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Sports Referee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Enforces rules for particular sport and YMCA Sports philosophy. * Serves as a positive role model. * Has knowledge of emergency and safety procedures. * Attends all YMCA required trainings and ...

Referee

Jacksonville, FL · On-site +1

$14 - $14.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY: Your Flight Plan! The Referee will monitor and referee athletic events ... Maintain a neutral point of view and make on-the-fly decisions that enforce the rules of the sport.

New

JOB SUMMARY: Your Flight Plan! The Referee will monitor and referee athletic events ... Maintain a neutral point of view and make on-the-fly decisions that enforce the rules of the sport.

New

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Sports Referee information

See Florida salary details

$4

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$43

How much do sports referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for sports referee in Florida is $15.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $8.99 and $16.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 $50 per game, while professional referees can make several thousand dollars per game or season, often supplemented by certifications and experience.

How do you become a sports referee?

To become a sports referee, you typically need to complete relevant training or certification courses offered by sports governing bodies, which cover rules, safety, and officiating techniques. Some positions require passing an exam and gaining experience through officiating youth or amateur games before advancing to higher levels.

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?

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 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 most commonly searched types of Sports Referee jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Sports Referee jobs in Florida are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Sports Referee job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,536 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

$18.47 - $19/hr

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY 

A Youth Sports Referee at the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angles will officiate a variety of sports programs for youth up to age 9, including for our Jr. Clippers basketball program. It is the role of the referee to create a safe, enjoyable, positive and inclusive environment that welcomes people of all skill and activity levels and to provide a quality experience to participants and families. Referees are expected to promote teamwork, confidence, and physical activity in a safe, supportive environment while enforcing YMCA rules and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Officiates games in accordance with YMCA rules and guidelines.
  • Follows YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention and emergency procedures.
  • Develop positive relationships with participants, parents, spectators, employees, and vendors
  • Sets up and takes down equipment.
  • Report any equipment needs or equipment safety issues, as needed.
  • Monitor team sports at the YMCA or off-site locations.
  • Teach game strategies, techniques and rules to youth and adults.
  • Assume responsibility for interpreting the rules and policies the game to the sport participants.
  • Organize and manage sport set up, clean up and participate in activities necessary to deliver a quality sports experience.
  • Adjust and operate all sports equipment as applicable including but not limited to baskets, goals, scoreboards, sound systems and any other operation that will contribute to the success of the sports game and league.
  • Contributes to a superior work culture through participation in training and staff meetings to develop leadership, management and technical skills related to sports.
  • Stay current with applicable sport rules, trends and regulations.
  • Show enthusiasm about officiating and teaching the knowledge of the game.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings, as required.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
  • Demonstrate the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility when working with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
  • Demonstrate competencies in, and willingness to develop, in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
  • All other duties as assigned.

YMCA LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The Y’s Leadership Competency Model is comprised of 14 Leadership Competencies (leadership knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in the Y), organized by the four disciplines of Cause-Driven Leadership:

  • Advancing Our Mission & Cause: Provide visionary leadership to the organization and to ensure that all resources are mobilized to adapt to new challenges and needs in the community
    • Competencies Include: Change Leadership, Engaging Community, Philanthropy, & Volunteerism
  • Building Relationships: Connect people to the Y’s cause by developing inclusive relationships, partnerships and collaborations so that Ys can co-create solutions to pressing social needs
    • Competencies Include: Collaboration, Communication & Influence, & Inclusion
  • Leading Operations: ensure relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of the organization so that we can continue to fulfill our promise to the community
    • Competencies Include: Critical Thinking & Decision Making, Fiscal Management, Functional Expertise, Innovation, & Program/Project Management
  • Developing & Inspiring Others: support the holistic development of self and others so that everyone can embrace the Y’s cause, sustain the Y’s culture, and inspire others to take individual and collective action to further our impact
    • Competencies Include: Emotional Maturity & Developing Self & Others

While all competencies are significant, the following are critical to success in this position:

  • Engaging Community
  • Communication & Influence
  • Inclusion
  • Emotional Maturity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • AGE: Must be at least 16 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 must be able to obtain a valid work permit or documentation of a high school degree or equivalent.  
  • SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
    • Passion for youth sports and commitment to positive youth development
    • Familiarity with basketball rules and officiating standards (training provided)
    • Strong communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills
    • Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure
    • Availability on weekends and evenings for scheduled league games. Additional hours may be available during school breaks and seasonal programs.
    • Candidates who participated in the YMCA Referee Academy will be strongly considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • This role may be performed in both indoor and outdoor environments.
  • This role may be performed in loud environments.
  • Must be able to move into various positions and locations to observe the players, plays and playing courts/fields.
  • Be able to observe participant and spectator behavior and respond verbally to health and safety concerns and/or improper behavior.

Req #4126