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Refereeing Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. • An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) • ...

Referee

Brighton, MA · On-site

$40/hr

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) Knowledge ...

Basketball Referee

Reading, MA · On-site

$40 - $42/hr

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) Knowledge ...

Referees will also be required to maintain these certifications by attending all necessary trainings. An IAABO Certified Basketball official with at least 2 yrs experience (must show proof) Knowledge ...

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Refereeing information

See Massachusetts salary details

$9

$28

$66

How much do refereeing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for refereeing in Massachusetts is $28.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $33.01 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 job categories do people searching Refereeing jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Refereeing jobs in Massachusetts are:
Infographic showing various Refereeing job openings in Massachusetts as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,778 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE

YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE

Town of West Springfield

West Springfield, MA • On-site

$24K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE $15 per game The West Springfield Park & Recreation Department seeks qualified individuals to fill Soccer Refereepositions for youth leagues. As a Youth Soccer Referee, your responsibilities are to ensure accurate calls and fairness during a youth soccer game. You will officiate games scheduled in the Park & Recreation youth leagues and interact with various soccer teams made up of children ranging from Kindergarten through 7th Grade.

These games may be for instructional or competitive leagues, but you must referee all games equitably and treat all players according to the rules for that league. Your duties may include: checking that the field is appropriately and safely set up, reviewing soccer players for appropriate attire, carrying flags to call specific plays, starting the game on time, observing the game with great attention to detail, and reporting any injuries. The referee will talk with each coach before the game and review any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards.

The referee will make sure all players are in proper uniform and notify the coach if any problems need to be rectified. All referees must wear the assigned uniform to each game they officiate. Examples of Duties Arrives fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.

Checks all equipment and checks that the field is appropriately and safely set up. Sets-Up Corner Flags prior to the start of the game. Returns equipment to the job box at the end of the final game.

Talks with each coach before the game and reviews any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards. Verifies that all players are in proper uniform and notifies the coach if any problems need to be rectified. Officiates youth soccer games and enforces specific league rules.

Observes the game with great attention to detail and remains unbiased during the contest. Keeps track of game time and final scores. Reports any inappropriate spectators/coaches to the League Coordinator.

Avoids direct contact with spectators. Approaches the position as a representative of the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, displaying respect for the facility, participants, parents and co-workers. Submits reports as required and keeps records Reports to the Recreation Supervisor, and directly to the Referee Coordinator and/or League Coordinator Qualifications Minimum Age Requirements: Anyone 14 years of age and older as of September 11 2026.

Adult/Child teams are encouraged and welcomed. Adults are strongly encouraged to apply as well. Qualifications: Strong knowledge of the game and soccer rules Ability to take the initiative to do the work that needs to be done Ability to work independently Self-motivator and good decision making skills Ability to jog for lengthy periods during officiating Ability to work outdoors in all kinds of weather Ability to deal with public diplomatically and respectfully Supplemental Information Shift: Weekends (Saturdays between 8:00am - 12:00pm, Sundays between 12:00pm-5:00pm) & occasional weeknights (after 5:30pm).

This position is seasonal (September through early November). Salary: The salary range for this position is $15.00 per game.