1

Referee Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Referee information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$6

$20

$57

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Appleton, WI is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.73 and $21.59 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.
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Appleton, WI? For Referee jobs in Appleton, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Appleton, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Appleton, WI are:
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Referee job openings:
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 55% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,482 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Part-Time Intramural Sports Referees (Basketball and/or Volleyball)

Nwtc

Green Bay, WI • On-site

$19.29/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

The College is seeking to attract ethnically diverse instructors and staff who can inspire our increasingly diverse student population.We believe every member on our team enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we seek applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits of diversity in a higher education community. Consideration will be given to equity-minded individuals committed to collaborating with faculty, staff, administration, students, and community partners who are also committed to closing equity gaps.

You belong here. See why you will love working atNWTC.

LOCATION: Green Bay

STANDARD HOURS: Volleyball will be on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. for open play and league play at 6:00 p.m. Basketball will be on Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. for open play and league play at 6:00 p.m.

Rec sports occur during the following months: September, November, February, and April.

MINIMUM STARTING WAGE: $19.29/hour

Please indicate sport(s) of interest on your resume/cover letter.

POSITION SUMMARY

The referee will be in charge of officiating intramural basketball/volleyball league games, under the supervision and guidance of the Sports & Wellness Coordinator and Student Involvement Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the functions identified in the job description.

Essential Functions Statement(s)

  • Oversee game and enforce rules
  • Coordinate with student workers to set up and take down equipment
  • Coordinate with student workers to check in students and report scores to Student Involvement
  • Communicate expectations and assessment of good sportsmanship before and after each game
  • Schedule pick-up games without notice
  • Report injuries as they occur by filling an Incident Report and troubleshoot emergency situations to ensure the safety of all participants.
  • Resolve claims of rule infractions/complaints by participants that occur.
  • Report disciplinary issues to Sports & Wellness Coordinator and/or Student Involvement Supervisor.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statements (s)

  • Values - Demonstrate behaviors and action that support the College's values - Customer Focus, Everyone Has Worth, Passion and Inspiration, Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence, Results and Accountability, Valuing Talent and Well Being, and Ethics.
  • Student Success - Demonstrate behaviors and actions that support student recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
  • Diversity Oriented - Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, socio-economic background, or job type.
  • Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
  • Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
  • Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
  • Energetic - Ability to work at a sustained pace and produce quality work.
  • Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals.
  • Reliability - The trait of being dependable and trustworthy.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education: High School Graduate or equivalent preferred

Experience: Experience playing basketball and/or volleyball or knowledge of game play/rules required

**An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

N - Not Applicable

O - Occasionally - up to 33 percent of the time or 0 to 2.5 hours per day

F - Frequently - 33 to 66 percent of the time or 2.5 - 5.5 hours per day

C - Constantly - more than 66 percent of the time or more than 5.5 hours per day

Physical Demands

Lift/Carry

Stand

C (Constantly)

10 lbs or less

F (Frequently)

Walk

C (Constantly)

11-20 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Sit

O (Occasionally)

21-50 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Handling / Fingering

C (Constantly)

51-100 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Reach Outward

F (Frequently)

Over 100 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Reach Above Shoulder

F (Frequently)

Push/Pull

Climb

N (Not Applicable)

12 lbs or less

N (Not Applicable)

Crawl

N (Not Applicable)

13-25 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Squat or Kneel

O (Occasionally)

26-40 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Bend

F (Frequently)

41-100 lbs

N (Not Applicable)

Other Physical Requirements

Vision

Work Environment

Other - Outdoor elements on occasion

The College has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and the College reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as the College may deem appropriate.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this, please contact Talent and Culture.

NWTC does not discriminate on the basis of political affiliation, age, race, creed, marital status, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic testing or other applicable legislated categories, ("each a protected class"). Inquiries regarding the College's nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at (920) 498-6826 orequity@nwtc.edu.