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Referee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

New Lenox Community Park District

Referee

New Lenox, IL · On-site

Position Type: Recreation/Referee Date Posted: 2/24/2021Hiring Range: $15.00/game For more information regarding Athletics positions, please contact Tammy McMahon via email at tmcmahon@newlenoxparks ...

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL

$21 - $31/hr

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the ...

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the ...

YMCA

Avery Flag Football Referee

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Seeking a dynamic and committed Youth Referee to supervise competitive and non-competitive activities and enforce the rules of various sports activities. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that ...

YMCA

Avery Soccer Referee

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Seeking a dynamic and committed Youth Referee to supervise competitive and non-competitive activities and enforce the rules of various sports activities. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that ...

WILMETTE PARK DISTRICT

Youth Soccer Referee

Wilmette, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Referees are paid on a per-game basis. This is a PT 3 position, with the benefits listed below SUPERVISORY DUTIES: * None ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Create a safe, engaging environment ...

Northbrook Park District

Referee

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Join the Northbrook Park District as a Referee and help create a fun, safe, and positive environment for athletes of all ages. We are looking for dependable individuals with a passion for sports and ...

NORTHBROOK PARK DISTRICT

Referee

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

Join the Northbrook Park District as a Referee and help create a fun, safe, and positive environment for athletes of all ages. We are looking for dependable individuals with a passion for sports and ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Illinois

Referee information

See Illinois salary details

$6

$20

$56

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Illinois is $20.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.63 and $21.44 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.
More about Referee jobs

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

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Referee jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Referee job openings:

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

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

Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,190 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Referee

New Lenox, IL • On-site

New Lenox Community Park District
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New Lenox Community Park Districtexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Type:
Recreation/Referee
Date Posted:
2/24/2021Hiring Range: $15.00/game
For more information regarding Athletics positions, please contact Tammy McMahon via email at tmcmahon@newlenoxparks.org
Attachment(s):
  • Full Job Description - Referee.pdf

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