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Referee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Youth Volleyball Referee

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14/hr

We are looking for referees who are available Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Responsibilities: * Officiate games according to YMCA rules * Build relationships with coaches * Secure volunteers to assist ...

YMCA

Youth Volleyball Referee

Chattanooga, TN

$14/hr

We are looking for referees who are available Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Responsibilities: * Officiate games according to YMCA rules * Build relationships with coaches * Secure volunteers to assist ...

Emerald

Volleyball Referees

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$25/hr

We're glad you're considering applying to become an Emerald Youth Volleyball Referee. Since 1991, Emerald Youth Foundation has worked to support Knoxville's youth and prepare generations of Godly ...

Nashville Predators

Part-Time - Referee

Nashville, TN · On-site

Referee (Part-Time) Location: Centennial Ice Rink Job Reports To: Facility Operations Manager Status: Non-Exempt Major Responsibilities/Activities: * Referee and Officials control the pace and ...

i9 Sports

Soccer Referee

Clarksville, TN · On-site

$150/day

Benefits: * Company parties * Competitive salary * Free uniforms Benefits/Perks A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun! Impact the lives of young athletes Online training opportunities Company ...

TOCA Football

Soccer Leagues Coordinator

Nashville, TN · On-site

Coordinate with referees and teams to handle any game-day curveballs. * Keep track of player rosters and registrations and solve any schedule clashes. * Make match day safe, fun, and all-around ...

TOCA Football

Soccer Leagues Coordinator

Franklin, TN

$21 - $22/hr

Coordinate with referees and teams to handle any game-day curveballs. * Keep track of player rosters and registrations and solve any schedule clashes. * Make match day safe, fun, and all-around ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Tennessee

Referee information

See Tennessee salary details

$5

$18

$53

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Tennessee is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.91 and $20.10 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 qualifications do I need to become a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete a certification or training course approved by the relevant sports or governing body, which covers rules, safety, and officiating techniques. Some positions may require a minimum age, good physical fitness, and knowledge of the sport's rules, with ongoing education or recertification often necessary to maintain qualification.

How to get hired as a referee?

To get hired as a referee, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications or training from a recognized sports organization, gain experience through volunteering or officiating smaller games, and demonstrate good communication and decision-making skills. Employers often look for a clean background check and a good understanding of the rules of the sport. Applying to local leagues, sports clubs, or officiating agencies is also common.

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.

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 referees?

Referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during sporting events. They make decisions on plays, resolve disputes between players or teams, and ensure fair play. Referees use their knowledge of the game and quick judgment to keep competitions safe and fair for all participants. Their role is crucial in upholding the integrity of sports.

How much do refs get paid?

Referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition and location. For example, youth sports referees may earn $10 to $30 per game, while high school and college referees can earn $50 to $200 per game or more. Certification and experience often influence pay rates, and referees typically work on a part-time basis with flexible schedules.

What is the highest paying referee job?

The highest paying referee jobs are typically in professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), or the National Basketball Association (NBA), where referees can earn six-figure salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, certification, and the ability to officiate at the highest competitive levels. Pay varies based on league, experience, and game frequency.
More about Referee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Tennessee? For Referee jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in TN? For Referee jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Tennessee 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, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,517 per year, or $19 per hour.
Seasonal - Soccer Referee

Seasonal - Soccer Referee

City of McMinnville

Mc Minnville, TN • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Temporary

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

McMinnville Youth Soccer Referee
Officials/Referees are a big part of all sports. Love them or hate them they make the game what it is today. We have had many parents and players express their gratitude for the wonderful job performed by our officials. Getting involved in officiating gives you the opportunity to help give young athletes the same joy you did growing up and playing sports. It will also give you the opportunity to experience another side of sports.
Job Description: Youth Soccer referees are responsible for officiating scheduled soccer games coordinated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Referees will be under the direction of the head referee and league supervisor. It is the referees' responsibility to enforce the rules impartially and control the contest. Referees will display self-confidence and a professional attitude while officiating a match.
Essential Duties: Arrive 15 minutes before the first game to clock in. Wear your Official shirt and bring your whistle, both are provided by the league. Be consistent when making calls during a game and appear confident in those decisions. Remember you are in control of the game from the beginning to the end. Notify the Supervisor on Duty as soon as possible if you are unable to attend due to illness or emergency. Never leave during your scheduled shift until you have informed the supervisor on duty. Report problems/suggestions/equipment issues to the direct supervisor.
Education and Experience: Experience in coaching, playing, or officiating preferred but not required.
Mental and Physical Demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these demands:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, run, and reach with hands and arms.
Pay: Uncertified referees are paid $18 an hour and certified referees are paid $22 an hour.
Games are primarily on Saturdays, but there is potential for games to be played during the week. Every referee will be guaranteed at least 4 hours a weekend. All seasonal employees are eligible to use the Milner Recreation Center for free will employed.

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