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Professional Referee Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Sports Coach

Hobart, 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 ...

Showing results 21-30

Professional Referee information

See Indiana salary details

$5

$19

$55

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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.

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 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:
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,430 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

$12/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Pay starts at $12.00 per hour and up based on experience

Coach the game, inspire teamwork, and help young athletes score big on and off the field as a Soccer Coach!

POSITION SUMMARY: This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Under the direction of the Sports Leadership the Sports Coach I is responsible for providing a safe and positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals through monitoring youth sports activity, ensuring all rules are followed, and games are played fairly. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Provide a safe and welcoming environment to members, participants, and guests by monitoring the designated sports areas and ensuring all are following sports rules and policies.
  2. Enforce member expectations which include but not limited to using appropriate language and actions towards others.
  3. Foster strong sportsmanship behaviors to create a healthy experience for athletics and teamwork.
  4. Manage sports games in an organized and efficient manner to support safe play through appropriate gym set up, preservation of gym equipment, and accurately keeping score via scoreboard and stats.
  5. Ability to coach fundamentals, clinic, and referee recreational leagues up to 3rd grade.
  6. Facilitate/lead sports discussion with coaches/captains before the game and huddles after the game.
  7. Evaluate equipment and report any need to fix or replace items used. 
  8. Clean the general area of program space to ensure a great member experience.
  9. Attends and participates in other YMCA program activities, trainings, and staff meetings as assigned.
  10. Follows YMCA policies and procedures; responds to emergency situations as outlined in emergency procedures.
  11. Assist in YMCA fundraising activities and special events as designated by the Branch Executive Director.
  12. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  1. Minimum age 16 required.
  2. Minimum of one season of sports experience required.
  3. Have a general understanding of sports and have a strong interest in working with individuals of all ages.  Relevant knowledge and understanding of rules/game play of one or more sports.
  4. Certifications required within 30 days of hire: CPR/AED & First Aid, New Leader Orientation and online training required.
  5. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  6. Ability to relate and communicate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  7. Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedures, manuals, and other documents.
  8. Must have a passion for learning, working with youth/families, and sports in general.
  9. Desire and ability to work with people of all ages and backgrounds.
  10. Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings, weekend, and holidays.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Leader):

The National YMCA Mission:

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Y’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Operational Effectiveness: Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.

Personal Growth: Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths, and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Visual, auditory, and verbal ability to communicate effectively.
  • Must have a high level of alertness, concentration, and initiative.
  • Sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform job responsibilities.
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs. and stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; occasionally stoop/bend.
  • Maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.
  • Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out essential duties.
  • Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to game situations and the physical ability to act swiftly in the event of an emergency.  
  • Must demonstrate initiative and sound judgment