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Sports Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Piedmont YMCA

Sports Referee

Charlottesville, VA

$16 - $20/hr

The primary responsibilities of a YMCA Referee are to enforce the rules of the respective sport, to create a positive, fun, and safe game atmosphere, and to encourage sportsmanship and equal playing ...

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Southgate, MI

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Downriver YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Southgate, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Downriver YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Milford, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Carl's YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

ymcadetroit

Sports Referee Level 1

Milford, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Sports Referee Level 1 at the Carl's YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs * Flexible Scheduling * Family-friendly Work Environment

YMCA OF FREDERICK COUNTY

Youth Sports Referee

Frederick, MD · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

The Youth Sports League Referee is responsible for officiating the assigned league games scheduled to him/her by the Director of Youth Sports. BENEFITS: Benefits offered to Part Time employees (12-25 ...

Liberty

Intramural Sports Referee

Lynchburg, VA

$12.77/hr

The Intramural Sports Referee is responsible to fairly officiate Intramural Sports events, maintaining standards of play and ensuring that rules are adhered to. They are responsible for performing ...

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How much do sports referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports 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 are some of the main challenges sports referees face during a game, and how can they effectively handle them?

Sports referees often encounter challenges such as making split-second decisions under pressure, handling disputes or disagreements from players and coaches, and maintaining impartiality throughout the game. To effectively handle these challenges, referees rely on thorough knowledge of the rules, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and assertive in high-stress situations. Continuous training, experience, and feedback from peers or mentors also play a crucial role in helping referees refine their judgment and conflict resolution techniques.

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

To thrive as a Sports Referee, you need a thorough understanding of game rules, strong decision-making abilities, and, typically, official certification from a recognized sports body. Familiarity with timing devices, scorekeeping systems, and video review technology is often required, depending on the sport. Excellent communication, impartiality, and conflict resolution skills help referees maintain authority and manage interactions with players, coaches, and spectators. These competencies are vital to ensure fair play, uphold the integrity of the game, and manage high-pressure situations effectively.

What are sports referees?

Sports referees are officials responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining order during athletic competitions. They make decisions on plays, ensure fair play, and address any violations of the game's regulations. Referees may work in a variety of sports, such as soccer, basketball, or football, and often use signals, whistles, or flags to communicate their decisions. Their role is crucial for ensuring that games are played safely, fairly, and according to the established rules.
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Sports Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Referee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 42% Internship, 22% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Sports Referee

Piedmont YMCA

Charlottesville, VA

$16 - $20/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The primary responsibilities of a YMCA Referee are to enforce the rules of the respective sport, to create a positive, fun, and safe game atmosphere, and to encourage sportsmanship and equal playing time for all participants. 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:

  • Perform the role of an official to monitor play, oversee the safety of players, and ensure sport and YMCA rules are followed.

  • Arrive at sporting events at least 15 minutes prior to event start time.

  • Ensure games run on time.

  • Maintain records as required (i.e. game scores, player playtime).

  • Build effective, authentic relationships with players, parents, and coaches; helps them connect with each other and the YMCA.

  • Encourage parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.

  • Listen to concerns, resolves problems, and corrects inappropriate behavior. Documents situations and relays them to the Site Supervisor.

  • Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures. Completes incident and accident reports as necessary.

  • Exhibit positive public relations; wear the required YMCA attire to all games.

  • Attend staff meetings and training as scheduled.

  • Adhere to the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

  • Advancing Our Mission & Cause:  Engaging Community, Volunteerism, Philanthropy, Change Leadership

  • Building Relationships:  Collaboration, Communication & Influence, Inclusion 

  • Leading Operations:  Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, Program/Project Management

  • Developing & Inspiring People:  Developing Self & Others, Emotional Maturity 

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Must be at least 16 years old

  • Any combination of experience and education that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to officiate youth sports.

    • Minimum three (3) months of experience in a recreation or sport setting as an employee, volunteer, or participant.

  • Must be available Saturdays (8AM-4PM)

  • Must possess oral, auditory, and written communication skills appropriate for interacting with both adults and children.

  • Must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills, and work independently in performing the duties of a Referee.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be on their feet and may have to lift/pull equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

  • The employee is frequently required to sit and reach and be able to move around the work environment.

  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency

 

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

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