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Professional Referee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Referee

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Job Summary The referee is responsible for providing a superior i9 Sports Experience, enforcing the ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

NCFC Youth

Part-Time - Goalkeeper Coach NCFC Youth

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

In collaboration with the professional North Carolina Football Club, home to NC Courage (NWSL) and ... referees, and other staff. · Excellent communication skills, organization and computer skills. · ...

i9 Sports

i9 Sports Game Day Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Manage and coordinate game-day staff, including referees and site managers * Ensure all staff ... Reliable, punctual, and professional * Positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills

i9 Sports

i9 Sports Game Day Manager

Cary, NC · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Manage and coordinate game-day staff, including referees and site managers * Ensure all staff ... Reliable, punctual, and professional * Positive attitude and strong problem-solving skills

i9 Sports

Site Manager

Wake Forest, NC · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

... referees. This individual must be high-energy, organized, and have strong problem-solving skills ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

i9 Sports

Soccer Official

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12 - $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)

i9 Sports

Soccer Official - Guilford College

Cary, NC · On-site

$12 - $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)

i9 Sports

Soccer Official

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12 - $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)

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All JobsProfessional Referee JobsProfessional Referee Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Professional Referee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in Raleigh, NC is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.68 and $21.49 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 Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Professional Referee jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Professional Referee job openings:

Professional Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, and 78% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,324 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Youth Sports Referee

i9 Sports

Wake Forest, NC • On-site

$13 - $15/hr

Part-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development
  • Flexible schedule

Benefits/Perks
  • A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun!
  • Build leadership skills and gain management experience
  • Online training opportunities
  • Weekends Only (Saturday and/or Sunday)

Company Overview
Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports® is the nation's first and largest youth sports league franchise business in the United States with over 1 million registrations in more than 500 communities from New York to Hawaii. Established in 2003 by Frank Fiume on the principle that the number one reason kids play organized sports is to have fun, not to become the next draft pick. i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues (coed & all-girls), camps, and training sessions for kids ages 3-15 in today's most popular sports such as flag football, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball/softball. 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. What does your company do?
Job Summary
The referee is responsible for providing a superior i9 Sports Experience, enforcing the i9 Sports rulebook during games, keeping kids safe, and being a positive role model for all i9 Sports participants. This individual must be high-energy and have strong communication skills. Ideal candidates will have basic background knowledge of sports, experience working with kids, and a desire to always learn and improve. We are a customer service-oriented company, so those who have had experience "Wowing" customers have a leg up on the competition. We hire referees for flag football, soccer, basketball, and volleyball, with the preference of candidates being comfortable with 2 or more of the listed sports. Online rulebook training and in-person on-field/court training are provided.
Responsibilities
  • Know and master the i9 Sports rulebook for the sport(s) that you ref
  • Arrive on time to each scheduled shift
  • Communicate important game-related information with coaches and players
  • Act as an on-field/court coach to players who commit fouls/penalties
  • Hustle up and down the field/court during games to make the best calls possible

Qualifications
  • Age 16+
  • No prior refereeing experience is required, but having a basic knowledge of sports is preferred
  • Have reliable transportation to and from work
  • Excellent communication skills, especially when dealing with adults
  • 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 a varied work schedule including weekends (for the full duration of the season, 6-7 weeks)
  • Must be able to pass a National Criminal Background Check

Compensation: $13.00 - $15.00 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.

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