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Referee Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Work closely with shooters, referees, and other staff to ensure efficient event flow. • Event Setup & Breakdown: Help set up equipment and prepare the shooting range before events; assist with ...

NFL FLAG Official

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$12.50 - $15.50/hr

Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics. * Strong people skills. Confidently interact with players, parents, and coaches to keep games moving ...

Knowledgeable of the rules and referee signals. We will help teach the rules and mechanics. * Strong people skills. Confidently interact with players, parents, and coaches to keep games moving ...

Sports Aide

Royal Oak, MI

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

Sports Aide

Royal Oak, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

Sports Aide

Milford, MI · On-site

$13.73/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

Youth Soccer Official

Holland, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Salary: $15.00 - $20.00 Hourly Location : Holland, MI Job Type: Seasonal Job Number: 202400193 Department: Parks & Recreation Division: Parks/Recreation Opening Date: 06/23/2026 Closing Date: 8/10 ...

Youth Soccer Official

Holland, MI · On-site

$15 - $20/hr

Description This is a seasonal position under the supervision of the Recreation Manager. This individual will be trained to officiate youth soccer games in the City of Holland on Saturday Mornings ...

Showing results 41-60

Referee information

See Michigan salary details

$5

$18

$51

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Michigan is $18.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.48 and $19.28 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Michigan? For Referee jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in MI? For Referee jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,948 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundation of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively affects the lives of the people in your community. Working at the Y, you'll discover more than just a job-you'll enjoy a career with the chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
FIND A CAREER THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
WITH A JOB AT THE Y!
Now Hiring at the South Oakland Family YMCA
YMCA Employee Benefits
  • FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Family-friendly Work Environment
  • Employee Assistance Program & Retirement Plan

General Function
The Sports Aide will be responsible for assisting with preparation, implementation and event management of youth and adult sports programming.
Education/Experience/Training/Certifications
  • Experience working with children in a supervised setting is preferred, not required
  • Basic sports knowledge is preferred, not required

Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Assists in the planning and implementing of sports activities
  • Ensures all sport programs run smoothly by assisting where needed. This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes.
  • Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials.
  • Assists in proper storage of program equipment.
  • Performs other assigned duties as directed by Supervisor

Abilities & Skills
  • Ability to move equipment; must have the strength to lift, carry, push or pull

For more opportunities to join our team, please visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's career page (ymcadetroit.org/careers).
SPORTS aide Job Description
Job Title: Sports Aide Reports to: Youth and Family Director
FLSA Status: Non-exempt Department: Family Programs/Sports
Status: Part-time Revision Date: December 2021
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the guidance of the Youth and Family Program Director, the Sports Aide assists with preparation, implementation and event management of youth and adult sports programming. The Sports Aide carries out the necessary instructions from their supervisor and enforces all rules and regulations set forth by the YMCA for each sports league and instructional program. The Sports Aide is responsible for set-up and clean-up of the appropriate sports equipment on location. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Assist Youth and Family Program Director in the planning and implementing of sports activities.
  • Ensure all sport programs run smoothly by assisting where needed. This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes.
  • Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. Assist in proper storage of program equipment.
  • Maintain a positive and respectful manner of communication with families/parents.
  • Report all incidents to the supervisor, and complete necessary reporting forms.
  • Attend all staff meetings and trainings as required.
  • Work cooperatively with professional staff, coworkers, and other departments.
  • Promote and represent the mission and core values of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit and its programs.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Basic sports knowledge is preferred.
  • Experience working with children in a supervised setting preferred.
  • Must be willing to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit ("YMCA") is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to be an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. The YMCA does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring or other terms or conditions of employment on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sex, age, religion, national origin, genetic information, ethnicity, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military status or application or any other basis protected by state, federal or other applicable law.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of children in our programs. We hold all staff, regardless of position, to the highest possible standards. We require all staff to be screened regularly and sign a code of conduct. All staff will be monitored when interacting with
program participants. We take any inappropriate interactions between program
participants and with staff very seriously and will fully cooperate with
authorities in any case of abuse.