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Refereeing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Rappahannock Area YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA · On-site

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Bay Club Company

Referee

Mill Creek, WA · On-site

Alongside refereeing games, they also support League management and operations. They help ensure a smooth, successful soccer season while maintaining high standards in officiating, customer service ...

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 ...

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 ...

Career Search

Referee: Harris YMCA

Charlotte, NC

The Referee supports YMCA sports programs by officiating games, ensuring a positive and inclusiveenvironment, and promoting the values of sportsmanship and fair play. This entry-level position ...

YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Tulsa County

Basketball Referee- Seasonal

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$14.44/hr

Organization Athletics Operations Pay $14.44 Pay Frequency Hourly Full Time / Part Time Part time Job Summary Referee basketball games. Must have good communication skills and good people skills.

JCPRD

Basketball Referee

Shawnee, KS

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 ...

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How much do refereeing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 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 is the highest paying referee job?

The highest paying referee jobs are typically in professional sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, or Major League Baseball, where referees can earn six-figure salaries. These roles often require extensive experience, specialized training, and certification, and may involve working long or irregular hours during game seasons.

How much do refs earn a year?

Referees' annual earnings vary widely depending on the level of competition, experience, and location. For example, amateur referees may earn a few hundred dollars per game, while professional referees in major leagues can earn six-figure salaries annually. Many referees also receive additional compensation for certifications, training, and match assignments.

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 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 professional referees can make several thousand dollars per match, with annual salaries ranging from $20,000 to over $100,000 for top-tier leagues. Certification and experience influence earning potential, and referees often work on a part-time basis or per game.

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. Many leagues require referees to be at least 18 years old, pass background checks, and sometimes obtain specific certifications or licenses. Strong communication skills and the ability to make quick decisions are also important for the role.
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What cities are hiring for Refereeing jobs? Cities with the most Refereeing job openings:
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Refereeing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refereeing job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $54,791 per year, or $26.3 per hour.
Student Worker or Graduate Assistant (Intramural Referee)

Student Worker or Graduate Assistant (Intramural Referee)

Regent University

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Regent University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

222nd of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Student Worker or Graduate Assistant (Intramural Referee)
Job no: 50000233
Work type: Part time
Location: Virginia Beach
Categories: Student & Temporary
The Intramural Sports Board (ISB) is looking for student referees to officiate intramural flag football, soccer, basketball, and sand volleyball. The fall semester leagues begin in September and end in November. Spring leagues begin in February and end in April.
Responsibilities:
  • Work as one of the referees during flag football, sand volleyball, soccer, or basketball (sport availability subject to change).
  • Run the clock or make calls on the field or court, depending on the sport.
  • Work 3 consecutive games on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings for 7 weeks during the fall semester and 7 weeks during the spring semester, with a maximum of 10 total hours per week.

Requirements:
  • Must be able to attend mandatory training session with ISB Executive Board Member at the beginning of the semester before leagues begin
  • Must be reliable to attend and referee each scheduled match
  • Must be impartial to all teams participating in the leagues
  • Cannot be a participant in any of the leagues
  • Must have familiarity with all intramural sport rules
  • Ability to referee any of the sport leagues
  • Ability to run up and down the court or field with players
  • Commitment to Regent's core values of Excellence, Innovation, and Integrity

Additional Comments: If interested, please contact Student Engagement at studentengagement@regent.edu prior to applying.
Regent University does not discriminate in employment in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age or veteran status. For full Non-Discrimination Policy click here.
Benefits
Not eligible for benefits
#LI-DNI
Advertised: 02 Dec 2025 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 31 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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