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Referee Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Referees are responsible for understanding and enforcing rules and safety guidelines in a friendly, competitive environment. This is a part-time role, great for anyone who likes being outside, enjoys ...

Sports Official

Rockville, MD · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Referees are responsible for understanding and enforcing rules and safety guidelines in a friendly, competitive environment. This is a part-time role, great for anyone who likes being outside, enjoys ...

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 ...

Fun Team Member

Sterling, VA

$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 ...

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Referee information

See Washington, DC salary details

$7

$23

$66

How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Referee job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,303 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Soccer Referee (Part-Time)

Washington, DC • On-site

AEG
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

$22.50 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Founded and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland in 2010, Volo is a community based organization with more than 350,000 users across the US. Our users leverage Volo to organize, meet, communicate and play within their community through fitness and social activities. Whether it's a performance sport like soccer, or a social activity like cornhole, Volo provides something real. Real interaction, real activity, real fun, and real impact.
Volo is a movement-for people and by people who want to connect more meaningfully with each other. We are a grassroots uprising, helping others actually see who they're connecting with, and share experiences over the length of a season.
Job Description
Referees are responsible for understanding and enforcing rules and safety guidelines in a friendly, competitive environment. This is a part-time role, great for anyone who likes being outside, enjoys sports, and is looking for supplemental income.
Responsibilities:
  • Ensure a safe, fun, social and fair environment for all players
  • Understand and kindly and fairly enforce each sport's rules
  • Communicate with the office regarding any equipment, rule issues, player issues, etc.

Qualifications
  • Must have played the sport before
  • Must be available for a minimum of eight weeks, as follows:
    • Weekday availability from 5:45pm-10:30pm
    • Weekend availability between 9am - 7pm
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from field locations

What We Look For:
  • People with a passion for sports and social activities
  • Must value punctuality and professionalism
  • Prior referee experience a plus, but not required
  • Experience in diffusing challenging situations a plus

Volo is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that proudly pursues and hires a diverse workforce. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion or religious belief, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state, or federal laws or company policy. We strive to create a healthy and safe workplace and we prohibit harassment of any kind.

AEG logo

About AEG

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1992