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Referee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

YMCA of Dane County

Flag Football Referee

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

NFL FLAG Football Referee Position Summary The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while ...

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YMCA

Flag Football Referee

Sun Prairie, WI

$15 - $18/hr

NFL FLAG Football Referee Position Summary The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while ...

New

City of New Berlin

Youth Soccer Referee

New Berlin, WI

$25 - $35/hr

The Soccer Referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a score keeper to report back to the Recreation Specialist. This position needs to be available on Saturdays September ...

YMCA

Basketball Instructor and Referee

Madison, WI

Youth Sports Referee - East YMCA If you're looking to make a difference in a child's life while helping create a fun, positive, and educational sports experience, join the YMCA of Dane County as a ...

City of New Berlin, WI

Youth Soccer Referee

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

The Soccer Referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a score keeper to report back to the Recreation Specialist. This position needs to be available on Saturdays September ...

YMCA

Sports Instructor/Referee

Madison, WI

What Makes YMCA Refereeing Different? At the East YMCA, our referees do much more than blow the whistle. We are looking for individuals who are willing to go beyond simply officiating games. Our ...

City of New Berlin

Adult Volleyball Referee

New Berlin, WI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

The referee will make appropriate judgment calls during games and act as a records keeper to report to the Program Specialist. ESSENTIAL DUTIES Responsible for program set-up and clean-up of gym on ...

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How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Wisconsin is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $22.31 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 Wisconsin? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Wisconsin are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Wisconsin? For Referee jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Wisconsin look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Referee job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in WI? For Referee jobs in WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Wisconsin as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,946 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Flag Football Referee

YMCA of Dane County

Sun Prairie, WI • On-site

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

NFL FLAG Football Referee
Position Summary
The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while promoting safety, sportsmanship, and a fun experience for all participants.
Responsibilities
  • Officiate YMCA NFL FLAG Football games using league rules.
  • Ensure a safe and positive environment for players, coaches, and spectators.
  • Enforce rules consistently and communicate professionally with coaches, players, and families.
  • Report injuries, incidents, or concerns to the Site Supervisor.
  • Assist with basic game-day setup and cleanup as needed.

Schedule
  • Season Dates: September 12 - October 17
  • Game Days: Saturdays
  • Hours: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Referees may officiate multiple games each Saturday.

Qualifications
  • Knowledge of football is preferred but not required.
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.
  • Reliable, punctual, and enjoys working with youth.
  • Ability to run up and down the field throughout games.

Training
No prior officiating experience is required. All referees will complete YMCA NFL FLAG Football Referee Training before the season, covering league rules, officiating mechanics, game management, and sportsmanship expectations.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $15 - 18/hour

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