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Volunteer Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communicate effectively with volunteer coaches, parents, and YMCA staff. * Manage challenging ... Our referees serve as teachers and mentors by helping young athletes understand the game ...

Secure volunteers to assist with timekeeping and bookkeeping * Ensure games start on time and begin ... Must attend YMCA referee training upon hire * Must complete New Employee Orientation within first ...

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 ...

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 ...

Communicate effectively with volunteer coaches, parents, and YMCA staff. * Manage challenging ... Our referees serve as teachers and mentors by helping young athletes understand the game ...

Secure volunteers to assist with timekeeping and bookkeeping * Ensure games start on time and begin ... Must attend YMCA referee training upon hire * Must complete New Employee Orientation within first ...

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Volunteer Referee information

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$58

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:

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.

$18.47 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 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 # 4132