ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Volunteer Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duluth Area YMCA

Referee

Duluth, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Referee Job Status: Part Time FLSA Status: Non-exempt Reports To: Director of Healthy Living ... Do not accept gifts from parents, players, coaches, or volunteers. (unless leftover snacks)

YMCA

Sports Instructor/Referee

Madison, WI · On-site

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 ...

Career Search

Referee: Brace YMCA

Matthews, 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 ...

Career Search

Referee: Simmons 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

Youth Sports Referee/Sports Assistant

Monroe, WA · On-site

This position also requires that referees communicate with adult coaches to ensure games start in a timely manner, prepare courts for play, recruit volunteer scorekeepers, and assist Gym Supervisors ...

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee (Frankfort)

Frankfort, KY · On-site

Referees team sports (Soccer), encourages sportsmanship and encourages children to build their ... members, volunteers and the public. The requirements listed below are representative of the ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsVolunteer Referee Jobs

Volunteer Referee information

See salary details

$6

$20

$58

How much do volunteer referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 are popular job titles related to Volunteer Referee jobs?

For Volunteer Referee jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Volunteer Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Referee job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Youth Basketball Referee - Hamilton Y

Chattanooga, TN

YMCA
See more jobs at YMCAexternal

$14/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,993 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Are you passionate about basketball and creating a safe, fun, and structured environment for young athletes? If so, we have an opening for a highly skilled and motivated Youth Basketball Referee at the Hamilton Family YMCA.

We are seeking referees who are available for shifts Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm.

Responsibilities:

  • Officiate games according to YMCA rules
  • Build relationships with coaches
  • Secure volunteers to assist with timekeeping and bookkeeping
  • Ensure games start on time and begin with prayer
  • Discuss and clarify rules for coaches and players when necessary
  • Report any problems or incidents to supervisor and handle issues within YMCA guidelines
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Minimum age of 15
  • Familiarity with YMCA rules for the specific sport
  • Must attend YMCA referee training
  • Must complete New Employee Orientation within first week of hire
  • Previous referee experience preferred
  • Previous experience playing basketball preferred

Physical Demands:

The role requires sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to perform essential functions and supervise program activities in various indoor and outdoor locations and temperatures.

Perks:

  • Free Y Membership

A BETTER US STARTS WITH U!
Imagine going to work knowing that what you do each day positively impacts people’s lives. We are seeking to add new members to our team who are motivated and committed to serving others. Whether you are experienced or not, we will provide the resources and training needed for you to grow and succeed. If you want more than just a job – if you’re looking to discover a sense of purpose and opportunities to contribute to the greater good – then the Y is the place for you. Join us!

What YMCA employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom