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Youth Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

YMCA

Morris Youth Referee

Morris, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Seeking a dynamic and committed Youth Referee to supervise competitive and non-competitive activities and enforce the rules of various sports activities. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that ...

YMCA

Avery Soccer Referee

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Seeking a dynamic and committed Youth Referee to supervise competitive and non-competitive activities and enforce the rules of various sports activities. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that ...

New

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee (Frankfort)

Frankfort, KY

The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills ...

New

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee

Lexington, KY

The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills ...

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee (Frankfort)

Frankfort, KY

The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills ...

New

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee (Frankfort)

Frankfort, KY

The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills ...

New

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee (Frankfort)

Frankfort, KY

The person must be able to take initiative, have strong time management skills and work independently in performing the duties of Youth Referees. The person must have excellent human relation skills ...

New

City of New Berlin

Youth Soccer Referee

New Berlin, WI

$25 - $35/hr

POSITION SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Recreation Program Specialist, the Youth Soccer Referee is responsible for rules enforcement and the supervision of participants in the program. The ...

Lindon City

Youth Soccer Referee - Part-time

Lindon, UT · On-site

$11.07 - $16.56/hr

Job Title: Youth Soccer Referee (Seasonal)Department: Parks and RecreationPay Scale: $11.07 - $16.56 per hour (DOE) FLSA Code: Non-Exempt Job SummaryUnder the supervision of the Recreation ...

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL

$21 - $31/hr

Under the direction and supervision of the Athletics Supervisor, the youth soccer referee will be responsible for following and enforcing league rules as they pertain to the different grade levels of ...

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How much do youth referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth 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 youth referee?

Youth referees are individuals who officiate sports games involving young athletes, typically in leagues for children and teenagers. They are responsible for enforcing the rules of the game, ensuring fair play, and maintaining a safe environment for all participants. Youth referees often work in sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, and may be teenagers or adults who have received specialized training and certification. Their role is crucial in teaching young players about sportsmanship and the rules of the sport. Many youth referees also serve as mentors and positive role models for young athletes.

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

To thrive as a Youth Referee, you need a solid understanding of the rules of the sport, usually demonstrated by completing a referee certification course and passing an exam. Familiarity with officiating tools like whistles, score sheets, and sometimes digital apps for tracking scores or fouls is commonly required. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and leadership skills are essential for managing young athletes, coaches, and parents. These abilities ensure fair play, maintain safety, and foster a positive experience for all participants in youth sports.

What is the difference between Youth Referee vs Youth Coach?

AspectYouth RefereeYouth Coach
Required CredentialsReferee certification, safety trainingCoaching certification, first aid
Work EnvironmentSports fields, stadiumsTraining sessions, sports facilities
Employer & Industry UsageSports leagues, community programsSchools, sports clubs
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

While both Youth Referees and Youth Coaches work in youth sports, referees focus on officiating games and ensuring rules are followed, requiring certification and safety training. Coaches, on the other hand, develop players' skills and strategies, often holding coaching certifications. Their work environments differ, with referees mainly on the field and coaches in training sessions. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are some common challenges youth referees face on the field, and how can they effectively handle them?

Youth Referees often encounter challenges such as managing enthusiastic parents, ensuring fair play among young athletes, and maintaining authority while fostering a positive experience for all participants. Effective communication, a calm demeanor, and a thorough understanding of the rules are crucial in these situations. Building rapport with coaches and players before the match and using clear, confident signals during play can help reduce misunderstandings and create a supportive environment.

How to become a youth referee?

To become a youth referee, you typically need to complete a certification course offered by local sports associations or governing bodies, which covers rules, safety, and officiating skills. You may also need to pass a background check and be at least 14 or 16 years old, depending on the organization. Gaining experience through volunteering or assisting at youth games can also help build skills and credibility.

What does a youth referee do?

A youth referee officiates during children’s sports league games. As a referee, you may focus on officiating one type of sport or handle the refereeing responsibilities for different sports. Your duties include watching the game and ensuring that players abide by the rules of play. You determine when a penalty, foul, or other infraction occurs. You also keep track of the score and time for the game and stop play when required by the rules or to ensure the safety of players. In some youth sports leagues, you monitor play and explain the rules to young players during the game.

More about Youth Referee jobs
What cities are hiring for Youth Referee jobs? Cities with the most Youth Referee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Referee jobs? The most popular types of Youth Referee jobs are:
What states have the most Youth Referee jobs? States with the most job openings for Youth Referee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Youth Referee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Referee jobs are:
Youth Referee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Referee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,539 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Morris Youth Referee

YMCA

Morris, IL • On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Temporary

Posted 21 days ago

YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,987 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 769 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
Seeking a dynamic and committed Youth Referee to supervise competitive and non-competitive activities and enforce the rules of various sports activities. Creates a safe and positive atmosphere that promotes member safety and engagement in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. Ensure all activities and events are reflective of the YMCA's mission and promote character values including Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility.
OUR CULTURE:
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Officiate at sporting events, games, or competitions, to maintain standards of play and to ensure that game rules are observed.
  • Must have good knowledge of all current rules and regulations of the sport hired to referee.
  • Signal participants or other officials to make them aware of infractions or to otherwise regulate play or competition.
  • Maintains effective, positive relationships with the members, participants and other staff.
  • Knows, understands, and consistently applies safety rules, policies and guidelines set forth by the YMCA.
  • Performs equipment checks and ensures appropriate equipment is available as needed.
  • Responsible for the set up and tear down of various equipment needed for activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum age of 16.
  • CPR, First Aid, AED certifications, Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Harassment training prior to first day of hire.
  • Previous experience with diverse populations preferred.

Physical Demands:
  • Ability to plan, lead and participate in a range of activities in a variety of outdoor/indoor settings. Outdoor temperatures may exceed 90 degrees.

PART-TIME BENEFITS:
  • FREE Y Membership
  • 25% off on Y programming
  • Participation in the Y's retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

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