ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Referee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Coach and Referee

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

You'll lead practices, referee games, ensure fun, and be a role model while keeping safety first. Saturdays (daytime) & Sunday mornings. Humboldt Park & West Loop locations in Chicago. Why You'll ...

TOCA Football

Soccer League Referee

Naperville, IL · On-site

About TOCA Soccer: At TOCA, we are passionate about people and the power of sport. We believe in creating an environment that becomes the "third home" for our guests - where they learn, where they ...

AEG

Soccer League Referee

Naperville, IL · On-site

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen. About TOCA Soccer: At TOCA, we ...

TOCA Football

Soccer League Referee

Naperville, IL · On-site

$30/hr

About TOCA Soccer: At TOCA, we are passionate about people and the power of sport. We believe in creating an environment that becomes the "third home" for our guests -- where they learn, where they ...

Brodie Rec League

Scorekeeper (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Communicate with referees to confirm score accuracy and manage stoppages * Manage game clock during the final 2 minutes when the game is within 10 points * Ensure all games begin on time and warm-up ...

Brodie Sports Group

Scorekeeper (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15/hr

Communicate with referees to confirm score accuracy and manage stoppages * Manage game clock during the final 2 minutes when the game is within 10 points * Ensure all games begin on time and warm-up ...

i9 Sports

Youth Flag Football Coach

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

You'll lead practices, referee games, and be a role model while keeping safety first. Saturdays (daytime) & Sunday mornings. Humboldt Park & West Loop locations. Why You'll Love This Job * Stay close ...

i9 Sports

Summer Camp Sports Instructor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Referee games, with an emphasis on learning the game and adjusting to the age level of players * Create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for kids and parents What We're Looking For

Canlan Sports

League Convener

Lake Barrington, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

Liaise with team reps, referees, timekeepers and spectators as required. Experience: * Strong knowledge of multi-Sport rules (essential) * At least one year of experience in multi-sport field in an ...

Canlan Sports

League Convener

Barrington, IL · On-site

$18.25 - $20/hr

Liaise with team reps, referees, timekeepers and spectators as required. Experience: * Strong knowledge of multi-Sport rules (essential) * At least one year of experience in multi-sport field in an ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Chicago, IL

Referee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$6

$21

$60

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Chicago, IL is $21.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.40 and $22.79 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Referee jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Referee job openings:

Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 52% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,887 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Youth Sports Coach and Referee

i9 Sports

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free food & snacks
  • Free uniforms
  • Training & development

Love sports? Played varsity high school soccer or football or softball or T-ball.....or college level in any sport? Spend your weekends on the field coaching kids (ages 3-12) in our fun, positive sports leagues and instructional sessions. You'll lead practices, referee games, ensure fun, and be a role model while keeping safety first. Saturdays (daytime) & Sunday mornings. Humboldt Park & West Loop locations in Chicago.
Why You'll Love This Job
  • Make a difference for young athletes
  • Fun, team-oriented atmosphere - no desk work!
  • Online training provided
  • Focus on fun, safety, and sportsmanship

What You'll Do
  • Help volunteer parent coaches, and coach when a team lacks one, by leading skills-based practices and drills.
  • Referee games, with an emphasis on learning the game and adjusting to the age level of players
  • Create a safe, positive, and encouraging environment for kids and parents

What We're Looking For
  • Played soccer, football, baseball, or softball at varsity high school level or higher.....or played any sport in college
  • Confident leader who can take charge of a group of kids
  • Some basic knowledge of soccer fundamentals & rules preferred, as it is our most popular sport
  • Available Saturdays (daytime) & Sunday mornings starting Aug 30

About Us
i9 Sports® is the nation's largest youth sports league franchise, with a mission to make sports fun, safe, and convenient for families. Our Chicago leagues are run by a youth development veteran and parent who believes sports should always be about learning, playing, and smiling.
Locations: Humboldt Park & West Loop, Chicago
Compensation: $20.00 - $23.00 per hour
With over 3.5 million registrations in communities across the country, i9 Sports is the nation's largest multi-sport provider focused solely on high-quality, community-based youth sports programs. We offer youth sports leagues, camps and clinics for kids ages 3 and up in today's most popular sports such as: flag football, soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and lacrosse. To achieve our mission of helping kids succeed in life through sports, i9 Sports provides a youth sports experience unlike any other, teaching the importance of good sportsmanship on the field and in life. We are committed to providing age-appropriate instruction, making sports fun for kids, and convenient for today's busy families. To us, it's The Way Youth Sports Should Be.
Each franchised location is independently owned and operated and is solely and exclusively responsible for determining local hiring decisions, compensation, benefits, and other terms of employment.

Apply