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Sport Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Liberty

Intramural Sports Referee

Lynchburg, VA · On-site

$12.77/hr

Current sport specific Referee Certification * Current CPR/AED and First Aid Certification * Experience in a customer service position * Desire to pursue recreation management as a career field ...

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee

Lexington, KY

Referees team sports (soccer, flag football, volleyball), encourages sportsmanship and encourages ... Volleyball on Sundays (5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.) Site locations for each sport vary. Staff are not ...

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How much do sport referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for sport referee in the United States is $20.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sport referee?

Sport referees are officials who oversee and enforce the rules during sporting events. Their main responsibilities include making decisions on plays, ensuring fair competition, and maintaining the safety of participants. Referees use their knowledge of the sport's rules to judge actions, signal infractions, and resolve disputes between players or coaches. They often work at various levels, from amateur leagues to professional sports, and may also be responsible for starting and stopping play, keeping time, and reporting game results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sport referee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sport Referee, you need a thorough understanding of the sport's rules, strong decision-making abilities, and often certification from a recognized governing body. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, timing devices, and sometimes video replay technology is typically required. Excellent communication, impartiality, and conflict resolution skills help referees manage players, coaches, and game situations effectively. These skills are crucial to ensure fair play, maintain game integrity, and foster respect on the field.

What are some common challenges sport referees face during games, and how can they effectively handle these situations?

Sport referees often encounter challenges such as managing high-pressure situations, dealing with disputes between players or coaches, and making split-second decisions that can impact the outcome of a game. Effective referees address these challenges by maintaining clear communication, staying impartial, and continuously updating their knowledge of the rules. Building strong conflict resolution skills and remaining calm under pressure are essential for earning respect and ensuring fair play.

What is the difference between Sport Referee vs Sports Official?

AspectSport RefereeSports Official
CredentialsUsually requires certification from sports governing bodiesOften holds similar certifications, may include specific training for different sports
Work EnvironmentOn-field during games, enforcing rules and making callsCan include on-field, sidelines, or event management roles
Employer & IndustrySports leagues, schools, recreational clubsSports organizations, leagues, tournaments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Sport Referees and Sports Officials are essential for maintaining fair play in sports. While referees typically focus on enforcing rules during games, sports officials may have broader roles including overseeing multiple aspects of sporting events. The certifications and work environments are similar, making them closely related roles within the sports industry.

How much money do sport referees make?

Sport referees' earnings vary based on the level of competition, sport, and location. They typically earn between $20 and $100 per game for amateur leagues and can make several hundred dollars or more per game at professional levels, with some earning annual salaries or stipends for regular officiating duties. Certification and experience often influence pay rates.

How to become a sport referee?

To become a sport referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, which cover rules, safety, and officiating techniques. Gaining experience through volunteering or officiating lower-level games can also help, and some sports require passing written exams or practical assessments to obtain certification. Strong communication skills, knowledge of the sport, and the ability to make quick decisions are essential for success in this role.

What cities are hiring for Sport Referee jobs?

Cities with the most Sport Referee job openings:

What states have the most Sport Referee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sport Referee jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Sport Referee jobs?

For Sport Referee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sport Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sport Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 57% Full Time, 39% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Youth Sports Referee/Sports Assistant

Stanwood, WA • On-site

YMCA
See more jobs at YMCAexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,991 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

582nd of 790 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

The YMCA of Snohomish County provides jobs and careers with a cause.Every day, the Y makes a lasting impression in our communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Our unique work environment constantly changes to adapt to the needs of our communities. We are a non-profit, in the people business. This means that we help members meet a fitness or ability goal, see that children thrive in our child care programs, encourage family togetherness, and give youth an opportunity to learn life skills through water safety, sports, and teen programming.

Our Commitment to Inclusion:
The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life, working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation, has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility-they guide everything we do.

We look forward to having you on our YMCA team!
*The YMCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer that celebrates diversity at all levels of our organization!

Job Summary:

Under the supervision and guidance of the Sports Director or Coordinator, the Sports Referee is responsible for officiating youth, teen or adult sporting events including, but not limited to: basketball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, etc. This position requires individuals to monitor play, ensure safety of all coaches and participants. Provide direct supervision of participants in a safe, enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment that welcomes participants of all skill and activity level. Provide a quality experience to participants focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring.
Employee will be expected to referee sports games, keeping participants safe and the games under control. This position also requires referees to act professionally and to serve as role models for the participants. Referees are required to wear referee jerseys when working a game. This position also requires that referees communicate with adult coaches to ensure games start in a timely manner, prepare courts for play, recruit volunteer scorekeepers, and assist Gym Supervisors with opening, closing, and cleaning the gym. All employees of the YMCA including referees are expected to uphold the four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Preferred candidates will official multiple sports/season and is committed to provide a quality experience to participants.
Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Provide safe supervision of participants

  • Officiate sports games for all levels of recreation and competitive Sport Programs.
    Implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with YMCA core values
    Adhere to program standards including safety and cleanliness standards
    Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergencies
    Develop and maintain positive effective relationships with our diverse members, participants and other staff
    Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 16 years of age
    Previous officiating experience preferred but not required
    Current CPR Adult and Child and First Aid, or be willing to obtain
    General knowledge of recreation sports programs and equipment
    Must have willingness and desire to work with children and adults

Y Culture:
Build relationships with a diverse membership base in culturally responsive ways, connect members with one another and to the YMCA
Exhibit Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility
Complete required training and certifications within established guidelines
Arrive on time ready for shift, clock in/out within timekeeping system

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