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Refereeing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Our referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for ...

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$21 - $31/hr

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 ...

Our referees orchestrate the game for our participants, providing them with an opportunity to play the game they love! If hired, where would I work? Typically, all games take place at the Haslam ...

Referee - Volleyball Department: Parks, Recreation amp; Civic Facilities Division: REC Center Salary: $16.00hourly Closing Date: Until Filled Job Summary Performs the duties of a referee in all ...

REFEREE

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

DESCRIPTION A City of Poulsbo referee ensures youth sports are safe, fair, and fun by enforcing rules, maintaining professionalism, and managing game situations. Key duties include managing ...

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 ...

Referee 1 Referee for sports involving youth ages 2-8 years old, no experience required, must be over the age of 16. Referee 2 Referee for sports involving youth ages 9-17 years old, 2+ years of ...

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Refereeing information

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$26

$61

How much do refereeing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for refereeing in the United States is $26.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Do referees get paid well?

Referees' pay varies depending on the level of competition, sport, and location. While some amateur referees earn modest stipends, professional referees in major leagues can earn a substantial salary, often supplemented by benefits and per-game fees. Experience, certifications, and the frequency of matches influence earning potential.

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.
More about Refereeing jobs
What cities are hiring for Refereeing jobs? Cities with the most Refereeing job openings:
What states have the most Refereeing jobs? States with the most job openings for Refereeing jobs include:
Infographic showing various Refereeing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Part-time, Contractor

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Organizations: NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football
Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, 1099 Independent Contractor
Minimum Age: 16
Season: Mid-September through mid-November 2026
Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, depending on league location
Locations: Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding Kansas and Missouri communities

Available League Locations

Referee opportunities may be available at the following league locations:

  • Overland Park, Kansas

  • Olathe, Kansas

  • Lawrence, Kansas

  • Liberty, Missouri

  • North Kansas City, Missouri

  • South Kansas City, Missouri

Game days vary by league location and may take place on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

Assignments will be based on league needs, referee availability, experience, location preference, and proximity to each league location. Applicants may be considered for one or multiple locations.

Position Overview

NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football are seeking dependable, level-headed, and professional referees to officiate youth flag football games during the Fall 2026 season.

Our referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting sportsmanship, managing game conduct, and making timely and impartial decisions on the field.

The ideal candidate communicates confidently, remains calm during challenging situations, works well as part of a team, and demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism. Previous officiating experience is preferred but not required.

Applicants must be reliable and able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the season. This is a seasonal, part-time, 1099 independent contractor opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Officiate youth flag football games in accordance with NFL FLAG rules and league guidelines.

  • Promote player safety, fair competition, inclusion, and good sportsmanship.

  • Make timely and impartial decisions involving penalties, scoring plays, out-of-bounds calls, and other game situations.

  • Monitor game play and address rule violations appropriately.

  • Manage player and coach conduct in a calm, respectful, and professional manner.

  • Address unsportsmanlike behavior and on-field disagreements without escalating the situation.

  • Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and fellow officials.

  • Accurately record final scores and report game results to the Field Manager.

  • Assist with field and equipment setup or cleanup when needed.

  • Follow all referee uniform and equipment requirements.

  • Complete and maintain required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

  • Remain current on league rules, procedures, and officiating expectations.

  • Attend weekly referee calls or review the weekly call recording during the season.

  • Arrive on time and prepared for every assigned game day.

  • Maintain reliable availability for assigned weekends throughout the Fall 2026 season.

  • Notify the appropriate supervisor as early as possible when an unavoidable emergency affects availability.

  • Officiate divisional tournaments and other scheduled league events when assigned.

Required Qualifications

  • Must be at least 16 years old.

  • Able to work as a 1099 independent contractor.

  • Dependable, punctual, level-headed, and professional.

  • Able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the Fall 2026 season.

  • Able to remain calm and make fair decisions in fast-paced or challenging situations.

  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Able to interact respectfully and impartially with children, coaches, parents, staff, and fellow officials.

  • Reliable transportation to assigned league locations in Kansas or Missouri.

  • Available to work assigned Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, depending on league location.

  • Willing to complete required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

  • Able to attend weekly referee calls or review the recorded call each week.

  • Physically able to stand, walk, jog, and run throughout multiple games.

  • Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience officiating football, flag football, or another sport.

  • Knowledge of football or flag football rules and game procedures.

  • Current NFL FLAG certification or comparable officiating certification.

  • Experience working with children, families, coaches, or youth sports organizations.

  • CPR or First Aid certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Referees must be physically capable of standing, walking, jogging, and running throughout multiple games. Officials must be able to keep pace with game play and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals when they do not prevent the individual from performing the essential responsibilities of the position.

Compensation and Professional Development

  • Compensation is provided on a 1099 independent contractor basis.

  • Opportunities may be available to officiate additional regular-season games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

  • Low-cost or no-cost training opportunities may be available for qualified candidates.

  • Additional assignments may be offered based on performance, reliability, league needs, and availability.

Why Join Our Team?

This opportunity is a great fit for experienced officials, student-athletes, coaches, teachers, sports professionals, and individuals interested in building experience in youth sports.

As a referee, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Make a positive impact on young athletes.

  • Support both coed and girls’ flag football programs.

  • Build leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

  • Gain or expand sports officiating experience.

  • Work in an active, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.

  • Be considered for additional games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

Apply Today

If you are dependable, confident, fair-minded, and passionate about creating a positive youth sports experience, we encourage you to apply.

Join our NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football officiating team and help us provide a safe, fair, and enjoyable Fall 2026 season for athletes and families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.


Employment Type: Temp/Seasonal
Years Experience: Less than 1 year
Salary: $15 - $30 Hourly
Bonus/Commission: No