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Referee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Norwalk (IA)

Youth Soccer Referee

Norwalk, IA · On-site

$15/hr

Officials will referee games for students in 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, or 5th-7th grades, communicate game rules with coaches and players, and work alongside our on-site Facility Supervisors to ensure a safe ...

City of Norwalk, IA

Youth Soccer Referee

IA · On-site

$15/hr

Officials will referee games for students in 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, or 5th-7th grades , communicate game rules with coaches and players, and work alongside our on-site Facility Supervisors to ensure a ...

Wartburg College

Community Recreation

Waverly, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $17.50/hr

Manage student employees who referee games. * Schedule student employees to work certain fields for games. * Communicate with teams about schedule changes. * Communicate with teams about ...

Sparrow Company

HR Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures. * Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster ...

Sparrow Company

HR Manager

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Perform difficult staffing duties, including dealing with understaffing, refereeing disputes, and corrective action/discipline procedures. * Plan and conduct new associate orientation to foster ...

City of Ames

Adult Basketball Scorekeeper

Ames, IA

$10.13 - $10.75/hr

Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers ...

i9 Sports

Basketball Official

Clive, IA · On-site

$13 - $17/hr

Benefits/Perks * A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun! * Be a role model for athletes * Online training opportunities Company Overview i9 Sports offers youth sports leagues, camps, and clinics ...

City of Ankeny Iowa

Youth Soccer Official

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$13.75 - $16.75/hr

Function Ankeny's Parks and Recreations Department is looking for youth soccer officials for the 2026 fall season. Games are held on Saturdays, August - October. Officiate Parks and Recreation Youth ...

Southeast Iowa JBS Sports Center

Team Lead

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$14 - $18/hr

Coordinate with coaches, referees, teams, and participants to address any last-minute issues or changes. * Security & Safety: Monitor the safety and security of the facility, ensuring that all ...

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Referee information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$19

$55

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Iowa is $19.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.30 and $20.77 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.

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 sports like football, basketball, or soccer often earn a full-time income, while amateur or youth referees typically supplement their income with other jobs. Certification and consistent scheduling are important factors in earning a sustainable income as a referee.

Are referees in high demand?

Referees are generally in moderate demand, especially in sports with large audiences or youth leagues. Opportunities can vary based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location, with some areas experiencing more openings due to seasonal needs or retirements. Certification and experience can also influence job availability and earning potential.

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.

How do you get a job as a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification courses offered by sports organizations, pass a background check, and gain experience through officiating local games. Many referees start at youth or amateur levels before advancing to higher competitions. Strong knowledge of the sport's rules and good decision-making skills are essential.

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 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.
More about Referee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Iowa? For Referee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in IA? For Referee jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,895 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Flag Football Referee - Sept & Oct | West Des Moines

YMCA

Waukee, IA • On-site

$11 - $13.25/hr

Part-time

Posted 19 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

567th of 767 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

There's nothing like working at the Y!

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Our staff members are people who drive this cause - it is because of our drive, our passion, our belief in others, and our belief in the strength of our mission that we are able to make a difference - every day.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Operating within the policies, procedures, and practices of the YMCA of Greater Des Moines, this position is responsible for performing referee duties for assigned games.

JOB LOCATION: Games held at Valley High School Sites - Waukee Family YMCA
SHIFTS AVAILABLE: Saturdays 8:30a-3:30p, 9/12/26-10/17/26
PAY RANGE: $11.00-$13.25/hour based on qualifications
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: August 6, 2026 - Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  1. Referee assigned game(s)
  2. Enforce the rules and regulations of assigned game(s).
  3. Assist site supervisor in maintaining orderly and fun atmosphere for assigned game(s).
  4. Maintain game records and information as directed by supervisor.
  5. Ensure safety is a priority at all times.
  6. Know all emergency procedures and be able to demonstrate them.
  7. Complete accident/incident reports as necessary and submit to supervisor.
  8. Report specific problems or needs to supervisor or designated staff person.
  9. Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor or designated staff person.
  10. Demonstrate and support the objectives of the Association as embodied in the mission statement and values.

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