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Referee Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Flag Football Referee

Sun Prairie, WI

$15 - $18/hr

NFL FLAG Football Referee Position Summary The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while ...

YMCA of Dane County

Flag Football Referee

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

$15 - $18/hr

NFL FLAG Football Referee Position Summary The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while ...

YMCA

Basketball Instructor and Referee

Madison, WI · On-site

Youth Sports Referee - East YMCA If you're looking to make a difference in a child's life while helping create a fun, positive, and educational sports experience, join the YMCA of Dane County as a ...

YMCA

Sports Instructor/Referee

Madison, WI

What Makes YMCA Refereeing Different? At the East YMCA, our referees do much more than blow the whistle. We are looking for individuals who are willing to go beyond simply officiating games. Our ...

Lil' Kickers

Volleyball Referee

Middleton, WI · On-site

$19/hr

Join the KEVA team as a Volleyball Referee and help create a fun and engaging environment for young athletes! In this exciting role, you'll be responsible for officiating games while fostering a ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Madison, WI

Referee information

See Madison, WI salary details

$6

$21

$59

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Madison, WI is $21.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $22.31 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.
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Cities near Madison, WI with the most Referee job openings:

Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 62% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,878 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Flag Football Referee

YMCA of Dane County

Sun Prairie, WI

$15 - $18/hr

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

NFL FLAG Football Referee

Position Summary
The NFL FLAG Football Referee is responsible for officiating youth flag football (Grades K-8) games in a fair, consistent, and positive manner while promoting safety, sportsmanship, and a fun experience for all participants.

Responsibilities

  • Officiate YMCA NFL FLAG Football games using league rules.
  • Ensure a safe and positive environment for players, coaches, and spectators.
  • Enforce rules consistently and communicate professionally with coaches, players, and families.
  • Report injuries, incidents, or concerns to the Site Supervisor.
  • Assist with basic game-day setup and cleanup as needed.

Schedule

  • Season Dates: September 12 – October 17
  • Game Days: Saturdays
  • Hours: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Referees may officiate multiple games each Saturday.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge of football is preferred but not required.
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.
  • Reliable, punctual, and enjoys working with youth.
  • Ability to run up and down the field throughout games.

Training
No prior officiating experience is required. All referees will complete YMCA NFL FLAG Football Referee Training before the season, covering league rules, officiating mechanics, game management, and sportsmanship expectations.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $15 - 18/hour

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