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Volunteer Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rappahannock Area YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA · On-site

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the ... Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers. * Listen to concerns, resolve ...

YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA · On-site

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the ... Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers. * Listen to concerns, resolve ...

Piedmont YMCA

Sports Referee

Charlottesville, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Referees will support the work of the YMCA, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening the ... Encourage parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers. * Listen to concerns, resolves ...

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Referee: Harris YMCA

Charlotte, NC

The Referee supports YMCA sports programs by officiating games, ensuring a positive and ... Develops self and supports others (e.g., staff, volunteers,members, program participants), both ...

YMCA

Referee - Salem Family YMCA

Salem, VA

Minimum three (3) months of experience in a recreation or sport setting as an employee, volunteer ... a Referee. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Perform the role of an official to monitor play, oversee the ...

West End YMCA

Volunteer-Youth Sports

Upland, CA · On-site

Volunteers are the backbone of the Y. Volunteers not only founded the Y, but also operated it in ... We are seeking energetic, enthusiastic, and positive coaches and referees for our various youth ...

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Volunteer Referee information

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$58

How much do volunteer referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer 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 common challenges Volunteer Referees face, and how can they prepare for them?

Volunteer Referees often encounter challenges such as managing conflicts between players or coaches and making split-second decisions under pressure. Preparation involves thorough knowledge of the sport’s rules, effective communication skills, and maintaining composure during heated moments. Building confidence through training sessions, shadowing experienced referees, and practicing assertiveness can help volunteers handle difficult situations more smoothly and enjoy their officiating experience.

How much money do refs get paid?

Volunteer referees typically do not receive payment, as the role is unpaid. However, paid referees in organized sports can earn anywhere from $20 to $100 or more per game, depending on the level of competition, location, and their experience. Some referees also receive additional benefits such as training and certification opportunities.

What is the difference between Volunteer Referee vs Paid Referee?

AspectVolunteer RefereePaid Referee
CredentialsOften no formal certification required, but some sports may prefer certificationsRequires official certifications or licenses depending on sport and level
Work EnvironmentCommunity events, amateur leagues, local sportsProfessional leagues, tournaments, higher-level competitions
Employer & Industry UsageNon-profit organizations, community clubs, schoolsSports associations, professional leagues, event organizers
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for volunteer opportunities or local sports rolesIndividuals seeking paid officiating positions in sports

Volunteer referees typically officiate at community or amateur levels without pay and may not require formal certifications, depending on the sport. Paid referees usually work at higher levels, require certifications, and are compensated for their officiating services. The main difference lies in compensation, certification requirements, and the level of competition officiated.

How much does a 13 year old ref get paid?

A 13-year-old volunteer referee typically earns between minimum wage and $15 per hour, depending on the league, location, and level of experience. Payment rates can vary, and some leagues may offer stipends or volunteer opportunities without pay. Certification or training may be required before officiating games.

What are Volunteer Referees?

Volunteer referees are individuals who offer their time and skills without pay to officiate games or competitions, often in youth or amateur sports leagues. They are responsible for enforcing rules, ensuring fair play, and maintaining the integrity of the game. Volunteer referees typically receive training from the organizing body and play a vital role in making community sports possible. Their involvement helps keep sports accessible and enjoyable for all participants.

How much does a 14 year old ref get paid?

A 14-year-old volunteer referee typically earns between minimum wage and $10 per hour, depending on the location and organization. Payment rates vary by league and region, and some volunteer positions may be unpaid or offer stipends instead of hourly wages.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Referee, a solid understanding of the sport's rules, strong decision-making abilities, and basic physical fitness are essential, often supported by completion of introductory referee courses or workshops. Familiarity with digital scorekeeping systems or league management platforms can be beneficial, depending on the sport and organization. Excellent communication, impartiality, and the ability to stay calm under pressure help build trust with players, coaches, and spectators. These skills and qualities ensure fair play, uphold the integrity of the game, and create a positive sporting environment.

What is a referee for volunteering?

A volunteer referee is an individual who officiates sports games or events on a voluntary basis, ensuring rules are followed and maintaining fair play. They typically need knowledge of the sport, good judgment, and sometimes certification or training specific to the sport or organization.
More about Volunteer Referee jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Referee jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Referee jobs? The most popular types of Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Referee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Referee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Referee jobs are:
Volunteer Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Referee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 40% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 30% Temporary, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

REFEREE

Rappahannock Area YMCA

Falmouth, VA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

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 respective 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; help them connect with each other and the YMCA.
  • Encourage parent involvement and identify potential volunteers.
  • Listen to concerns, resolve problems, and correct inappropriate behavior.
  • Document situations and relay them to the Site Supervisor.
  • Follow all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures.
  • Complete 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 either youth volleyball or youth basketball
  • Minimum three (3) months of experience in a recreation or sport setting as an employee, volunteer, or participant.
  • Must be available Saturday
  • 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

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