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Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ripken Baseball, Inc.

Soccer Referee

Manteca, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

The Soccer Referee is responsible for enforcing the rules of the game during matches in a fair, consistent, and professional manner. This role is located at our Big League Dreams Manteca location and ...

Career Site

Basketball Referee

Flemington, NJ

$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 ...

Deuce Pub & Pit

Volleyball Referee

Columbia, MO · On-site

$15/hr

Volleyball Referee - Part Time Deuce + Hartsburg Grand | [City, State] Join our dynamic team at Deuce + Hartsburg Grand as a Volleyball Referee! In this part-time role, you'll be an integral part of ...

Exos

Referee

Malvern, PA · On-site

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 PLEX LLC

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to the rules of the game during hockey matches. They are responsible for making impartial ...

Exos

Referee

Plano, TX

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 ...

Life Time

Basketball Referee

South Jordan, UT

Position Summary The Sports Referee assists in the execution of LT Sport league play by officiating league games. They work closely with Sports League Coordinators and players to ensure a respectful ...

JCPRD

Basketball Referee

Shawnee, KS · On-site

Basketball Referees are responsible for calling scheduled basketball games and programs sponsored or coordinated by the Parks and Recreation Department. * Tactfully discuss questionable calls when it ...

GOTO PLEX

Hockey Referee

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.45 - $20/hr

We are looking for a Hockey Referee who will be responsible for ensuring fair play, safety, and adherence to the rules of the game during hockey matches. They are responsible for making impartial ...

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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.

Kid's Sports Program Referee

i9 Sports SW Atlanta

East Point, GA • On-site

$80 - $120/day

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Summary
We are seeking a reliable and energetic Referee to join our i9 Sports team! As a Referee with i9 Sports, you will work Saturdays Only, your job is to provide a safe, fun, and friendly environment for league participants. You will manage the team rosters and enforce safe play. Referees should assure great sportsmanship and fair play. Referees need to be professional, great communicators, organized, and capable of managing stressful situations. Great for a weekend job to help the community!

Responsibilities 
  • Welcome teams onto the field
  • Keep everything positive! In order to change a negative behavior, you have to first set the example by staying friendly and positive at all times
  • Maintain a clean and organized playing area
  • Follow all safety and game rules and regulations
  • Provide professional and consistent game time management skills
  • Enforce games beginning and ending times as we want to ensure effective use of playing time
  • Create a positive and age appropriate environments for players
  • Remain courteous and professional at all times
  •  Understand the rules, knowing and implementing the rules is an easy yet essential part of being a great official
Qualifications
  • Prior experience as a referee or official is preferred but not mandatory
  • Works great with children
  • Ability to remain calm even in stressful situations
  • Hard worker and even harder team player
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to speak clearly with players, spectators, coaches, and parents
  • Able to follow all health and safety guidelines and ensure the safety of program participants at all times
  • Positive and encouraging attitude
  • Able to work on your feet for extended periods
  • Previous sports playing, reffing or coaching experience