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Referee Umpire Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RECREATION WORKER I

Draper, UT · On-site

$11.92 - $19.88/hr

Official, referee, or umpire in basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer games for league or tournament play, and/or softball. * Scorekeeper in basketball, softball, baseball, and/or kickball.

Official, referee, or umpire in basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer games for league or tournament play, and/or softball. * Scorekeeper in basketball, softball, baseball, and/or kickball.

RECREATION WORKER I

Draper, UT · On-site

$11.92 - $19.88/hr

Official, referee, or umpire in basketball, baseball, flag football, soccer games for league or tournament play, and/or softball. * Scorekeeper in basketball, softball, baseball, and/or kickball.

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Referee Umpire information

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$6

$20

$58

How much do referee umpire jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee umpire 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.

Is being a ref a good side hustle?

Refereeing or umpiring can be a viable side hustle for those interested in sports, requiring knowledge of the game and sometimes certification. It offers flexible scheduling and pay per event or game, making it suitable for part-time work. However, income varies based on location, sport, and experience level.

How much do referees and umpires make?

Referees and umpires' earnings vary based on the sport, level of competition, and experience. For example, professional sports officials can earn from several thousand to over fifty thousand dollars annually, while youth or amateur officials typically earn less per game or event. Many officials also need certifications and may work part-time or on a seasonal basis.

What are some common challenges faced by Referee Umpires during matches, and how are they addressed?

Referee Umpires often encounter challenges such as making split-second decisions, managing disputes between players or teams, and maintaining authority under pressure. To address these challenges, they rely on thorough knowledge of the rules, strong communication skills, and the ability to stay impartial and calm in high-stress situations. Continuous training and experience help Referee Umpires build confidence and improve their decision-making, while many also participate in post-match reviews to learn and refine their officiating techniques.

Do refs actually get paid off?

Referees and umpires are typically paid for their officiating services, with pay rates varying based on the sport, level of competition, and event. While most are compensated through official channels, instances of corruption or bribery have occurred in some cases, but these are illegal and not representative of the profession. Professional officials often undergo background checks and adhere to strict codes of conduct to maintain integrity.

How much does a 14 year old referee get paid per?

A 14-year-old referee typically earns between $10 and $20 per game, depending on the sport, location, and level of competition. Payment rates can vary based on experience, certification, and the organization overseeing the matches.

What is the difference between Referee Umpire vs Coach?

AspectReferee UmpireCoach
CredentialsSport-specific officiating certificationsCoaching certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentSports fields, courts, or arenas during gamesTraining facilities, sidelines, or team offices
Industry UsageOfficially officiates games, enforces rulesDevelops players' skills, strategies

Referee Umpires and Coaches both work in sports but serve different roles. Referee Umpires officiate games, ensuring rules are followed, while Coaches focus on training and strategy development. Their credentials, work environments, and industry functions differ significantly, making each role essential for a successful sporting event.

What are Referee Umpires?

Referee umpires are officials who oversee sports games or competitions to ensure that rules are followed and fair play is maintained. They make important decisions such as calling fouls, scoring, and handling disputes between players or teams. Referee umpires are essential in maintaining the integrity of the game, and they often require thorough knowledge of the sport's rules, strong observational skills, and the ability to remain impartial under pressure. Their presence helps promote a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Referee Umpire, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Referee Umpire, you need a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s rules, strong decision-making skills, and usually official certification from a sports governing body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, instant replay technology, and communication equipment is often required. Exceptional focus, impartiality, and clear verbal communication help referees manage games and handle disputes effectively. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring fair play, maintaining control, and upholding the integrity of the competition.
More about Referee Umpire jobs
What cities are hiring for Referee Umpire jobs? Cities with the most Referee Umpire job openings:
What states have the most Referee Umpire jobs? States with the most job openings for Referee Umpire jobs include:
Infographic showing various Referee Umpire job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Athletics Official - Adult

Athletics Official - Adult

Town of Castle Rock, CO

Castle Rock, CO • On-site

$41K - $57K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

This posting will remain open continuously until filled.

The Town of Castle Rock’s future and the quality of that depend on the choices we make today. Do you want to be part of a team that make decisions that work now while preserving and protecting Castle Rock’s identity and quality of life for the future? We value teamworkcooperation, and quality communication. We strive to provide exceptional public service to our customers and encourage creativity and innovation. We welcome all that share those values to apply. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Officiate adult sports games, including but not limited to, basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, or flag football. Ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of game rules.
  • Monitor the conduct of players, coaches, and spectators to promote sportsmanship and prevent disruptive behavior.
  • Make quick, accurate decisions regarding penalties, fouls, and rule violations.
  • Maintain a professional and neutral demeanor at all times, even in the face of challenging situations or disputes. Responsible for reporting issues, disputes and escalate them as needed.
  • Communicate effectively with players, coaches, and other officials to ensure smooth game progression.
  • Ensure all games are played according to the league or event guidelines, including time limits and game protocols.
  • Keep accurate records of game scores, penalties, and incidents.
  • Inspect game equipment (e.g., balls, uniforms, goals) to ensure compliance with league standards and safety regulations. Ensuring equipment is safe to utilize during sporting events.
  • Attend required training sessions and meetings to stay current with rule changes and improve officiating skills.
  • Report any safety hazards, equipment issues, and/or participant concerns to the appropriate authorities or event coordinators.
  • Collaborate with other officials to ensure consistency and fairness during multi-official games.
  • Uphold integrity and professionalism of the adult sports programs by providing a positive experience for all participants. 
  • May be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the schedule of games and events.
  • Performs duties of Scorekeeper as needed.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Minimum Qualifications:

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.


Age Requirement:  Must be at least 18 years of age or older

Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Experience: Previous experience and/or training as an adult sports official, referee, or umpire is preferred
Licenses and/or Certifications: 

  • A valid Driver's License is required
  • CPR and First Aid Certification are required (these certifications can be obtained through the Recreation department) 
  • Officiating and/or Referee Certifications are preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge of athletic/sports official rules and sports terminology
  • Knowledge of sports rules and regulations for various age groups
  • Skill in operating a computer terminal, custodial tools, score boards, and sports equipment
  • Skill in interacting with coworkers, spectators, coaches, and activity participants
  • Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as tournament/league schedules, official rule books, Town Code of Ordinances, ACEP Volunteer Instruction Guide
  • Ability to read field and facility diagrams and dimensions
  • Strong knowledge of the rules and regulations for the assigned sport(s)

  • Ability to make quick and fair decisions in a fast-paced environment

  • Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills

  • Ability to work independently or with a team and remain focused during games and/or events

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a safe and positive environment for participants

  • Ability to remain alert and focused during the duration of events for an extended period of time

  

Physical Demands:

  • Moderate to heavy physical work to include lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 50 pounds 
  • Ability to exert heavy physical effort and frequent performance of activities requiring a full range of body movement including climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling/bending, crouching, crawling, and/or twisting  
  • Frequent hand/eye coordination to operate tools and electrical equipment as well as for driving equipment and vehicles
  • Vision for reading, recording and interpreting information
  • Speech communication and hearing to maintain communication with employees and citizens
  • Ability to physically access a variety of event sites and other town facilities.

Work Environment: 

  • Works both indoors and out, with exposure to all weather conditions.

Equipment Used:

  • This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment

Must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check prior to commencing employment.

The Town of Castle Rock is an Equal Opportunity Employer.