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Referee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Referee (4133)

Torrance, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

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 ...

REFEREE - BASKETBALL

Ventura, CA

$17.51 - $19.50/hr

  • Retirement

Referee youth sports games to enforce rules, sportsmanship, and safety * Teach age-appropriate basic rules during the game * Develop player's through teaching moments during the games * Start all ...

Referee (4140)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

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 ...

Referee (4135)

Gardena, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

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 ...

Position: Sport Associate Soccer Referee Job Overview: Join our dynamic team at Sofive Soccer Centers as a Sport Associate Soccer Referee. In this role, you will officiate in our leagues and ...

Referee (4136)

San Pedro, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

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 ...

Referee (4138)

Sierra Madre, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

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 ...

SOCCER REFEREE

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Referee youth sports games to enforce rules, sportsmanship, and safety * Teach age-appropriate basic rules during the game * Develop player's through teaching moments during the games * Start all ...

Referee Official

Oroville, CA

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The referee is in charge of the safety of the players on the field or court. Officiates at games aacording to league and YMCA guidelines. * Actively participate in official's meetings and trainings ...

Showing results 21-40

Referee information

See California salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in California is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a referee?

A referee is an official who monitors a sport, such as football games, on the field of play to enforce rules, determine scores, and ensure fair play. Referees can be found at all levels of competition, beginning at the youth recreational level all the way up to the college and professional leagues. As a referee, your job duties also include monitoring player safety, assessing penalties for rules infractions, and keeping up with the amount of game time left to play in the match. You often work with a team of other officials to cover the entire field of play.

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

To thrive as a Referee, you need a deep understanding of the sport’s rules, quick decision-making abilities, and often certification from a recognized officiating body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, video review technology, and communication devices is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, assertiveness, and composure under pressure help referees manage players, coaches, and high-stakes situations. These competencies are crucial for ensuring fair play, maintaining order, and upholding the integrity of the game.

What are some common challenges referees face during high-stakes games, and how can they handle them effectively?

Referees often encounter intense pressure during high-stakes games, including dealing with passionate players, coaches, and fans, as well as making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome. Maintaining composure and clear communication is essential to manage on-field conflicts and ensure fair play. Referees can handle these challenges by staying up-to-date with rule changes, participating in regular training, and developing strong conflict resolution skills. Building rapport with teams and relying on support from officiating colleagues also helps manage stressful situations more effectively.

What is the difference between Referee vs Umpire?

AspectRefereeUmpire
CredentialsOften requires certification or training specific to the sportTypically requires sport-specific training and certification
Work EnvironmentOn-field, active participation in sports eventsOn-field or behind-the-scenes, depending on sport
Industry UsageCommonly used in sports like soccer, basketball, and hockeyUsed in sports like baseball, cricket, and tennis
Search & ComparisonOften searched by those interested in sports officiating rolesCompared for different sports officiating roles

While both referees and umpires officiate sports, referees generally oversee the entire game and make final decisions, whereas umpires focus on specific aspects or areas of play. Understanding these differences helps clarify job roles in various sports industries.

Are referees in high demand?

Referees are generally in steady demand, especially in sports leagues, schools, and recreational organizations. Opportunities can vary based on the sport, level of competition, and region, with certifications often required to qualify for paid positions.

Can you make a living being a referee?

Referees can make a living depending on the level of competition, experience, and the sport. Professional referees in major leagues or tournaments often earn a full-time income, while amateur or youth referees typically supplement their income with other jobs. Certification and consistent scheduling are important for career advancement and earning potential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in California?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Referee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Referee job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in CA?

For Referee jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Referee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Full Time, 70% Part Time, 15% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,969 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

$18.47 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago


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#4142