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Professional Referee Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Contract Referee

Marietta, GA · On-site

The Contract Referee will be responsible for signing an independent contractor agreement ... Exemplify and accept YMCA values, ideals, leadership qualities, and professional image. * Must ...

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Contract Referee

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

The Contract Referee will be responsible for signing an independent contractor agreement ... Exemplify and accept YMCA values, ideals, leadership qualities, and professional image. * Must ...

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Contract Referee

Covington, GA · On-site

The Contract Referee will be responsible for signing an independent contractor agreement ... Exemplify and accept YMCA values, ideals, leadership qualities, and professional image. * Must ...

YMCA OF METRO ATLANTA

Staff Referee

Newnan, GA · On-site

Under the supervision and guidance of the Sports Director or Coordinator, the Staff Referee is ... Exemplify and accept YMCA values, ideals, leadership qualities, and professional image * Must ...

YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta

Staff Referee

Newnan, GA · On-site

Under the supervision and guidance of the Sports Director or Coordinator, the Staff Referee is ... Exemplify and accept YMCA values, ideals, leadership qualities, and professional image * Must ...

TOCA Football

Soccer Leagues Referee

Loganville, GA

Soccer Leagues Match Captain (Referee) Location: Loganville, GA Report To: Leagues Manager or ... Serve as a welcoming and professional presence on the field * Address player questions or concerns ...

TOCA Football

Soccer Leagues Referee

Loganville, GA · On-site

Soccer Leagues Match Captain (Referee) Location: Loganville, GA Report To: Leagues Manager or ... Serve as a welcoming and professional presence on the field * Address player questions or concerns ...

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All JobsProfessional Referee JobsProfessional Referee Jobs in Georgia

Professional Referee information

See Georgia salary details

$5

$17

$49

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Georgia is $17.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.14 and $18.65 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 Georgia? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Professional Referee job openings:
Professional Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,764 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Kid's Sports Program Referee

i9 Sports SW Atlanta

East Point, GA

$80 - $120/day

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
We are seeking a reliable and energetic Referee to join our i9 Sports team! As a Referee with i9 Sports, you will work Saturdays Only, your job is to provide a safe, fun, and friendly environment for league participants. You will manage the team rosters and enforce safe play. Referees should assure great sportsmanship and fair play. Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations. Great for a weekend job to help the community!

Responsibilities 
  • Welcome teams onto the field
  • Keep everything positive! In order to change a negative behavior, you have to first set the example by staying friendly and positive at all times
  • Maintain a clean and organized playing area
  • Follow all safety and game rules and regulations
  • Provide professional and consistent game time management skills
  • Enforce games beginning and ending times as we want to ensure effective use of playing time
  • Create a positive and age appropriate environments for players
  • Remain courteous and professional at all times
  •  Understand the rules, knowing and implementing the rules is an easy yet essential part of being a great official
Qualifications
  • Prior experience as a referee or official is preferred but not mandatory
  • Works great with children
  • Ability to remain calm even in stressful situations
  • Hard worker and even harder team player
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to speak clearly with players, spectators, coaches, and parents
  • Able to follow all health and safety guidelines and ensure the safety of program participants at all times
  • Positive and encouraging attitude
  • Able to work on your feet for extended periods
  • Previous sports playing, reffing or coaching experience