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Professional Referee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Youth Soccer Site Supervisor

Durango, CO · On-site

$16.25 - $22.49/hr

You'll be the friendly face players, parents, and referees look to throughout the day while helping ... Monitor player, coach, and spectator conduct and address concerns professionally while supporting ...

You'll be the friendly face players, parents, and referees look to throughout the day while helping ... Monitor player, coach, and spectator conduct and address concerns professionally while supporting ...

Dentist - Corrections

Pueblo, CO · On-site

$248 - $255/hr

Referral Rewards - Receive referral bonuses for eligible healthcare professionals you refer.( $2,500 referrer / $500 referee) * Personalized Support - Work with a dedicated recruiter committed to ...

Sports Official

CO · On-site

$33.83 - $36.64/hr

Address unsportsmanlike behavior calmly and professionally, following department protocols for warnings, penalties, or ejections. Communication * Communicate clearly and respectfully with coaches ...

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)

New

Represent i9 Sports with professionalism and a positive attitude. Qualifications * Strong knowledge of soccer rules. * Experience playing, coaching, or officiating soccer preferred. * Excellent ...

Youth Soccer Official

Denver, CO · On-site

$16 - $20/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)

Showing results 21-40

Professional Referee information

See Colorado salary details

$6

$22

$61

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Colorado is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $23.27 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,782 per year, or $22 per hour.

REFEREE, EXTENDED LEARNING SPORTS

Denver Public Schools

Denver, CO • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Denver Public Schools rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 54 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

439th of 631 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

** Applications will be received until all positions are filled.  Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

 
About this job:
Supports individual, team or department through practical application of knowledge, use of proven techniques, and adherence to procedures. Primary focus on execution of assigned tasks in a specific area of responsibility, with a non-technical scope and a high degree of customer service.
 
 

 
What DPS Offers You:
  • A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Student Will Succeed.
  • Hourly Rate $20.00 
  • In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement. 
  • Seasonal Schedule based off seasons of sports
What You'll Do:

Establish and maintain high quality site programs:

  • Officiates assigned games for league play; possesses thorough understanding of the rules and familiarity with the laws of the game
  • Remains neutral and make objective decisions throughout games, not showing favoritism towards any team or individual.
  • Maintains control of the game and manages the behavior of players, coaches and spectators
  • Clearly and confidently communicate decisions to players and coaches
  • Continuously enhances knowledge and skills through ongoing training and education programs
  • Conducts oneself in a professional manner both on and off the field
  • Reports any problems with coaches, players, parents or spectators to department administration through the Incident Reporting Form
  • Attends pre-season meetings, as required
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities, as required

 
What You'll Need:

Education & Experience Requirements:

  • High School Diploma/GED, required
  • Previous officiating experience, preferred
  • Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education. 
  • Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.  
  • Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.
Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

 
Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun
  Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation.  DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.  
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth.  Learn more at dpsk12.org.

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