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Referee Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

City of Rockville

Sports Official

Rockville, MD

$17.15 - $37/hr

Job Summary Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties ...

City of Rockville, MD

Sports Official

Rockville, MD · On-site

$17.15 - $37/hr

Continuous Job Summary Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide ...

Entertainment Services LLC

Fun Team Member

Sterling, VA · On-site

$12.25 - $16/hr

One day you could be helping a guest harness to climb the rock wall, the next you could be the referee in the laser tag arena or working in the prize store. Each day is something different, but we ...

Entertainment Services LLC

Fun Team Member

Sterling, VA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.25/hr

One day you could be helping a guest harness to climb the rock wall, the next you could be the referee in the laser tag arena or working in the prize store. Each day is something different, but we ...

Alexandria Soccer Association

Be Seen First

Youth Soccer Coach

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Promote sportsmanship and teamwork by modeling respect for players, opponents, referees, and other coaches. * Communicate proactively and professionally with parents, players, and ASA staff.

Alexandria Soccer Association

Be Seen First

Youth Soccer Coach

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Promote sportsmanship and teamwork by modeling respect for players, opponents, referees, and other coaches. * Communicate proactively and professionally with parents, players, and ASA staff.

Events DC

Off Duty Officer

Washington, DC

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Participates, as required, as the MPD representative at all NBA game referee security briefings or other event security briefings. * May assist in securing areas occupied by talent, performers, VIP ...

Events DC

Off Duty Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

Participates, as required, as the MPD representative at all NBA game referee security briefings or other event security briefings. * May assist in securing areas occupied by talent, performers, VIP ...

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All JobsReferee JobsReferee Jobs in Washington, DC

Referee information

See Washington, DC salary details

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$66

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in Washington, DC is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $25.05 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 Washington, DC? The most popular types of Referee jobs in Washington, DC are:
What are popular job titles related to Referee jobs in Washington, DC? For Referee jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Referee jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Referee jobs in Washington, DC are:
Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 40% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,294 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Sports Official

City of Rockville

Rockville, MD

$17.15 - $37/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Summary Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game. While officiating at sporting events, umpires, referees, and other sports officials must anticipate play and position themselves where they can best see the action, assess the situation, and identify any violations of the rules.

Umpires, referees, and other sports officials may be required to attend training sessions and seminars before, during, and after the season. These sessions allow officials to learn about rule changes, review and evaluate their own performances, and improve their officiating. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials work indoors and outdoors.

Those working outdoors will be exposed to all types of weather conditions. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Essential Job Functions Officiate sporting events, games, and competitions Judge performances in sporting competitions to determine a winner Inspect sports equipment and examine all participants to ensure safety Keep track of event times, starting or stopping play when necessary Signal participants and other officials when infractions occur or to regulate play or competition Settle claims of infractions or complaints by participants Enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary Qualifications Communication skills- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good communication skills because they inform athletes on the rules of the game, discuss infractions, and settle disputes.

Decision-making skills- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must observe play, assess various situations, and often make split-second decisions. Good vision- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good vision to view infractions and identify any violations during play. In some sports, such as diving or gymnastics, sports officials must also be able to observe an athlete's form for imperfections.

Physical stamina- Many umpires, referees, and other sports officials are required to stand, walk, run, or squat for long periods during games and events. Teamwork- Because many umpires, referees, and other sports officials may work in groups to officiate a game, the ability to cooperate and come to a mutual decision is essential. Experience: One year of experience in supervision of recreation program activities or competitive sports; Thorough knowledge of the rules of specific sports.

participation in sports is desired, but not required.

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