1

Professional Referee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

We value reliability and professionalism in our partnerships with businesses and team members. And ... Position: Sport Associate Soccer Referee Job Overview: Join our dynamic team at Sofive Soccer ...

Soccer Referee

San Jose, CA

$24.32 - $28.42/hr

Under direct supervision, the Soccer Referee is responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... a fair and professional manner. * Assess and administer penalties to players. * Keep track of ...

Soccer Referee

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$24.32 - $28.42/hr

Under direct supervision, the Soccer Referee is responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... a fair and professional manner. * Assess and administer penalties to players. * Keep track of ...

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating ... Training and professional development * Paid sick leave where required by law Full-time Team ...

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating ... Training and professional development * Paid sick leave where required by law Full-time Team ...

Athletic Official

Riverside, CA ยท On-site

$20/hr

... Referee/Umpire League games for Youth and or Adults League(s) ran by The Grove Community Church. Applicants will need to have thorough knowledge of the game and its' rules and provide a professional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Professional Referee information

See California salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in California is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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 California?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,969 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Hockey Referee

THE PLEX LLC

San Jose, CA โ€ข On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Plex is your premier destination for family fun, event planning, sports, dining, parties, and more. Our 3 operating businesses (The Plex Athletic Club, Sports, and The Penalty Box Bar and Grill) offers 240,000 square feet of entertainment space under one roof where you will find everything you need for fun, fitness, family activities, food & beverage, parties, and social events. Open 7-days a week, our facility offers an arcade of games, bocce ball, bouncy houses, wall climbing, cornhole, darts, pizza, sushi, tapas, a vast beer wall and so much more.

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to the rules of the game during hockey matches. They are responsible for making impartial decisions, enforcing penalties, and maintaining control over the game to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Arrive before the game and be fully dressed and on the rink at the scheduled start time.
  • Officiate hockey games in accordance with established rules and regulations from start to finish Each game is officiated by two hockey referees and one scorekeeper.
  • Check the nets and playing surface for pucks before the start of any game.
  • Inspect and ensure player equipment before the game to ensure it complies with safety standards, players are wearing elbow pads and a HECC approved helmet (full cages or full shields are required for all players; visors and no visors are not allowed). They must be wearing them throughout the game and during Warmups.
  • Wear an official hockey referee jersey with orange armbands, solid black pants (not tucked into skates), and a HECC approved helmet without a cage. (Visor or No Visor is allowed).
  • Manage the pace of the game, ensuring that it flows smoothly and without unnecessary delays.
  • Maintain control over confrontations and altercations between players.
  • Resolve disputes and conflicts between players, coaches, and other team officials in a fair and professional manner.
  • Assess and administer penalties to players (2, 4, 5, 10-minute penalties) that commit infractions stated in the Rollin Ice Rulebook.
  • Keep track of penalty time and ensure players serve their penalties appropriately.
  • Fill out a suspension form with a clear, detailed, and legible description of the incident that occurs and ensure all three officials (REF, REF, SK) sign the form.
  • Have a full understanding of the Rollin Ice Hockey Rulebook and apply the rules in the games officiated.
  • Make impartial and quick decisions on issues such as goals, penalties, and offside plays.
  • Consult with fellow officials when necessary to reach accurate decisions.
  • Communicate with players, coaches, and team captains to address concerns, provide explanations for calls, and maintain a respectful environment on the ice.
  • Address any safety concerns regarding player equipment promptly.
  • Help scorekeepers if necessary and ensure the scorekeepers are paying attention to the game. Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to make quick and accurate decisions under pressure.
  • Neutrality and the ability to remain impartial in the face of intense competition.

Education and Experience:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Entry level up to one-year of related experience required.
  • Previous hockey experience preferred, but not required.
  • Knowledge of hockey rules and regulations.
  • Prior experience as a hockey referee is preferred but not always required.

Physical Requirements:

  • Physical fitness and stamina to keep up with the fast-paced nature of the game.
  • Standing for prolonged periods
  • Able to Roller Skate forwards and backwards while keeping an eye on play.
  • Raising Arm to Call Penalties
  • Blowing a whistle loudly โ€“
  • Irregular working hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, are common during the hockey season.
  • Good vision and hearing to track the action of the games.