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Refereeing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SOCCER REFEREE

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

  • Retirement

Referee youth sports games to enforce rules, sportsmanship, and safety * Teach age-appropriate basic rules during the game * Develop player's through teaching moments during the games * Start all ...

Referee (4133)

Torrance, 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 ...

Referee (4136)

San Pedro, 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 ...

Referee (4138)

Sierra Madre, 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 ...

Referee (4140)

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 ...

Referee (4135)

Gardena, 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 ...

Referee Official

Oroville, CA

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

A minimum of two-years of experience as a player in the sport they are refereeing * Current certification in Standard First Aid, CPR * Competitive compensation * Comprehensive health benefits ...

Showing results 21-40

Refereeing information

See California salary details

$8

$25

$60

How much do refereeing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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.

What is a referee?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a referee?

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 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.

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.

Do referees get paid well?

Referees' pay varies depending on the level of sport, league, and location. While amateur referees often earn modest amounts, professional referees in major leagues can earn a competitive salary, sometimes reaching six figures annually, especially with additional match fees and endorsements. Experience, certifications, and the frequency of matches influence earning potential.

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:

Infographic showing various Refereeing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

$18.47 - $19/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY 

A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a variety of sports programs for youth up to age 9, including for our Jr. Clippers basketball program. It is the role of the referee to create a safe, enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment that welcomes people of all skill and activity levels and to provide a quality experience to participants and families. 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 accordance with YMCA rules and guidelines.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.
  • Develop positive relationships with participants, parents, spectators, employees, and vendors
  • Sets up and takes down equipment.
  • Report any equipment needs or equipment safety issues, as needed.
  • Monitor team sports at the YMCA or off-site locations.
  • Teach game strategies, techniques and rules to youth and adults.
  • Assume responsibility for interpreting the rules and policies the game to the sport participants.
  • Organize and manage sport set up, clean up and participate in activities necessary to deliver a quality sports experience.
  • Adjust and operate all sports equipment as applicable including but not limited to baskets, goals, scoreboards, sound systems and any other operation that will contribute to the success of the sports game and league.
  • Contributes to a superior work culture through participation in training and staff meetings to develop leadership, management and technical skills related to sports.
  • Stay current with applicable sport rules, trends and regulations.
  • Show enthusiasm about officiating and teaching the knowledge of the game.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings, as required.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
  • Demonstrate the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility when working with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
  • Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop, in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
  • All other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of Cause-Driven Leadership:

  • Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
    • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
  • Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
    • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & Inclusion
  • Leading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
    • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project Management
  • Developing & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
    • Competencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others

While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position:

  • Engaging Community
  • Communication & Influence
  • Inclusion
  • Emotional Maturity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • AGE: Must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 must be able to obtain a valid work permit or documentation of a high school degree or equivalent.  
  • SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
    • Passion for youth sports and commitment to positive youth development
    • Familiarity with basketball rules and officiating standards (training provided)
    • Strong communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
    • Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
    • Availability on weekends and evenings for scheduled league games. Additional hours may be available during school breaks and seasonal programs.
    • Candidates who participated in the YMCA Referee Academy will be strongly considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • This role may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • This role may be performed in loud environments.
  • Must be able to move into various positions and locations to observe the players, plays and playing courts/fields.
  • Be able to observe participant and spectator behavior and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and/or improper behavior.

Req #4130