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Referee Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

Denver Public Schools

REFEREE, STUDENT

Denver, CO · On-site

$20/hr

** Applications will be received, interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. ** About this job: Supports individual, team or ...

Denver Public Schools

REFEREE, STUDENT

Denver, CO

$20/hr

** Applications will be received, interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. ** About this job: Supports individual, team or ...

TOCA Football

Soccer League Referee

Denver, CO · 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 ...

TOCA Football

Soccer League Referee

Denver, CO · On-site

$35/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 ...

i9 Sports

Weekend Youth Soccer Official

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$18/hr

Benefits: * Competitive salary * Flexible schedule * Free uniforms Youth Sports Official - SOCCER Must be 16+ to apply | Weekend Availability Required Position Overview We are seeking energetic and ...

i9 Sports

Weekend Youth Basketball Official

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$18/hr

Benefits: * Competitive salary * Flexible schedule * Free uniforms Youth Sports Official - Basketball Must be 16+ to apply | Weekend Availability Required Position Overview We are seeking energetic ...

i9 Sports

Weekend Youth Soccer Official

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$18/hr

Benefits: * Competitive salary * Flexible schedule * Free uniforms Youth Sports Official - Soccer Must be 16+ to apply | Weekend Availability Required Position Overview We are seeking energetic and ...

i9 Sports

Weekend Youth Soccer Official

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

Benefits: * Flexible schedule * Bonus based on performance * Opportunity for advancement Youth Sports Official - Soccer Must be 16+ to apply | Weekend Availability Required Position Overview We are ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Referee information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$6

$21

$61

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Highlands Ranch, CO is $21.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.60 and $23.22 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 popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO? For Referee jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Referee jobs? Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Referee job openings:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 35% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,699 per year, or $22 per hour.
REFEREE, STUDENT

REFEREE, STUDENT

Denver Public Schools

Denver, CO • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Denver Public Schools rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

349th of 559 rated elementary and secondary schools

Job description


** Applications will be received, interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **
About this job:
Supports individual, team or department through practical application of knowledge, use of proven techniques, and adherence to procedures. Primary focus on execution of assigned tasks in a specific area of responsibility, with a non-technical scope and a high degree of customer service.
What DPS Offers You:
  • A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Student Will Succeed.
  • Hourly Rate:$20.00 per hour
  • In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.
  • The sports calendars vary depending on the sport and season.

What You'll Do:
Establish and maintain high quality site programs:
  • Officiates assigned games for league play; possesses thorough understanding of the rules and familiarity with the laws of the game
  • Remains neutral and make objective decisions throughout games, not showing favoritism towards any team or individual.
  • Maintains control of the game and manages the behavior of players, coaches and spectators
  • Clearly and confidently communicate decisions to players and coaches
  • Continuously enhances knowledge and skills through ongoing training and education programs
  • Conducts oneself in a professional manner both on and off the field
  • Reports any problems with coaches, players, parents or spectators to department administration through the Incident Reporting Form
  • Attends pre-season meetings, as required
  • Performs related duties and responsibilities, as required

What You'll Need:
  • Must be at least 16 years of age

  • Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education.
  • Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us.
  • Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the physical demands of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.
Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun
About Us
Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.
DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.

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