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Referee Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

JAM

CA$17.60/hr

Find a Better Way Our League Referees are an essential ingredient to the success of our leagues. We are currently looking for responsible, reliable and knowledgeable referees to officiate our sports ...

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$38

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Ontario is $18.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.58 and $22.60 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 Ontario?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Ontario are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,099 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Youth Soccer Referee

Community Sports Partners

Mississauga, ON • On-site

CA$25 - CA$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Community Sports Partners is seeking reliable, confident, and energetic Youth Referees to officiate soccer games across our youth leagues. This role is focused on creating a fair, safe, and fun environment for players while upholding the integrity of the game.
What You’ll Do

  • Officiate youth soccer games across various age groups and skill levels
  • Enforce rules of the game in a consistent, fair, and professional manner
  • Manage game flow, player behaviour, and sportsmanship on the field
  • Communicate clearly with players, coaches, and spectators when needed
  • Arrive prepared and on time for all assigned matches
What We’re Looking For
  • Strong understanding of soccer rules and gameplay
  • Confident decision-making and ability to stay composed under pressure
  • Reliable, punctual, and professional
  • Strong communication and conflict management skills
  • Previous refereeing experience is an asset (but not required)
Nice to Have
  • Referee certification (e.g., Ontario Soccer Match Official)
  • Experience working with youth sports or coaching

Requirements

  • Strong understanding of soccer rules and basic game management
  • Ability to make quick, confident decisions in a fast-paced environment
  • Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to scheduled game times
  • Comfortable communicating with players, coaches, and spectators
  • Positive attitude with a focus on fairness, safety, and sportsmanship

Benefits

Compensation: $25-30 p/h