ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Refereeing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ripken Baseball, Inc.

Football Referee

Manteca, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Football Referee Entity: Big League Dreams Manteca Reports to: General Manager Pay Rate: $20-25 per 45 minute game Location: Manteca, CA Anticipated Start Date: Immediately Availability: Part Time ...

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 ...

City of South Lake Tahoe

Referee

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$20.27 - $25.87/hr

... Previous refereeing or coaching experience is a plus, but not required Supplemental Information EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER The City of South Lake Tahoe is an Equal Employment ...

City of South Lake Tahoe, CA

Referee

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$20.27 - $25.87/hr

... refereeing or coaching experience is a plus, but not required. Supplemental Information EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER The City of South Lake Tahoe is an Equal Employment Opportunity ...

Sofive

Sports Associate Referee

Covina, CA · On-site

$20/hr

Position: Sport Associate Soccer Referee Job Overview: Join our dynamic team at Sofive Soccer Centers as a Sport Associate Soccer Referee. In this role, you will officiate in our leagues and ...

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 ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4018)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4127)

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4125)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

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 ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4142)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4137)

Montebello, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4141)

Maywood, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $20/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

YMCA of Metropolitan L.A.

Referee (4123)

Monrovia, CA · On-site

$18.47 - $19/hr

Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Officiates games in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRefereeing JobsRefereeing Jobs in California

Refereeing information

See California salary details

$8

$25

$60

How much do refereeing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for refereeing in California is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do refs earn a year?

Referees' annual earnings vary widely depending on the level of competition, location, and experience. For example, amateur referees may earn a few hundred dollars per game, while professional referees in major leagues can earn from $50,000 to over $400,000 annually. Many referees also receive additional compensation for playoffs, tournaments, and certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by referees during matches, and how can they effectively manage them?

Referees often encounter challenges such as managing heated emotions among players and coaches, making quick decisions under pressure, and ensuring consistent enforcement of the rules. Effective communication and maintaining a calm, assertive presence are key to diffusing tense situations. Staying up-to-date with rule changes and participating in regular training sessions can also help referees remain confident and fair during matches. Building strong teamwork with assistant referees and maintaining clear signals are essential for smooth match management.

How to get hired as a referee?

To get hired as a referee, you typically need to complete relevant training and obtain certification from a recognized sports or officiating organization. Experience in the sport, good communication skills, and knowledge of the rules are also important, and some positions may require background checks or physical fitness assessments.

What is the difference between Refereeing vs Coaching?

AspectRefereeingCoaching
Required CredentialsReferee certifications, sports-specific trainingCoaching certifications, sport-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentSports events, stadiums, gymsTraining sessions, team facilities, offices
Employer & Industry UsageSports leagues, associations, schoolsSports teams, academies, clubs
Common Search & Comparison IntentRefereeing vs Coaching

Refereeing involves officiating sports events, ensuring rules are followed, and maintaining fair play. Coaching focuses on training athletes, developing skills, and strategizing for competitions. While both roles are integral to sports, referees primarily enforce rules during games, whereas coaches prepare teams for success through training and guidance.

What are referees and what do they do?

Referees are officials who oversee sports games or competitions to ensure that the rules are followed fairly and consistently. They make important decisions during play, such as calling fouls, awarding points, and managing the flow of the game. Referees are responsible for maintaining order, ensuring player safety, and upholding the integrity of the sport. Their impartial judgment is crucial for a fair and enjoyable experience for players and spectators alike.

How much money do refs get paid?

Referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition and league. For example, youth referees may earn $20 to $50 per game, while officials in professional leagues can earn several hundred dollars per match or more. Many referees also receive additional compensation for training, certifications, and travel.

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 comprehensive knowledge of the rules of the sport, keen observational skills, and typically some formal certification or completion of official training courses. Familiarity with timing systems, scorekeeping software, and communication devices like wireless headsets is often required. Strong decision-making, composure under pressure, and effective communication with players and coaches distinguish top referees. These skills are essential for ensuring fair play, maintaining game integrity, and handling high-stress situations confidently.

What qualifications do you need for referee?

Referees typically need a good understanding of the sport's rules, often demonstrated through certification courses or training programs. Some positions require age minimums, background checks, and physical fitness assessments, depending on the level of competition. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are also important qualifications.
What are popular job titles related to Refereeing jobs in California? For Refereeing jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Refereeing jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Refereeing jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Refereeing jobs? Cities in California with the most Refereeing job openings:
Refereeing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refereeing job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
Seasonal - Soccer Referee

Seasonal - Soccer Referee

City of McMinnville

South Gate, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

McMinnville Youth Soccer Referee

Officials/Referees are a big part of all sports. Love them or hate them they make the game what it is today. We have had many parents and players express their gratitude for the wonderful job performed by our officials. Getting involved in officiating gives you the opportunity to help give young athletes the same joy you did growing up and playing sports. It will also give you the opportunity to experience another side of sports.

Job Description: Youth Soccer referees are responsible for officiating scheduled soccer games coordinated by the Parks and Recreation Department. Referees will be under the direction of the head referee and league supervisor. It is the referees' responsibility to enforce the rules impartially and control the contest. Referees will display self-confidence and a professional attitude while officiating a match.

Essential Duties: Arrive 15 minutes before the first game to clock in. Wear your Official shirt and bring your whistle, both are provided by the league. Be consistent when making calls during a game and appear confident in those decisions. Remember you are in control of the game from the beginning to the end. Notify the Supervisor on Duty as soon as possible if you are unable to attend due to illness or emergency. Never leave during your scheduled shift until you have informed the supervisor on duty. Report problems/suggestions/equipment issues to the direct supervisor.

Education and Experience: Experience in coaching, playing, or officiating preferred but not required.

Mental and Physical Demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these demands:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written and oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, run, and reach with hands and arms.

Pay: Uncertified referees are paid $18 an hour and certified referees are paid $22 an hour.

Games are primarily on Saturdays, but there is potential for games to be played during the week. Every referee will be guaranteed at least 4 hours a weekend. All seasonal employees are eligible to use the Milner Recreation Center for free will employed.