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Volunteer Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ymcadetroit

Basketball Referee

Mount Clemens, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Basketball Referee at the Macomb YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership ... Develops authentic relationships with players, parents, and volunteers. * Encourages parent ...

YMCA

REFEREE

Falmouth, VA

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 ...

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 ...

ymcadetroit

Basketball Referee

Mount Clemens, MI · On-site

Now Hiring a Basketball Referee at the Macomb YMCA YMCA Employee Benefits * FREE Family Membership ... Develops authentic relationships with players, parents, and volunteers. * Encourages parent ...

Kansas City NFL Flag

NFL Flag Referee

Lenexa, KS · On-site

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and ...

Kansas City NFL Flag

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and ...

Colorado NFL FLAG

NFL Flag Referee

Denver, CO · On-site

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and ...

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 ...

Colorado NFL FLAG

NFL Flag Referee

Denver, CO · On-site

Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting ... Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and ...

YMCA of Greater Richmond

Basketball Referee

Chester, VA · On-site

$15 - $16/hr

... parents and volunteers.QUALIFICATIONS of RefereeCandidates must have at least two years of ... Referee experience and certification preferred. First Aid, AED and CPR certifications are required ...

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Volunteer Referee information

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How much do volunteer referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 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 is a volunteer referee?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a volunteer referee?

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 challenges do 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.

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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Basketball Referee

ymcadetroit

Mount Clemens, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

FIND A CAREER THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
WITH A JOB AT THE Y!

Now Hiring a Basketball Referee at the Macomb YMCA

YMCA Employee Benefits

  • FREE Family Membership & Discounted Access to Programs
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Family-friendly Work Environment
  • Employee Assistance Program & Retirement Plan

Position Summary

The Basketball Referee is responsible for officiating games with a higher level of complexity, ensuring fairness, safety, and sportsmanship among players. This position plays a key role in supporting the YMCA's mission by providing leadership and guidance to sports program participants

Education/Experience/Training/Certifications

  • Must be 18 years of age or older
  • Thorough knowledge of the sport and ability to enforce rules effectively.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience refereeing sports preferred.
  • Previous experience working with children in a supervised setting preferred.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Completion of YMCA Sports Referee Level 1 or 2 training.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Arrives at games at least 15 minutes prior to game start time.
  • Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the sport and effectively enforces rules.
  • Conducts brief coach meetings before games and facilitates team gatherings.
  • Recites the Youth Sports Pledge to promote sportsmanship and respect.
  • Creates a positive and supportive game environment.
  • Stops play when necessary and explains violations consistently and fairly.
  • Develops authentic relationships with players, parents, and volunteers.
  • Encourages parent involvement and identifies potential volunteers.
  • Adheres to all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and safety procedures.
  • Works with varying age groups and manages large groups effectively.
  • Attends required staff meetings, training sessions, and other YMCA activities.
  • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.

For more opportunities to join our team, please visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit's career page (ymcadetroit.org/careers).

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