ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sports Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Rockville, MD

Sports Official

Rockville, MD · On-site

$17.15 - $37/hr

Adult Sports Opening Date: 06/17/2021 Closing Date: Continuous Job Summary Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain ...

City of Rockville

Sports Official

Rockville, MD · On-site

$17.15 - $37/hr

Job Summary Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Sarasota, FL

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities: * O ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Lakeland, FL

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities: * O ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Peoria, AZ

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities: * O ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

YMCA

Sports Aide, Sports Official

Waxahachie, TX

The Sports Official is responsible and willing to uphold the Sports Official Code of Conduct and enforce the rules of play. He/She is the sole representative at many of the YMCA games, and is to take ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Peoria, AZ · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Bradenton, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities: * O ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

City of Santaquin

Sports Official

Santaquin, UT · On-site

$9 - $30/hr

RECREATION SPORTS OFFICIAL Santaquin City is accepting applications for Sports Officials. Must be 14 years of age, adults preferred. $9.00 - $30.00 per game depending on league and experience. For ...

YMCA

Sports Aide, Sports Official

Flower Mound, TX · On-site

The Sports Official is responsible and willing to uphold the Sports Official Code of Conduct and enforce the rules of play. He/She is the sole representative at many of the YMCA games, and is to take ...

i9 Sports - Mackey

Youth Sports Official

Waukee, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Flexible schedule Job Summary The Sport Official/Instructor is a hands-on role that will lead athletes and provides expert instruction in their designated sport. The Sport Instructor is directly ...

Officials Unlimited

Sports Official

Sarasota, FL · On-site

$25 - $50/hr

We seek dedicated sports officials to oversee and officiate sports events. If you have a passion for sports and enjoy working with athletes, this role is perfect for you. Responsibilities ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports Official Jobs

Sports Official information

See salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do sports official jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports official 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 are the most common challenges faced by sports officials during games, and how are they typically addressed?

Sports Officials often encounter challenges such as managing contentious situations, making split-second decisions under pressure, and maintaining impartiality despite external influences like crowd reactions or team protests. To address these challenges, officials rely on thorough knowledge of the rules, clear communication, and strong conflict-resolution skills. Many leagues provide regular training and mentorship to help officials handle high-pressure scenarios effectively, and working in teams or with experienced colleagues can also offer support during difficult moments.

What is a sports official?

Sports officials are individuals responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during athletic competitions. This includes referees, umpires, and judges who make decisions on plays, ensure fair play, and resolve disputes between participants. Their role is critical to the integrity and smooth operation of sports events, as they ensure that games are played safely and according to established regulations. Sports officials may work at various levels, from youth leagues to professional sports.

How do I become a sports official?

To become a sports official, you typically need to complete training or certification programs specific to the sport, which often include rules knowledge and on-field mechanics. Many organizations require officials to pass a test and obtain a license or certification, and some may require background checks or ongoing education to maintain their status.

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

To thrive as a Sports Official, you need a thorough understanding of the rules, strong observational skills, and typically certification from a recognized sports governing body. Familiarity with game management systems, timing devices, and instant replay technology is often required. Excellent communication, impartiality, and quick decision-making are crucial soft skills that set top officials apart. These abilities ensure fair play, maintain the integrity of the game, and foster a safe, respectful environment for all participants.

What is the difference between Sports Official vs Referee?

AspectSports OfficialReferee
CredentialsTypically requires training, certification, and knowledge of sport rulesRequires certification, training, and understanding of game rules
Work EnvironmentSports venues, gyms, or fields during games or tournamentsOn-field or court during competitions, overseeing game conduct
Employer & IndustrySports leagues, schools, or organizationsSports leagues, tournaments, or associations
Common Search/ComparisonSports Official vs Referee

Both Sports Officials and Referees are essential for maintaining fair play in sports. While their roles often overlap, Sports Officials may include umpires or other roles overseeing different aspects of the game, whereas Referees primarily enforce rules on the field. Both require certification and work in similar environments, ensuring the integrity of sporting events.

More about Sports Official jobs

What cities are hiring for Sports Official jobs?

Cities with the most Sports Official job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Sports Official jobs?

The top employers for Sports Official jobs are:

What states have the most Sports Official jobs?

States with the most job openings for Sports Official jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Sports Official jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Official jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Sports Official jobs?

For Sports Official jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sports Official jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Official job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Sports Official

City of Rockville, MD

Rockville, MD • On-site

$17.15 - $37/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Salary: $17.15 - $37.00 Hourly
Location : Recreation Facility - Rockville, MD 20850, MD
Job Type: Temporary
Job Number: 202100075
Department: Department of Recreation and Parks
Division: Adult Sports
Opening Date: 06/17/2021
Closing Date: Continuous
Job Summary
Umpires, referees, and other sports officials preside over competitive athletic or sporting events to help maintain standards of play. They detect infractions and decide penalties according to the rules of the game. While officiating at sporting events, umpires, referees, and other sports officials must anticipate play and position themselves where they can best see the action, assess the situation, and identify any violations of the rules. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials may be required to attend training sessions and seminars before, during, and after the season. These sessions allow officials to learn about rule changes, review and evaluate their own performances, and improve their officiating. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials work indoors and outdoors. Those working outdoors will be exposed to all types of weather conditions. Umpires, referees, and other sports officials often work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Essential Job Functions
  • Officiate sporting events, games, and competitions
  • Judge performances in sporting competitions to determine a winner
  • Inspect sports equipment and examine all participants to ensure safety
  • Keep track of event times, starting or stopping play when necessary
  • Signal participants and other officials when infractions occur or to regulate play or competition
  • Settle claims of infractions or complaints by participants
  • Enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary

Qualifications
  • Communication skills- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good communication skills because they inform athletes on the rules of the game, discuss infractions, and settle disputes.
  • Decision-making skills- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must observe play, assess various situations, and often make split-second decisions.
  • Good vision- Umpires, referees, and other sports officials must have good vision to view infractions and identify any violations during play. In some sports, such as diving or gymnastics, sports officials must also be able to observe an athlete's form for imperfections.
  • Physical stamina- Many umpires, referees, and other sports officials are required to stand, walk, run, or squat for long periods during games and events.
  • Teamwork- Because many umpires, referees, and other sports officials may work in groups to officiate a game, the ability to cooperate and come to a mutual decision is essential.
Experience:
One year of experience in supervision of recreation program activities or competitive sports; Thorough knowledge of the rules of specific sports. participation in sports is desired, but not required.
No Benefits
01
What sports are you qualified and willing to officiate?
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Baseball
  • Adult Slow Pitch Softball
  • Kickball
  • Volleyball
  • Other

02
If you selected "Other" on the previous question please list the other you are qualified and willing to officiate
03
What age groups are you interested in teaching:
  • Children (4-7 years)
  • Children (8-12 years)
  • Teens (13-17 years)
  • Adults (18+ years)

04
Please list any specialized training, licenses, courses, or experience you have in officiating.
05
When are you available to officiate games
  • Weekday Evenings
  • Weekends

06
Please specify any days you would not be available.
07
How many years of experience do you have as a sports official, referee or umpire?
  • No Experience
  • Less than 1 Year
  • 1 - 2 Years
  • 3 - 5 Years
  • Over 5 Years

08
Please list any additional information that you would like us to consider.
Required Question

Apply