ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Referee Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Greater Boston

Referee

Brighton, MA

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. * An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof)

YMCA of Greater Boston

Referee

Brighton, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) Knowledge ...

YMCA of Greater Boston

Basketball Referee

Reading, MA · On-site

$40 - $42/hr

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) Knowledge ...

YMCA of Greater Boston

Futsal League Referee

Reading, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An USSF certified official (must show proof) Knowledge of U.S. Youth Futsal Be able to work Score ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Massachusetts

Referee information

See Massachusetts salary details

$6

$22

$64

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Massachusetts is $22.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.12 and $24.13 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 Massachusetts? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Massachusetts are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Massachusetts? For Referee jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in MA? For Referee jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,550 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE

Town of West Springfield

West Springfield, MA • On-site

$12.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Description YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE $15 per game The West Springfield Park & Recreation Department seeks qualified individuals to fill Soccer Refereepositions for youth leagues. As a Youth Soccer Referee, your responsibilities are to ensure accurate calls and fairness during a youth soccer game. You will officiate games scheduled in the Park & Recreation youth leagues and interact with various soccer teams made up of children ranging from Kindergarten through 7th Grade.

These games may be for instructional or competitive leagues, but you must referee all games equitably and treat all players according to the rules for that league. Your duties may include: checking that the field is appropriately and safely set up, reviewing soccer players for appropriate attire, carrying flags to call specific plays, starting the game on time, observing the game with great attention to detail, and reporting any injuries. The referee will talk with each coach before the game and review any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards.

The referee will make sure all players are in proper uniform and notify the coach if any problems need to be rectified. All referees must wear the assigned uniform to each game they officiate. Examples of Duties Arrives fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.

Checks all equipment and checks that the field is appropriately and safely set up. Sets-Up Corner Flags prior to the start of the game. Returns equipment to the job box at the end of the final game.

Talks with each coach before the game and reviews any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards. Verifies that all players are in proper uniform and notifies the coach if any problems need to be rectified. Officiates youth soccer games and enforces specific league rules.

Observes the game with great attention to detail and remains unbiased during the contest. Keeps track of game time and final scores. Reports any inappropriate spectators/coaches to the League Coordinator.

Avoids direct contact with spectators. Approaches the position as a representative of the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, displaying respect for the facility, participants, parents and co-workers. Submits reports as required and keeps records Reports to the Recreation Supervisor, and directly to the Referee Coordinator and/or League Coordinator Qualifications Minimum Age Requirements: Anyone 14 years of age and older as of September 11 2026.

Adult/Child teams are encouraged and welcomed. Adults are strongly encouraged to apply as well. Qualifications: Strong knowledge of the game and soccer rules Ability to take the initiative to do the work that needs to be done Ability to work independently Self-motivator and good decision making skills Ability to jog for lengthy periods during officiating Ability to work outdoors in all kinds of weather Ability to deal with public diplomatically and respectfully Supplemental Information Shift: Weekends (Saturdays between 8:00am - 12:00pm, Sundays between 12:00pm-5:00pm) & occasional weeknights (after 5:30pm).

This position is seasonal (September through early November). Salary: The salary range for this position is $15.00 per game.

Apply