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Professional Referee Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

$18 - $22/hr

... Referee Program and maintain a strong understanding of policies & procedures as well as practices regarding the program. * Maintain a calm, helping, and professional demeanor at all times when ...

Basketball Official

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$16 - $17/hr

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work Saturdays (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks) * Must be able to pass a National Criminal ...

Soccer Official

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$15 - $17/hr

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a varied work schedule including weekends and some evenings (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks)

Professional Referee information

See Alabama salary details

$5

$18

$53

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Alabama is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $20.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a professional referee faces during high-stakes matches?

Professional Referees often encounter high-pressure situations, especially during crucial moments in competitive matches. Managing intense emotions from players, coaches, and fans while maintaining impartiality can be demanding. Additionally, referees must make quick, accurate decisions in real time, sometimes with limited visibility, and handle instant feedback or criticism. Strong communication skills and mental resilience are essential to effectively manage these challenges and ensure fair play.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional referee?

To thrive as a Professional Referee, you need in-depth knowledge of the applicable sport's rules, strong decision-making skills, and relevant certifications from governing bodies. Familiarity with officiating technologies like instant replay systems and wearable communication devices is often required. Outstanding focus, impartiality, and effective communication help referees manage high-pressure situations and maintain authority on the field. These abilities are crucial to ensure fair play, player safety, and the integrity of the competition.

What is the difference between Professional Referee vs Sports Official?

AspectProfessional RefereeSports Official
CredentialsCertifications in officiating sports, training in rules and regulationsCertifications vary by sport, includes rules knowledge and sometimes specialized training
Work EnvironmentStadiums, sports fields, arenas during gamesStadiums, gyms, sports complexes during events
Employer & IndustrySports leagues, associations, governing bodiesSports organizations, leagues, local clubs
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Both Professional Referees and Sports Officials are responsible for enforcing rules during sporting events. While their roles are similar, referees often have more responsibilities, such as making critical decisions and managing game flow. Both roles require specialized certifications and are employed by sports organizations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the sports officiating industry.

What is a professional referee?

Professional referees are officials who oversee and enforce the rules in sports competitions at a professional level. Their responsibilities include making impartial decisions, ensuring fair play, and maintaining the integrity of the game. Professional referees often undergo rigorous training, certification, and regularly participate in continuing education to stay updated on rule changes. They may work in various sports such as soccer, basketball, football, or hockey and are often employed by sports leagues or associations.

How do you become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, individuals typically need to complete relevant training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience through officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate knowledge of the rules and good judgment. Maintaining physical fitness and staying updated on rule changes are also important for advancement in the profession.
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Professional Referee job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,463 per year, or $19 per hour.

Inspection Assistant, BAR (Los Angeles Trade Tech College)

Foundation for California Community Colleges

On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Inspection Assistant, BAR Smog Check Referee Program100% In-Person at assigned BAR Referee location; Must reside in California$1,000 Sign-On Bonus; Must have BAR EO license to be considered.

The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Referee program was created to improve the smog check process and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Referee centers are state-contracted emissions test facilities that provide a wide array of resources for California motorists, including specialized services other smog stations are not authorized to perform.

The Foundation for California Community Colleges (Foundation) is contracted by BAR to manage the Smog Check Referee program at 31 Community College campuses. In addition to a wide array of services for consumers, Referee centers offer valuable career training opportunities for California Community College students.

What You'll Do

The Inspection Assistant position is intended to strengthen and expand the skills of students that have recently completed their training and obtained their smog check and/or repair licenses. The Inspection Assistant is responsible for performing emissions, OBD compliance and other specialized inspections, typically in high volume areas of the state. The position may also entail assisting Referee staff and management in Smog Check Referee and other duties as assigned. Assistants may be required to work alternative hours and days, at various established and remote locations using portable equipment. The Inspection Assistant position is a temporary, limited-term position for 1 year.

  • Perform inspections and testing of vehicles for emissions and other compliance verification and communicate inspection results and information to vehicle owners and program management.
  • Promote the mission of the Foundation through the Bureau of Automotive Repair's (BAR) Smog Check Referee Program and maintain a strong understanding of policies & procedures as well as practices regarding the program.
  • Maintain a calm, helping, and professional demeanor at all times when interacting with consumers, regardless of whether they do not maintain such standards.
  • Maintain communication with Regional Manager and other Referee sites by establishing and maintaining rapport with staff and students, attending meetings, and preparing and distributing necessary reports.
  • Reply to various technical questions from consumers.

Attributes for Success

  • Relevant AA/AS, equivalent work experience, or a combination of both.
  • Minimum of 1 + year(s) of related work experience.
  • BAR EO Inspector license.
  • Some experience performing vehicle smog inspections preferred, but not required.
  • Knowledge of current principles and practices of automobile repair and technology, including California state and local automotive repair policies and codes, and BAR smog check procedures.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and system maintenance applications.
  • Strong initiative and ability to learn quickly.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Inspection Assistants cannot work for or have any financial interest in a smog test or repair station while employed with Foundation.
  • Our work holds great weight and responsibility, and the opportunity to impact the lives of millions
  • Innovation, creativity, collaboration, and entrepreneurship are encouraged as employees work to achieve organizational goals
  • FoundationCCC blends the impact of a non-profit, the culture of an entrepreneurial start-up, and the scale of a state agency
  • Team members are hired for their expertise in niche areas across our areas of impact and higher education overall, and for their knowledge of business, philanthropy, technology, communications, and more
  • We have a commitment to professional development and an emphasis on shared leadership, to ensure growth for employees and the organization overall

What we Offer

FoundationCCC is fully committed to a "remote-first" philosophy, and recruits and hires talent across the state in fully remote positions, where virtual work is possible. Our headquarters are located in Downtown Sacramento, just blocks from California's State Capitol.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation, generous PTO, holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and Wellness offerings
  • CalPERS retirement program and optional 403(b) and 457 Retirement plans
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer

If you have any questions, please email us at jobs@foundationccc.org.

Budgeted Hourly Pay Range:

$18.00 - $22.00

Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role, and internal equity.