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Referee Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

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 ...

Youth Soccer Official

Denver, CO · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Benefits: * Employee discounts * Flexible schedule * Training & development Benefits/Perks * A team-based atmosphere with a focus on Fun! * Be a role model for athletes * Online training ...

Showing results 21-40

Referee information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$6

$21

$61

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Referee jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 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.

Youth Sports Official Lacrosse

South Suburban Parks and Recreation

Highlands Ranch, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Sports Official for Youth Lacrosse

Application Closing Deadline: Ongoing/Open.

This is an ongoing recruitment process, with no specific closing date. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

$40 per game for Lacrosse

$20 to $30 for Basketball

Do you love sports and miss that feeling of being on the field in the middle of the action? This is the perfect job for you! The Official is responsible for refereeing events for all levels of competition and providing a fun and safe environment for individuals of all ages. The ideal candidate will maintain positive attitude and provide a fun, friendly environment.

Our Ideal Candidate

  • Certified officials with previous experience and/or knowledge of youth girls' lacrosse preferred
  • Must be at least sixteen (16) years of age. Fifteen (15) years of age for youth volleyball and lacrosse.
  • One (1) year of previous referee/umpiring, playing or coaching experience is preferred.
  • Understands how the game is played including the principles, practice, and techniques used in recreational sporting events.
  • Ability to handle participants, team managers and/or coaches under difficult game situations.
  • Will have the ability to make proper calls on command and the ability to accept criticism.
  • Capable of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with fellow employees, various community organizations, and the public.

The job description above covers the main duties of this position. Please note, as a team member, there may be additional responsibilities that are required to meet ongoing needs of the department.

Employee Benefits & Perks at South Suburban

  • FREE use of District fitness centers and swimming pools
  • Discounts on recreation classes and golf (applicable to employees working 14+ hours/week)
  • Paid sick leave
  • Opportunities for training and promotion from within
  • Flexible schedules
  • To view a complete listing of the District's most current benefit package, please visit http://careers.ssprd.org

About Us

Our mission is to foster healthy living through stewardship of the environment, parks, trails, and open space by providing recreational services and programs.

We serve residents in Bow Mar, Columbine Valley, Centennial west of I-25, Littleton, Lone Tree and Sheridan and unincorporated portions of Douglas, Jefferson and Arapahoe counties. We operate four full-service recreation centers, golf courses, outdoor pools and restaurants, two ice centers and miniature golf courses, a botanical garden event center a BMX track, a sports dome, batting cages, an entertainment center, a hotel and a nature center. In addition, we maintain nearly 3,800 acres of developed and open space land, including 119 multi-purpose athletic fields, more than 100 parks, nearly 80 miles of trails, 60 playgrounds, 56 tennis courts, and the 880-acre South Platte Park.