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Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL

$21 - $31/hr

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Mill Creek, WA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great ...

City of South Lake Tahoe, CA

Referee

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$20.27 - $25.87/hr

Continuous Description The City of South Lake Tahoe is currently seeking referees to assist with the following leagues. The estimated hours are 24 - 32 hours per league. Youth Basketball Saturdays ...

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season * Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the ...

State of Washington

Tax Referee (Exempt)

Olympia, WA · On-site +1

$8.0K - $10K/mo

Tax Referee (Exempt) Salary: $8,075 - $10,860 Monthly Location: Olympia, Washington (Hybrid/Remote Work Eligible) Job Type: Full-Time, EMS II - Exempt Deadline to Apply: 26 July 2026 Job #: 2026-BTA ...

Rappahannock Area YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA · On-site

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA · On-site

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Exos

Referee

Malvern, PA

As a Referee you will: * Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed * Judge performances in sporting competitions ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Seattle, WA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

WA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Seattle, WA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great ...

River Crossing YMCA

Basketball Referee

Flemington, NJ · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Basketball Referee Flemington, NJ | Fall Season, Part Time, Hourly | Wednesdays: 6pm -9pm & Saturdays: 9am - 12pm | $18 - $22 per hour Do you love connecting with people and sharing your passion with ...

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Redmond, WA · On-site

GENERAL SUMMARY Arena Sports Referees are an essential part of what makes us great. They provide a safe, fun, friendly, and structured environment for League players, helping to ensure a great ...

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How much do referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for referee in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 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 qualifications do I need to become a referee?

To become a referee, you typically need to complete a certification or training course approved by the relevant sports or governing body, which covers rules, safety, and officiating techniques. Some positions may require a minimum age, good physical fitness, and knowledge of the sport's rules, with ongoing education or recertification often necessary to maintain qualification.

How to get hired as a referee?

To get hired as a referee, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications or training from a recognized sports organization, gain experience through volunteering or officiating smaller games, and demonstrate good communication and decision-making skills. Employers often look for a clean background check and a good understanding of the rules of the sport. Applying to local leagues, sports clubs, or officiating agencies is also common.

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.

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.

What are referees?

Referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during sporting events. They make decisions on plays, resolve disputes between players or teams, and ensure fair play. Referees use their knowledge of the game and quick judgment to keep competitions safe and fair for all participants. Their role is crucial in upholding the integrity of sports.

How much do refs get paid?

Referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition and location. For example, youth sports referees may earn $10 to $30 per game, while high school and college referees can earn $50 to $200 per game or more. Certification and experience often influence pay rates, and referees typically work on a part-time basis with flexible schedules.

What is the highest paying referee job?

The highest paying referee jobs are typically in professional sports leagues, such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), or the National Basketball Association (NBA), where referees can earn six-figure salaries. These positions often require extensive experience, certification, and the ability to officiate at the highest competitive levels. Pay varies based on league, experience, and game frequency.
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Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Youth Soccer Referee

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee Park District

Gurnee, IL

$21 - $31/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Under the direction and supervision of the Athletics Supervisor, the youth soccer referee will be responsible for following and enforcing league rules as they pertain to the different grade levels of soccer. They will also be responsible for maintaining the flow of the games and ensuring the safety of all participants.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season
  2. Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the field noting any deficiencies to the supervisor
  3. Check all teams for any jewelry prior to the start of a game
  4. Control the flow of the soccer game for the level on which they are assigned
  5. Ensure the safety of all players during a given game
  6. Be able to explain the rules to the players when making calls
  7. Communicate and interact effectively with a large, diverse group of players, parents and coaches
  8. Resolve any on-field issues between players, coaches or parents that are within your capability or comfort level when they happen; Any issues that cannot be resolved by the referee will be immediately communicated to the Site Supervisor and/or Athletic Supervisor
  9. Report/recap any incidents or problems with players, coaches or parents that happened during assigned games to the Site Supervisor and/or the Athletic Supervisor
  10. Hand out any materials to coaches as communicated by the Athletics Supervisor
  11. Report any red or yellow cards given during a game to the Site Supervisor or the Athletic Supervisor
  12. At the end of the day the referee will pick up all of the corner flags and bring them to the designated storage area after the last game

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position could require you to work some weeknight evenings for re-scheduled games due to cancellations for inclement weather. Referees must supply their own whistle, stopwatch and referee shirt in a color that is not blue or yellow.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience: Must have a working knowledge of the rules of the game from either previous refereeing or playing experience
  • Skills: Ability to communicate effectively via e-mail, phone and in person with direct supervisor; They must also be able to communicate with a large diverse group of people participating in the soccer leagues with various ages
  • Certifications: A minimum of a Grassroots Referee Certification is preferred, but not required to start
  • Competencies: This position must possess a good knowledge of the game and be able to enforce and explain the rules

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position will require an employee to be on their feet for a majority of their shift in different types of weather. During the time on their feet the employee will experience different levels of exertion depending on the grade level they are officiating. At certain points in a season a referee might have to lift a box up to 25 lbs to hand out different items to teams or coaches, mainly coaches plaques.

We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally. As a valued addition to our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package dependent on your role. Check out our offeringshere.

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