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Referee Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

City of Fitchburg (WI)

Flag Football Referee

Madison, WI · On-site

$32/hr

Description The Flag Football Referee works under the general direction and supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and is responsible for officiating scheduled flag football games coordinated by ...

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 · On-site

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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Referee information

See Madison, WI salary details

$6

$21

$59

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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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Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Madison, WI as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,878 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Basketball Referee

Cottage Grove, WI

Village of Cottage Grove (WI)
See more jobs at Village of Cottage Grove (WI)external

$13/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Position Summary Purpose of position The Basketball Referee is responsible for officiating scheduled 3rd - 8th grade games coordinated by the Parks & Recreation Department. They are paid $25 per game. Position Accountability General day-to-day supervision, administrative direction, and performance evaluation shall be received from the Deputy Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director.

Supervision Exercised This position has no supervisory responsibilities. Term of Employment This position is a seasonal position. The 2027 season will run from January 9 through February 27 on Saturday mornings.

Major Duties & Responsibilities Major Duties & Responsibilities The following duties are normal for the position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive; other duties may be required and assigned. The referee will arrive fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.

The referee will officiate youth basketball games. The referee will talk with each coach before the game and review any ground rules or unusual circumstances. The referee will make sure all players are in proper uniform and notify the coach if any problems need to be rectified.

The referee will remain unbiased while reffing a contest and will avoid verbal contact with spectators. The referee will approach their position as a representative of Cottage Grove Parks & Recreation, displaying respect for the facility, participants, parents, and co-workers. The referee will keep games under control.

Education, Experience, & Qualifications Education, Experience, & Qualifications Must have basketball knowledge. Knowledge of supervising children in an educational or recreational setting. Ability to carry out assigned tasks with minimal supervision.

Physical Demands & Work Environment Physical Demands Ability to move across the gym to effectively officiate the game. Work Environment Work will primarily be performed in an indoor gym facility. The Village of Cottage Grove is an equal opportunity employer.

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