in high stress environments.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED training (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District)

Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
Medium work:
    • Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
    • Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
    • Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:
  • This position is primarily stationed outdoors; regular exposure to dirt, noise, and temperature and weather extremes.
  • Exposure to outdoor elements, weather, hazardous vegetation, insect bites, etc.
  • Ability to work under stressful conditions, and problem solve.
  • This position requires the employee to be standing a majority of the shift.

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