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Summer Referee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Summer Referee information

See Wisconsin salary details

$6

$21

$59

How much do summer referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for summer referee in Wisconsin is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $22.31 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.

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

The most popular types of Referee jobs in Wisconsin are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Summer Referee jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Summer Referee job openings:

Infographic showing various Summer Referee job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,946 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Middle School Soccer Referee
Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) is Madison's public recreation provider. MSCR offers a wide variety of athletic, recreational, arts and enrichment activities and classes for all ages in an accessible, inclusive setting. Programs include swimming instruction, MSCR on the Move, arts & enrichment classes, youth summer camps, sports camps & clinics, adult & 50+ fitness, adult sport leagues including pickleball, softball and tennis, and a wide variety of outdoor pursuits including paddling sports, pontoon trips, camping, orienteering and challenge courses.
As a department of the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), MSCR also provides afterschool enrichment activities, clubs and sports as well as summer programming in Madison elementary, middle and high schools, Allied Learning Center and Meadowood Neighborhood Center. Afterschool clubs and sports include: arts & enrichment, homework/academic clubs, drama, dance, skiing, soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross country and much more!
Program Description:
MSCR Youth Sports Leagues provide participants with an experience that emphasizes skill and character development through non-competitive recreational leagues. Our youth leagues promote fun, participation, sportsmanship and fair play. MSCR offers soccer, T-ball, flag football and volleyball youth leagues throughout the year. All children are welcome to join our leagues regardless of skill level or sports experience.
Job Description & Duties:
Middle School Soccer Referee is responsible for promoting a positive, engaging and safe playing experience for youth. The emphasis is on skill building, fun, fitness, making new friends, sportsmanship and learning the sport. This position would work with middle school-aged teams from various MMSD schools.
Outdoor Games:
1. Before the Game:
a. Field & Player Inspection
• Make sure game ball is regulation size
• Both teams have contrasting jerseys on
• Review rules with coaches
2. During the Game:
• Enforce the rules of the games by calling fouls, out bounds, etc.
• Manage play and control the flow of the game with a whistle
• Timekeeping - keeping track of the game clock
• Ensure a safe and fair playing environment.
• Promote positive interactions between players, coaches, and parents.
• Be aware of and follow the MSCR weather policy for outdoor games.
Start Date: 9/14/2026
Pay starting at $20 per hour
Work Location: Various MMSD Middle Schools
Hours/week: 2-10 hours per week
Work hours: Weeknights (Mondays at4:45 pm & Wednesdays at 5:45 pm) and weekend mornings, as available.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience working with children.
• Knowledge of basic soccer rules and skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
• CPR/First aid certification, or the ability to obtain it.
• Understand and communicate the rules and skills of soccer.
• Ability to stand and run for long periods of time.
• Referee / Coaching certification is NOT required.
Other Information:
For more information, please contact David Savino, dfsavino@madison.k12.wi.us