1

Professional Referee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work weekends (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks) * Must be able to pass a National Criminal ...

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work weekends (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks) * Must be able to pass a National Criminal ...

Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work weekends (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks) * Must be able to pass a National Criminal ...

Soccer Official

Springfield, VA ยท On-site

$15 - $25/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)

Serve as the primary on-field official/referee for youth soccer matches, ensuring fair play and adherence to league rules. * Maintain a professional, authoritative, yet approachable and unbiased ...

Showing results 41-60

Professional Referee information

See Virginia salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Virginia is $20.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $21.92 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Professional Referee job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,166 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Soccer Official Makiki

i9 Sports

Mattaponi, VA โ€ข On-site

$18/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Benefits/Perks
  • A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun!
  • Be a role model for athletes
  • Online training opportunities

Company Overview
i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics for kids ages 3-14 in today's most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. With our focus on fun, safety, convenience, and good sportsmanship, i9 Sports is reinventing the youth sports experience for families across the country. It's the way youth sports should be.
Job Summary
The Official is a critical role in any sports field; responsible for enforcing rules while also cultivating a positive culture, acting as an on-field coach, and advocating for the programs. This role has a direct impact on players, coaches, and spectators each and every game day.
Responsibilities
  • Understand & enforce the i9 Sports rules books ensuring a fun, learning, and safety for all players
  • Teach & demonstrate core concepts including Sportsmanship values
  • Keep time and score during the game; manage an age-appropriate level of instruction and competition
  • Consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and superior customer service skills

Qualifications
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Sport-specific officiating, playing, or coaching experience
  • Highly motivated self-starter; can work independently & solve problems
  • Awareness & ability to take charge of any situation to ensure the safety of players
  • Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships
  • Ability to work weekends (for the full duration of the season, ~7 weeks)
  • Must be able to pass a National Criminal Background Check
  • Season Dates July 11-Aug 22, Oct 24-Dec 5, Jan-Mar, Apr-June

Compensation: $18.00 per hour
With over 3.5 million registrations in communities across the country, i9 Sports is the nation's largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. We offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids ages 3 and up in today's most popular sports such as: flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse. To achieve our mission of helping kids succeed in life through sports, i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. We are committed to providing age-appropriate instruction, making sports fun for kids, and convenient for today's busy families. To us, it's The Way Youth Sports Should Be.
Each franchised location is independently owned and operated and is solely and exclusively responsible for determining local hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and other terms of employment.