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Professional Sports Referee Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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

Soccer Official

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports ® is the ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports ® is the ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports ® is the ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

Soccer Official

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$12 - $15/hr

Online training opportunities Company Overview Founded in Tampa, Florida, i9 Sports ® is the ... Positive attitude and a strong ability to build professional relationships * Ability to work a ...

Professional Sports Referee information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do professional sports referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for professional sports 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 are some of the biggest challenges a professional sports referee faces during games, and how can they be managed?

Professional Sports Referees often face intense pressure to make quick, accurate decisions in fast-paced and emotionally charged environments. Managing conflict with players, coaches, and fans requires excellent communication and impartiality. Staying physically fit, keeping up with evolving rules, and participating in regular training sessions help referees perform at their best. Building resilience and a strong support network among fellow officials is also key to handling the stress and scrutiny that come with the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional sports referee?

To thrive as a Professional Sports Referee, you need a deep understanding of the sport's rules, strong observational skills, and often formal certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with video review systems, timekeeping devices, and communication headsets is typically required. Excellent decision-making, impartiality, and clear communication allow referees to maintain control and fairness during high-pressure games. These skills are vital to ensure the integrity of the sport, player safety, and the smooth flow of competitions.

How do I become a professional sports referee?

To become a professional sports referee, you typically need to complete training and certification through a recognized sports governing body, gain experience officiating at lower levels, and demonstrate knowledge of the rules and good judgment. Many referees also pursue ongoing education and physical fitness requirements to advance to higher levels of competition.

What is the difference between Professional Sports Referee vs Umpire?

AspectProfessional Sports RefereeUmpire
CertificationsSports-specific referee certificationsUmpire certifications, often sport-specific
Work EnvironmentStadiums, arenas, sports fieldsField, court, or pitch during games
Industry UsageMajor sports leagues (football, basketball, soccer)Baseball, cricket, tennis, and other sports
Job RoleEnforce rules, make calls, ensure fair playMake calls related to plays, outs, or faults

While both Professional Sports Referees and Umpires enforce game rules and ensure fair play, referees typically oversee sports like football and basketball, whereas umpires are common in baseball, cricket, and tennis. Both roles require sport-specific certifications and are essential for maintaining the integrity of the game.

What is a professional sports referee?

Professional sports referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining fair play during sporting events. They make decisions on infractions, monitor gameplay, and ensure the safety of the participants. Referees must have a thorough understanding of the sport’s rules, strong communication skills, and the ability to make quick, impartial judgments under pressure. Their presence is essential to uphold the integrity and flow of professional sports competitions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Sports Referee jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Sports Referee jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Professional Sports Referee job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,324 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Sports Coordinator - Youth Soccer | A.E. Finley YMCA

YMCA of the Triangle

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$13.75 - $17.75/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


YMCA Of The Triangle rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 767 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Sports Director, the Sports Coordinator is responsible for the assistance of their assigned branch's sports programs. They will help plan, organize, and assist in all aspects of the programs. They have the responsibility for all aspects of the programs when the Sports Director is unavailable.

The duties of the Sports Coordinator may include logistics of preparing for practices and games and the start of each sports season. This position may also require some coaching within our programs.

They are responsible for managing these functions in accordance with the stated mission, goals, and policies established by the administrative staff, governing committees, and Board of Directors of the YMCA.

Job Schedule:

Monday-Thursday

5 - 8 p.m.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Contributes to and supervise the fulfillment of the YMCA mission
  • Ensure that all programs are safe and maintains the highest safety standards at all times
  • Provides consistent feedback and communication to the Sports Director about the program.
  • Understands and implements all rules and policies of sports.
  • Serves as league ambassador and substitute referee on all game days.
  • Communicates effectively with all coaches, parents, directors, and players.
  • Assists in the scheduling, team-building and organization of the league or site
  • Maintains strong, positive relationship with staff, participants, parents, coaches, and off-site faculty
  • Serves as site director for games and practices as necessary (weeknights and Saturdays are a requirement)
  • Acts as staff member in charge when the Sports Director is not present
  • Ensures that the referees are performing to standards and expectations set forth; including training, coaching, and supervising
  • Ensures that sports facilities are ready for programs and returned the same high standard at the end of practices/games
  • Attend program meetings and events
  • Other duties deemed appropriate by the Sports Director
  • Models relationship-building skills in all interactions. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with community organizations. Maintains regular, clear, and concise communication within area of responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School Graduate or GED required with at least 2 years previous supervisory experience preferred.
  • General sports knowledge is a must, experience playing and/or coaching sports teams is highly desired.
  • Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.
  • Must be professional, courteous and friendly, and have a high level of initiative.
  • Enthusiastic personality and ability to develop harmonious relationships with staff, parents, participants, and school faculty.
  • Strong communication, public speaking, and problem solving skills.
  • Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Must obtain Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen certifications through the YMCA upon hire.
  • Multi-lingual desired but not required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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.

  • Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  • Ability to communicate clearly through speech and understanding of the English language.
  • Ability to walk, run, stand, kneel, stoop, and manual dexterity and able to lift up to 40 pounds.
  • Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

What YMCA Of The Triangle employees say

Hours and flexibility

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