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Professional Referee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Soccer Official

Fishers, IN · On-site

$15/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)

Ability to coach fundamentals, clinics, 1-on-1 trainings, small group trainings, and referee ... Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times. * Sufficient physical strength and ...

Soccer Coach I

Hammond, IN · On-site

$12/hr

Ability to coach fundamentals, clinic, and referee recreational leagues up to 3rd grade ... Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times. * Sufficient physical strength and ...

Soccer Coach II

Crown Point, IN · On-site

$13.25/hr

Ability to coach fundamentals, clinics, 1-on-1 trainings, small group trainings, and referee ... Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times. * Position may require bending, leaning ...

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Professional Referee information

See Indiana salary details

$5

$19

$55

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Indiana is $19.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.44 and $21.06 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.

Do refs actually get paid off?

Professional referees are paid for their officiating services, with compensation varying by sport, level, and event. Payments can include per-game fees, stipends, or salaries, and referees often need certification and training to qualify. Ethical standards prohibit accepting bribes or payoffs in official roles.

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 typically at the professional or elite level, such as top-tier sports leagues or international competitions, where referees can earn six-figure salaries or substantial per-game fees. These roles often require extensive experience, certifications, and the ability to officiate high-stakes events. Salary varies based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location.

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 sports leagues can earn from several thousand to over fifty thousand dollars per season, often supplemented by per-game fees and benefits. Many referees also need certifications and must pass physical tests to maintain their positions.

How can I become a professional referee?

To become a professional referee, you typically need to complete relevant 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. Continuous education and staying updated on rule changes are also important for advancement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Professor of Practice in International Affairs

Indiana University Academic Positions

Bloomington, IN

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Position Details
Title Professor of Practice in International Affairs Appointment Status Non-Tenure Track Department IU Bloomington International Studies Location Bloomington Position Summary
Indiana University's Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies invites applications for a position of Professor of Practice in International Affairs. We welcome applications from candidates with professional expertise in the area of finance and development. Successful candidates should be able to teach in the areas of development implementation and the finance of development. They must demonstrate professional excellence and leadership, normally through distinguished service in senior-level positions over an extended period of time. Successful candidates also must exhibit a commitment to public policy education as a means to develop leaders in international affairs and the interest and ability to teach, mentor and advise students on professional issues and engage with academic researchers effectively.
The Professor of Practice will teach undergraduate and graduate courses (two per semester), hold regular office hours, lead relevant programmatic activities, engage with relevant communities of practice, and participate actively in the governance of the Hamilton Lugar School, including through service on relevant faculty committees. The Professor of Practice will also contribute to the School's output and visibility by engaging with the media, sharing insights at relevant off-campus forums, and publishing occasional written analyses such as op-eds or policy papers. A graduate degree in a field related to international affairs is preferred, and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required.
This position will entail an initial three-year appointment, with annual renewals through the seventh year, with long-term contracts of five years to follow a successful long-term appointment review. This role can begin as early as August 2026.
The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies houses the Department of International Studies and three preeminent area studies departments: East Asian Languages and Cultures, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Central Eurasian Studies. A long-standing leader in language and cultural studies in the Midwest, it also houses three federally funded language flagship programs (Arabic, Chinese, and Russian), and fifteen additional research and teaching centers and programs including: the IU African Studies Program, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Center for the Study of the Middle East, Inner Asian and Uralic National Resource Center, Robert F. Byrnes Russian and East European Institute) and others.
The School's central mission is to combine deep area expertise with rigorous, multidisciplinary instruction of international affairs and global cultural studies.
Bloomington, Indiana is a college town in south central Indiana, roughly one hour to the award-winning Indianapolis Airport and ninety minutes to Louisville, KY. Bloomington offers many amenities including a relatively low cost of living, short commute times, excellent public schools, diverse dining options, and easy access to state parks and national forests. IU Bloomington is home to the Jacobs School of Music, and the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture, and Design, as well as a vibrant local music, comedy, and theater scene provide access to substantial affordable artistic programming.
Required Application Materials:

Candidates should submit the following materials:
a detailed curriculum vitae;
a cover letter or personal statement outlining relevant professional experience, experience with or philosophy of teaching, interest in the position;
a list of at least three people whom we may contact for references if the candidate proceeds to become a finalist for the position.
a sample syllabus (of an undergraduate course on development finance)
We also encourage applicants to submit one or more written works that demonstrate their writing and analysis, as well as sample teaching materials and student evaluations from courses that the applicant has taught (if applicable).
Applicant referees will receive an email link to submit their letters of reference directly to the search committee through the PeopleAdmin interface.
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services, and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information
Basic Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent terminal degree in international affairs, economics, finance, international development, or a related field, and at least 10 years of professional experience.
Department Contact for Questions
For questions regarding the Department of International Studies, please contact Professor Sarah Bauerle Danzman, search committee chair, at sbauerle@iu.edu or visit the departmental website at internationalstudies.indiana.edu. For questions regarding the application submission process, please contact Mr. Zac Muller, Assistant Director of Faculty Relations, Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, at zmuller@iu.edu.
Application materials may be submitted via the PeopleAdmin applicant portal at:
https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/31159
Additional Qualifications
Applicants possessing doctoral degrees or other terminal academic credentials in the aforementioned fields adjacent to and including international affairs are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary and Rank Special Instructions
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with all materials submitted by January 26, 2026 being guaranteed full consideration by the search committee. The committee will begin evaluating applications after January 26, 2026.
For Best Consideration Date 01/26/2026 Expected Start Date 08/01/2026 Posting Number IU-101422-2025