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Professional Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Referee Company Overview The Olympic Peninsula YMCA is a non-profit organization that oversees Y ... Responsible for being prompt and professional during all games and program activities Interact with ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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:
Soccer Referee

$18.25 - $18.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Posting End Date:

Worker Sub-Type:

Seasonal (Seasonal)

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

0

Position Summary:

The summer seasonal Soccer Referee is responsible for officiating recreational youth soccer games, ensuring a safe, fair, and fun playing environment for all participants. Referees will enforce the rules of the game, manage the flow of play, and promote good sportsmanship among players, coaches, and spectators.

Hours will vary based on candidate availability, department needs, and weather.

Examples of Work Performed:

The following duties are typical of this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.

  • Officiate recreational youth soccer games according to league rules and guidelines.

  • Ensure the safety of all players by enforcing game rules and promoting sportsmanship.

  • Start and stop games on time and manage game flow to keep the schedule on track.

  • Communicate clearly and professionally with coaches, players, and spectators.

  • Resolve conflicts or disagreements on the field in a calm and fair manner.

  • Monitor player behavior to ensure a positive and respectful environment.

  • Report any incidents, injuries, or rule violations to the Field Supervisor or Program Director.

  • Assist with setting up and tearing down field equipment if needed.

Qualifications:

  • At least 14 years of age (or older depending on league policy). Work Permit required for 14 or 15 year olds.

  • Knowledge of soccer rules and game play.

  • Previous experience as a referee, player, or coach is preferred but not required.

  • Must be reliable, punctual, and professional in appearance and behavior.

  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of soccer rules and game play.

  • Ability to remain calm, confident, and impartial under pressure.

  • Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Compensation:

Starting hourly rate for Soccer Referee is $18.25 year one, $18.50 year two, and $18.75 year three. This is a seasonal position and there are no benefits.

Physical Requirements:

High Physical Requirements - Job requires significant physical exertion, with tasks that involve more active movement. This job may include standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, or engaging in manual labor.

All physical requirements are described with the intent to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job.

Selection Procedure:

The selection of the successful candidate may be made by assessment of education and work experience, oral interview, review of references, and/or other job-related selection procedures. Depending on position requirements, the selected candidate may be required to satisfactorily complete post-offer assessments, including but not limited to education verification, background checks, driver license verification, physical examination, psychological assessment, and drug screening paid for by the County.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Marathon County is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status.

Special Accommodations:


Marathon County will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Employee Resources Department office or phone (715) 261-1451 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.


Notice to Applicants:


Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations, and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the County not provide access to this information. If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Employee Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law