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Professional Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Seattle, WA · On-site

Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports * Review game ... Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer

The Bay Club Company

Referee

WA · On-site

Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports * Review game ... Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer

Exos

Referee

Malvern, PA · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Redmond, WA · On-site

Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports * Review game ... Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer

Ripken Baseball, Inc.

Soccer Referee

Manteca, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Soccer Referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during matches in a fair, consistent, and professional manner. This role is located at our Big League Dreams Manteca location and ...

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

Career Site

Basketball Referee

Flemington, NJ

$18 - $22/hr

Basketball Referee Flemington, NJ | Fall Season, Part Time, Hourly | Wednesdays: 6pm -9pm ... Responsible for officiating 4v4 full-court adult basketball league games in a professional, fair ...

THE PLEX LLC

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

GOTO PLEX

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and ... Act professionally on and off the rink when engaging with customers. Required Skills/Abilities:

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX · On-site

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain ... Our professional athlete training programs propel elite athletes to new heights in the NFL combine ...

Career Search

Referee: Harris YMCA

Charlotte, NC

The Referee supports YMCA sports programs by officiating games, ensuring a positive and ... Maintain control of the game by managing participants, coaches, and spectators professionally.

HSP & Companies

SC Village Chino Referee

Chino, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Referee (Paintball and Airsoft Park) Location: SC Village Paintball and Airsoft Park Chino// 8900 ... Respond quickly and professionally to safety concerns or rule violations Game & Field Operations

Vetta Sports

Adult Soccer Referee

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

As a Vetta Referee, you will be responsible for officiating and controlling soccer games, ensuring ... and professional manner. * Customer Service: Utilize above-average customer service skills to ...

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Professional Referee information

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional referee in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 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 cities are hiring for Professional Referee jobs? Cities with the most Professional Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs? The most popular types of Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Professional Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Professional Referee jobs include:
Professional Referee jobs near you

Referee

The Bay Club Company

Seattle, WA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY
Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great customer experience while promoting sportsmanship and fair play, per indoor-specific soccer rules of play.
Alongside refereeing games, they also support League management and operations. They help ensure a smooth, successful soccer season while maintaining high standards in officiating, customer service, and staff development.
Our Culture
Our unique culture is at the heart of all we do and is guided by our values and behaviors. It's what we expect of ourselves and each other every day. We call it our "Code of Culture".
Our Code of Culture includes Our Mantra, Our Actions We Live By, and Pete's Promise:
Our Mantra:
Respect The Past
Accept Responsibility
Pay it Forward
Our Actions We Live By:
Actions We Live By. It's who we are when we step into our full power.
Keep It Real. Always. We need open and honest discussions. We need courage to speak up and to call things out that aren't good enough. And we navigate tough conversations with empathy and grace.
Think Ahead. Be An Owner. Always be proactive, not reactive; be on the front foot. If we want to be an owner of this business, we must act like it!
Stay Humble. Hustle Harder. Show up and do the hard workBe a gritty, roll-up-your-sleeves kind of crewKnow it's never about one person-we are a part of a powerful team.
One Team. One Voice. Be ONE united team. When we move in the same direction, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.
Be Curious. Ask Why. Stay member curiousWe seek to understand, and we never settle. We ask questions to truly understand the core of a matter.
Pete's Promise:
Service Forward
Ruthlessly Consistent
Do the Right Thing
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Manage games professionally and consistently to the standards of Arena Sports
  • Review game schedules and rosters for games
  • Identify players that need waivers or need to make payment for the league
  • Greet teams while entering the field
  • Referee games while assisting league players in understanding rules specific to indoor soccer
  • Provide an exceptional league experience for players and spectators
  • Communicate information to League Managers such as customer follow up, team payments, or foul play
  • Maintain a clean and organized field and player bench area
  • Perform other related duties as assigned by the Supervisor or Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
  • Problem Anticipation/ Deductive Reasoning - Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong and then apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems and considers the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Written Comprehension and Expression - Ability to read, understand and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
  • Oral Comprehension and Expression -Ability to understand and communicate so others can understand ideas and information.
  • Computer - Ability to develop and maintain computer records in Word, Excel and other software required by TBCC and regulatory agencies.

EXPERIENCE
  • Youth League Leads are professional, passionate about the game, reliable, able to communicate effectively with players, and can manage stressful situations.
  • Prior experience as a referee is not required (training provided).

WORKING CONDITIONS/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • This position deals with outside personnel such as residents and clients on a regular basis with contact in various forms such as in person, phone and email.
  • Extreme environmental conditions do not exist.
  • It is sometimes necessary to deal with unpleasant or angry people with the need to problem solve difficult situations.
  • It is necessary to adapt to a frequently changing environment.
  • Sitting and standing is as needed.

JOB DESCRIPTION REVISION
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with this job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. This job description replaces all previous descriptions for this position.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
The Bay Club Company ("TBCC") provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race (and all traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, creed (including, but not limited to, religious dress and grooming practices), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, and breastfeeding, and other related medical conditions), sexual orientation and identity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, actual or perceived national origin/ancestry, accent or ability to speak English, age, disability, marital/familial status, source of income, veteran status, citizenship status, political activities or affiliations, medical condition, genetic information, persons with AIDS or AIDS-related condition, or persons who are victims of domestic violence.

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