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Referee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Starting at $27.00/hour Certified Referee: Starting at $38.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 ...

Starting at $27.00/hour Certified Referee: Starting at $38.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 ...

Certified Adult Volleyball Referee: Starting at $22.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time ...

City of Durango Parks and Recreation is hiring Youth Soccer Referees. We're looking for reliable individuals who value fair play and can provide clear, patient guidance for young athletes. Whether ...

Description As an Adult Basketball Referee, you'll manage game action, enforce rules, call fouls and violations, and promote good sportsmanship on the court. The City of Durango is hiring both ...

Starting at $18.00/hour Certified Adult Volleyball Referee: Starting at $22.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 ...

Starting at $18.00/hour Certified Referee: Starting at $21.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 ...

League Host/Referee responsibilities include, but not limited to: * Update league scores in our host app * Encourage and maintain a quality experience throughout the league * Must be available at ...

One (1) year of previous referee, playing, or coaching experience is preferred. * Understands how the game is played including the principles, practice, and techniques used in recreational sporting ...

REFEREE, STUDENT

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.51/hr

Serves as a referee for the Extended Learning Elementary School Athletics program. What DPS Offers You: * A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared ...

REFEREE, STUDENT

Denver, CO · On-site

$20.51/hr

Serves as a referee for the Extended Learning Elementary School Athletics program. What DPS Offers You: * A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared ...

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Referee information

See Colorado salary details

$6

$22

$61

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Colorado is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $23.27 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Colorado are:

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

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

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Referee jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Referee job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, and 42% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,782 per year, or $22 per hour.

Adult Soccer Referee

City of Durango

Durango, CO • On-site

$27/hr

Part-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Description City of Durango Parks and Recreation is hiring Adult Soccer Referees to officiate league and tournament play. In this role, you'll apply your knowledge of soccer rules, make consistent decisions, and help create a safe, organized playing environment for adult athletes. The City of Durango is hiring both certified and non-certified referees.

Non-Certified Referee: Starting at $27.00/hour Certified Referee: Starting at $38.00/hour City of Durango's Trail to Excellence The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community

This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city's mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city's vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city's strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because: Your ideas help shape citywide improvements. The work you do ties directly into measurable goals. You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing - and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve. Essential Job Duties What You'll Do in This Role: Officiate adult soccer games for league and tournament play, applying current rules and officiating practices consistently Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to work through all assigned game-day responsibilities Meet with team captains before games to review ground rules, unusual circumstances, and any facility or field conditions Inspect the playing area and equipment for safety concerns and report problems to the site supervisor or Recreation Supervisor Monitor player conduct and sportsmanship while maintaining a neutral and professional presence Make timely, impartial decisions throughout the game and communicate clearly with players, captains, and other officials Assist with field set-up and take-down as needed Attend preseason in-service training and stay current on soccer rules and officiating information Assist with game cancellations when necessary, including communicating concerns through appropriate staff Help maintain a safe environment for players, staff, and spectators and report significant issues to the site supervisor or Recreation Supervisor Return issued equipment and represent the City of Durango professionally and respectfully Minimum Qualifications You Have: Knowledge of soccer rules, gameplay, and officiating techniques Must be at least 18 years of age Previous officiating experience is preferred Soccer referee or official certification is preferred, but not required You Will Succeed in This Role If You: Remain impartial and consistent when making decisions during games Come prepared, arrive on time, and follow through on all assigned responsibilities Maintain strong awareness of player safety, field conditions, and game activity Work effectively with other officials and Parks and Recreation staff Supplemental Information What We Can Offer You: The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees. Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area Free Transit pass Eligibility to participate in the City's Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards View the full Adult Soccer Referee job description here.

Belong at the City of Durango: We believe in creating an inclusive workforce that welcomes diversity of thoughts, viewpoints, and experiences. The City of Durango is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis age 40 and over, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.

It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions are based on job-related factors. City of Durango's Indigenous Land Acknowledgement