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Professional Referee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Referee - Brown Family YMCA

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL · On-site

Referee 1 Referee for sports involving youth ages 2-8 years old, no experience required, must be ... Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills.

YMCA

Referee - Dye Clay YMCA

Orange Park, FL

Referee 1 Referee for sports involving youth ages 2-8 years old, no experience required, must be ... Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills.

YMCA

Referee -McArthur YMCA

Fernandina Beach, FL

Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess conflict resolution skills and good judgment in identifying potentially risky ...

YMCA

Referee - Winston YMCA

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess conflict resolution skills and good judgment in identifying potentially risky ...

YMCA

Referee - Winston YMCA

Jacksonville, FL

Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills. * Must possess conflict resolution skills and good judgment in identifying potentially risky ...

City of Leesburg

Recreation Staff

Leesburg, FL

$22K/yr

... Referee Youth/Prep Basketball Referee Official 2 Adult Football Referee 6 271 $ 40.00 Adult ... Special Certifications and Licenses refer to state, federal, or professional certifications or ...

City of Leesburg, FL

Recreation Staff

Leesburg, FL · On-site

... Referee Official 310/12U/14U/16U Softball Umpire7273 $ 50.00 Adult Basketball Referee Adult ... Special Certifications and Licenses refer to state, federal, or professional certifications or ...

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Professional Referee information

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Florida is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.99 and $16.54 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.

How much does a D1 ref get paid?

A Division 1 referee typically earns between $2,000 and $4,000 per game, depending on the league and level of competition. They often officiate multiple games per season and may need certification and experience to qualify for higher-paying assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professional Referee, and why are they important?

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 the highest paying referee job?

The highest paying referee jobs are often in professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League (NFL), NBA, or Major League Baseball (MLB), where referees can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, certification, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments, with some officials earning over $100,000 annually depending on the league and level of competition.

What are Professional Referees?

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 much money do pro refs make?

Professional referees' earnings vary depending on the sport, level of competition, and experience. For example, top-tier referees in major leagues can earn from several thousand to over fifty thousand dollars per season, often supplemented by game fees, stipends, or per-match payments. Many referees also need certifications and must stay current with training requirements.

How can I become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, you typically need to complete specific training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate strong knowledge of the rules and good decision-making skills. Some leagues or organizations may require background checks and physical fitness assessments. Progression often involves advancing through different levels of officiating before reaching professional status.
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Professional Referee job openings:
Professional Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,536 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Referee - Brown Family YMCA

YMCA OF FLORIDA'S FIRST COAST

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • On-site

$14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Description
Essential Functions:
  1. Represents the YMCA and maintains appropriate relationships with members, parents and youth.
  2. Begins each game with a prayer and/or devotion and ensures game conducted reflects YMCA values.
  3. Diffuses conflict situations involving players, fans, or captains.
  4. Communicates any inappropriate behavior to Sports Coordinator/Director.
  5. Enforces rules for particular sport and YMCA Sports philosophy.
  6. Serves as a positive role model.
  7. Has knowledge of emergency and safety procedures.
  8. Attends all YMCA required trainings and meetings.
  9. Represents the YMCA and maintains appropriate dress code.
  10. Gathers all equipment, supplies, and materials for games, setting up before game and cleaning up after conclusion.
  11. Monitors gym or fields during practices and reports any negative behavior to proper channels.

NOTE: This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
YMCA Competencies (Leader):
Inclusion: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
Relationships: Builds rapport and relates well to others.
Communication: Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively.
Decision-Making: Makes sound judgments; and transfers learning from one situation to another.
Emotional Maturity: Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships.
Qualifications:
Referee 1 Referee for sports involving youth ages 2-8 years old, no experience required, must be over the age of 16.
Referee 2 Referee for sports involving youth ages 9-17 years old, 2+ years of experience, must be over the age of 16 and/or certification from governing body or prior Y e e experience
Referee 3 Referee for sports involving youth/adult competitive games, must be over the age of 18, with 3-5 years' experience and certification.
  1. Must present a professional, mature image, and have excellent interpersonal communication skills.
  2. Must possess conflict resolution skills and good judgment in identifying potentially risky situations involving members and participants.
  3. Completion of YMCA program-specific certifications.
  4. We will train you to enforce official league rules and on the YMCA philosophy during all scheduled athletic activities.
  5. Pay is determined by experience.
  6. Must pass Level 2 Background Screening. Level 2 is a fingerprint check of state and federal criminal history information conducted through the Florida Department of law Enforcement (FDLE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). https://info.flclearinghouse.com

Physical Demands:
Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.
al functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.

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