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Summer Referee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Summer Referee information

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$57

How much do summer referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer referee in California is $20.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.88 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a summer referee?

Summer Referees are individuals who officiate sports games, tournaments, or recreational leagues that take place during the summer months. Their responsibilities include enforcing the rules of the game, ensuring fair play, making judgment calls on plays, and maintaining order on the field or court. Summer Referees may work with various age groups and sports, such as soccer, baseball, basketball, or swimming. They often work part-time or seasonally and may require training or certification depending on the sport and organization.

What does a summer referee do?

As a summer referee, you work in the summer months, typically from June to August, to officiate at sports games. While these are seasonal positions, your responsibilities are no different than at any other time of year. Depending on the sport, your duties may include judging athletes' performance, imposing score penalties, awarding points, signaling to officials and participants about gameplay, inspecting sporting equipment, verifying proper uniforms for athletes, and tracking event times. As a referee, you may work with multiple sports and must be familiar with all rules and regulations. You report to a regulating organization and document complaints, injuries, and other notable activities that happen during a game.

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

To thrive as a Summer Referee, you need a solid understanding of the sport’s rules, good physical fitness, and often a referee certification or relevant training. Familiarity with scorekeeping systems, referee communication devices, and sometimes digital reporting tools is typically required. Strong decision-making, conflict resolution, and clear communication are essential soft skills for managing players, coaches, and spectators. These skills ensure fair play, player safety, and smooth game operations throughout the season.

What are some common challenges faced by summer referees, and how can they effectively handle them?

Summer referees often encounter challenges such as managing heated interactions between players, coaches, or spectators, and making quick, fair decisions in fast-paced games. To handle these situations effectively, referees should remain calm, communicate decisions clearly, and consistently apply the rules. Building strong conflict resolution skills and maintaining professionalism helps ensure a positive experience for all participants. Additionally, staying physically fit and hydrated is important due to the outdoor, often hot work environment.

What is the difference between Summer Referee vs Summer Lifeguard?

AspectSummer RefereeSummer Lifeguard
Required CertificationsReferee certification, CPR, first aidLifeguard certification, CPR, first aid
Work EnvironmentSports fields, outdoor venuesSwimming pools, beaches, aquatic centers
Employer & Industry UsageSports leagues, school sports, tournamentsPublic pools, beaches, water parks
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Summer Referees and Summer Lifeguards require CPR and first aid certifications. While referees oversee sports games in outdoor venues, lifeguards focus on water safety at pools and beaches. Their work environments and employer types differ, but both roles are seasonal, outdoor, and involve safety responsibilities.

More about Summer Referee jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs in California?

The most popular types of Referee jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Summer Referee jobs in California?

For Summer Referee jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Summer Referee jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Summer Referee jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Summer Referee jobs?

Cities in California with the most Summer Referee job openings:

Summer Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Summer Referee job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 31% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,969 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Instructor I/II/III/IV - Referee/Umpire (Basketball Seasonal Summer)

Indio, CA • On-site

Desert Recreation District
See more jobs at Desert Recreation Districtexternal

Temporary

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

DEFINITION: Under general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV), performs a combination of instructional and officiating duties in connection with District sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Officiates games, tournaments, and competitions; enforces rules and regulations; demonstrates techniques and skills; and ensures a safe, engaging, and positive environment for participants. Continuously monitors participant safety and well-being, maintains program records, and provides customer service while supporting program operations. Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED: Receives general supervision (Instructor I/II) or direction (Instructor III/IV) from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Instructor I ? Referee/Umpire: This is the entry-level classification in the series responsible for performing basic instructional and officiating duties within assigned sports, recreation, and leisure programs. Incumbents assist in leading activities and officiating games for youth, teens, adults, and/or seniors, while developing knowledge of instructional techniques, rules of play, and program procedures. Positions at this level receive guidance and direction as needed.

Instructor II ? Referee/Umpire: This is the journey-level classification in the series responsible for independently performing instructional and officiating duties across a variety of sports and program areas. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in conducting classes, activities, games, and tournaments, and require minimal supervision.

Instructor III ? Referee/Umpire: This is the intermediate journey-level classification in the series responsible for performing more complex and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require advanced knowledge, skills, and certifications, and exercise a high degree of independent judgment in program delivery and officiating competitive events.

Instructor IV ? Referee/Umpire: This is the advanced-level classification in the series responsible for performing the most difficult and specialized instructional and officiating duties. Positions at this level require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and subject matter expertise, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Officiates games and competitions; interprets and enforces rules and regulations; assesses penalties; and ensures fair and safe play.
  • Demonstrates and instructs proper techniques, skills, and methods; provides guidance to promote skill development and safety.
  • Supervises participants during programs and events; maintains control of activities; and monitors conditions to prevent accidents and ensure participant safety and wellbeing.
  • Promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive, inclusive environment.
  • Responds to questions, concerns, and complaints from participants and the public; resolves issues within established guidelines or refers to appropriate staff.
  • Inspects facilities, playing areas, and equipment to ensure safety and proper use; reports maintenance or safety concerns.
  • Assists with program setup, breakdown, and general operations.
  • Implements and follows District policies, procedures, and safety protocols, including administering first aid and CPR as necessary.
  • Documents game and/or tournament records and outcomes.
  • Provides effective customer service and maintains positive working relationships with participants, parents, staff, and the public.
  • Attends required trainings and meetings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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