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Referee Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Life Time, Inc.

Basketball Referee

Canton, MI · On-site

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating league games. They work closely with Sports League Coordinators and players to ensure a respectful ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Southgate, MI

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Downriver YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Southgate, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Downriver YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Milford, MI

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Carl's YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Milford, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Carl's YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

Oakland Schools

Volleyball Referee

Commerce, MI · On-site

Position Type: Community Education/Other Date Posted: 11/17/2025 Location: Clifford H. Smart Middle School Date Available: 11/24/25 District: Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Please see attached

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Milford, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Southgate, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Farmington, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment, and materials. * Assists in ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Southgate, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Farmington, MI · On-site

$14.25 - $18.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment, and materials. * Assists in ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Aide

Milford, MI · On-site

$12.75 - $16.50/hr

This includes coaching, refereeing, running the score clock, and running sport samplings or other classes. * Maintain the quality and inventory of the supplies, equipment and materials. * Assists in ...

Oakgov

Juvenile Court Support Clerk Senior

Pontiac, MI

$36K - $49K/yr

Prepares documents to be reviewed and initiated by referees or signed by the judge, including summonses, notice of hearing, consent calendar, case plans, financial orders to show cause, orders for ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Detroit, MI

Referee information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Detroit, MI is $20.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $21.88 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.

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 sports like football, basketball, or soccer often earn a full-time income, while amateur or youth referees typically supplement their income with other jobs. Certification and consistent scheduling are important factors in earning a sustainable income as a referee.

Are referees in high demand?

Referees are generally in moderate demand, especially in sports with large audiences or youth leagues. Opportunities can vary based on the sport, level of competition, and geographic location, with some areas experiencing more openings due to seasonal needs or retirements. Certification and experience can also influence job availability and earning potential.

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.

How do you get a job as a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification courses offered by sports organizations, pass a background check, and gain experience through officiating local games. Many referees start at youth or amateur levels before advancing to higher competitions. Strong knowledge of the sport's rules and good decision-making skills are essential.

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.
More about Referee jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in Detroit, MI? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Detroit, MI? For Referee jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Detroit, MI are:
What cities near Detroit, MI are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities near Detroit, MI with the most Referee job openings:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Detroit, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 35% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,102 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Basketball Referee

Life Time, Inc.

Canton, MI • On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Life Time rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 392 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 63 rated gym and leisure clubs

Job description

Position Summary
The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating league games. They work closely with Sports League Coordinators and players to ensure a respectful and fun league experience. LT Sport leagues may include but are not limited to basketball, volleyball and soccer.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
  • Officiates LT Sport league games fairly
  • Follows and enforces all LT Sport league rules during games
  • Interacts with players in a respectful, cooperative manner
  • Works closely with Sports League Coordinator to ensure member satisfaction
  • Promotes LT Sport products and Life Time to members and non-members
  • Communicates extensive knowledge of LT Sport and Life Time programs, products, services, policies, and procedures to prospective and current members

Position Requirements
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • 1-year experience referee experience
  • General knowledge of applicable sport rules
  • Certified official in applicable sport by local governing body

Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.

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