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Professional Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4018)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4125)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Referee (4135)

Gardena, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4132)

Hollywood, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4137)

Montebello, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4142)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

$18.47 - $19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4141)

Maywood, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4123)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

POSITION SUMMARY A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a ... Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure * Availability on weekends and evenings for ...

Sofive

Sports Associate Referee

Covina, CA · On-site

$20/hr

We value reliability and professionalism in our partnerships with businesses and team members. And ... Position: Sport Associate Soccer Referee Job Overview: Join our dynamic team at Sofive Soccer ...

City of O'Fallon

PT Volleyball Referee

O Fallon, MO

This position involves refereeing league matches for 1-6 hours per week Wednesday and Thursday ... Comfortable engaging with parents, coaches, and players in a professional and approachable manner.

City of O'Fallon

PT Volleyball Referee

O Fallon, MO · On-site

$17/hr

This position involves refereeing league matches for 1-6 hours per week Wednesday and Thursday ... Comfortable engaging with parents, coaches, and players in a professional and approachable manner.

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Professional Referee information

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How much do professional referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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.

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 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
Infographic showing various Professional Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Referee (4018)

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$18.47/hr

Part-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a variety of sports programs for youth up to age 9, including for our Jr. Clippers basketball program. It is the role of the referee to create a safe, enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment that welcomes people of all skill and activity levels and to provide a quality experience to participants and families. Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Officiates games in accordance with YMCA rules and guidelines.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.
  • Develop positive relationships with participants, parents, spectators, employees, and vendors
  • Sets up and takes down equipment.
  • Report any equipment needs or equipment safety issues, as needed.
  • Monitor team sports at the YMCA or off-site locations.
  • Teach game strategies, techniques and rules to youth and adults.
  • Assume responsibility for interpreting the rules and policies the game to the sport participants.
  • Organize and manage sport set up, clean up and participate in activities necessary to deliver a quality sports experience.
  • Adjust and operate all sports equipment as applicable including but not limited to baskets, goals, scoreboards, sound systems and any other operation that will contribute to the success of the sports game and league.
  • Contributes to a superior work culture through participation in training and staff meetings to develop leadership, management and technical skills related to sports.
  • Stay current with applicable sport rules, trends and regulations.
  • Show enthusiasm about officiating and teaching the knowledge of the game.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings, as required.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
  • Demonstrate the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility when working with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
  • Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop, in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
  • All other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
The Y's Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of Cause-Driven Leadership:
  • Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
    • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
  • Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y's cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
    • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & Inclusion
  • Leading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
    • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project Management
  • Developing & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y's cause, sustain the Y's culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
    • Competencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others

While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position:
  • Engaging Community
  • Communication & Influence
  • Inclusion
  • Emotional Maturity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • AGE: Must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 must be able to obtain a valid work permit or documentation of a high school degree or equivalent.
  • SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
    • Passion for youth sports and commitment to positive youth development
    • Familiarity with basketball rules and officiating standards (training provided)
    • Strong communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
    • Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
    • Availability on weekends and evenings for scheduled league games. Additional hours may be available during school breaks and seasonal programs.
    • Candidates who participated in the YMCA Referee Academy will be strongly considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • This role may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • This role may be performed in loud environments.
  • Must be able to move into various positions and locations to observe the players, plays and playing courts/fields.
  • Be able to observe participant and spectator behavior and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and/or improper behavior.

Req #4018

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