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Professional Referee Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Duluth Area YMCA

Referee

Duluth, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Referee Job Status: Part Time FLSA Status: Non-exempt Reports To: Director of Healthy Living ... professionalism in executing tasks. * Understand and follow all safety rules and regulations ...

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Professional Referee information

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Minnesota is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $21.68 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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Professional Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,643 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Referee

Duluth Area YMCA

Duluth, MN • On-site

$25/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Job Title: Referee

Job Status: Part Time

FLSA Status: Non-exempt 

Reports To: Director of Healthy Living

Part-Time Benefits: 

  • Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
  • Paid time off (Accrue 1 hour of paid time off for every 30 hours worked)
  • Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
  • Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller 
  • Team member referral program
  • Employee engagement and appreciation activities
  • Employee assistance program
  • Growth and development opportunities
  • Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged

POSITION STATEMENT  

Under the direction of the Program Director and in accordance with the goals and objectives of the Lake Superior YMCA, a referee is responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of each child/adult enrolled in the sports programs. They will create a safe and positive environment that welcomes and respects all individuals while promoting and maintaining safe conditions in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.  

OUR CULTURE  

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

  • Model, teach, and incorporate the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.
  • Interact with participants in a positive manner at all times and get to know members on a first name basis. Develop meaningful relationships with youth, adults, and other YMCA Staff.
  • Maintain a friendly atmosphere and encourage good sportsmanship while supervising and reinforcing YMCA practices.
  • Do not accept gifts from parents, players, coaches, or volunteers. (unless leftover snacks)
  • Arrives at a time designated for preparation of sporting event, wearing staff attire to be easily identified by participants.
  • Provide customer service to fulfill the needs of the participants, coaches, parents, and volunteers as well as using teachable moments as often as possible during the course of the programming.
  • Be responsible for safety of the participants and never leave a program unsupervised. Complete and turn in all accident/incident reports immediately to your supervisor.
  • Set up and tear down the necessary sports equipment needed for the game while maintaining a clean and safe work site assisting the custodial staff as needed.
  • Provide an encouraging, organized, and quality environment for coaches, participants, volunteers, and parents.
  • Read, understand, and follow all rules, guidelines, and policies that have been developed for the YMCA league as well as enforce the rules using whistle and verbal communication.
  • Provide direct supervision to program participants at all times and ensure a safe environment. If a hazardous situation occurs, will act swiftly to correct the situation while demonstrating professionalism in executing tasks.
  • Understand and follow all safety rules and regulations including knowledge of emergency procedures and location of emergency equipment.
  • Attend all in-service trainings and staff meetings.

YMCA COMPETENCIES 

  • Values: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values  
  • Community: Desire to serve others and fulfill community needs  
  • Inclusion: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions  
  • Relationships: Build rapport and relate well with others  
  • Developing Others: Take the initiative to assist in developing others  
  • Decision-Making: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY 

This position will not have any supervisory roles. This position will follow federal and state Department of Labor Laws. This position will always be scheduled to work with a person over the age of 18. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment for this position may have high noise levels at times. This position could be outdoors or indoors. Outdoor weather elements may vary at times and walking conditions may be uneven.  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus 

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK  

This is a part time position. Hours will depend on the season and activity/league running at that time.    

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE 

  • Minimum age of 15 years old and enrolled in High School and working towards a diploma.
  • Knowledge of