ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Sports Referee Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Coordinator - Soccer

Windsor, CO · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Summary Love sports and working with kids? Looking for a fun weekend job? i9 Sports is looking ... You partner with volunteer coaches and referees, support game-day operations, and help ensure every ...

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Coordinator - Baseball

Windsor, CO · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Summary Love sports and working with kids? Looking for a fun weekend job? i9 Sports is looking ... You partner with volunteer coaches and referees, support game-day operations, and help ensure every ...

i9 Sports

Youth Sports Coordinator - Baseball

Windsor, CO · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

Job Summary Love sports and working with kids? Looking for a fun weekend job? i9 Sports is looking ... You partner with volunteer coaches and referees, support game-day operations, and help ensure every ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSports Referee JobsSports Referee Jobs in Colorado

Sports Referee information

See Colorado salary details

$6

$22

$61

How much do sports referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports referee in Colorado is $22.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.64 and $23.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sports referee?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sports referee?

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 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.

How do I become a professional sports referee?

To become a professional sports referee, you typically need to complete relevant training and certification programs offered by sports governing bodies, gain experience officiating at lower levels, and pass practical exams. Maintaining good physical fitness and understanding the rules of the sport are essential for advancing to higher levels of officiating.

How much money do sports referees make?

Sports referees' earnings vary based on the level of competition, sport, and location. For example, high school referees typically earn $20 to $100 per game, while professional referees can make several thousand dollars per game or season, often supplemented by certifications and experience.

What are popular job titles related to Sports Referee jobs in Colorado?

For Sports Referee jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sports Referee jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Sports Referee jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Sports Referee jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Sports Referee job openings:

Sports Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sports Referee job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,782 per year, or $22 per hour.

Sports Official

Estes Valley Recreation and Park District

Estes Park, CO • On-site

$19 - $27/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Department: Recreation
Pay Range: $19.00 - $27.00 DOE
Last Update: January 2024
POSITION SUMMARY
This part-time position is responsible for officiating at adult and/or youth sports events including volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer. Adult and/or Youth Sports Officials initiate game play decisions with arm signals and verbal announcements, impose penalties for rule violations, control the play by whistle and/or signal, and check scores. Position acts as referee, game official, or umpire in Adult Sports Leagues and Tournament games utilizing current rules and regulations applying to particular sports. This position requires working a flexible schedule; typically occurs on weekday evenings after 5 PM and occasional weekends depending on game schedules.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Officiate EVRPD adult and/or youth sport competitions by administering rules in a fair and consistent manner.
  • Enforce league rules and regulations, and assure that games are played in a fair and safe manner.
  • Promote safe practices in agreement with the safety rules and procedures set forth by the EVRPD, and obey and comply with all EVRPD ordinances and policies.
  • Communicate game situations to field supervisors and stay mentally alert.
  • Quickly talk over situations, make the final call, and move on.
  • Remain firm but approachable to your crew, scorekeepers/timers, coaches, and players.
  • Attend EVRPD sponsored and/or recommended officiating clinics and meetings.
  • Ensure that game courts, fields, and equipment are in proper and safe playing condition, and that all games are started on time.
OTHER DUTIES
  • Effectively communicate verbally with the public in a professional manner.
  • Observe and monitor participants and the public’s behaviors to determine compliance with operating and safety standards
  • Appear on time for all scheduled games.
  • Performs other duties deemed necessary and assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
  • The employee must have the ability to establish successful working relationships with co-workers, coaches, volunteers, participants, and the public and use good professional judgment, honesty, and integrity in decision making.
  • Ability to enforce department policies and procedures and to interpret written instructions and manuals.
  • Ability to make the proper calls on command and the ability to accept criticism.
  • Ability to see play with sufficient clarity to make accurate decisions.
  • Knowledge of game rules of the sport hired to officiate; scoring techniques, officiating techniques and methods of refereeing disputes; know proper positioning and mechanics.
  • Knowledge of how to handle managers under difficult game situations.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Must be at least 16 years of age, with ability to read, write, and count.
  • Previous officiating experience is preferred, but not required.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS: None needed.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Employee works indoors and outdoors at a variety of playing sites throughout the EVRPD service area. The EVRPD uses Estes Park School District R-3 school facilities and follows all district policies. Employee is occasionally exposed to wet, cold, windy, sunny conditions and other variable outside weather conditions. Employee will be exposed to loud noises, moving/running participants and fast moving sports equipment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Employee is frequently required to run, jump, bend or stoop repeatedly or continually over time; walk over rough and/or uneven surfaces, and make continuous or repetitive arm-hand movements. Employee operates ball pumps, timing devices, and whistles.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The position is subject to EVRPD’s pre-employment screening requirements including, but not limited to:
  • Criminal, National Sex Offender, and Motor Vehicle background checks, and a pre-employment medical examination/physical

Apply