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Youth Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Gurnee Park District

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee, IL · On-site

$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 ...

CITY OF LINCOLN CITY

Referee

Lincoln City, OR · On-site

$15.05 - $17.55/hr

This position performs general work acting as a Referee during youth indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball, or volleyball games sponsored by the Lincoln City Community Center. TO APPLY: Fill out the ...

JCPRD

Soccer Referee - Youth

Olathe, KS · On-site

$14 - $16/hr

Referee youth soccer leagues. * Exercise knowledge in league rules. * Give your community opportunities to participate in recreation. Some experience you will gain at JCPRD: * Conflict Resolution

JCPRD

Soccer Referee - Youth

Olathe, KS · On-site

Referee youth soccer leagues. * Exercise knowledge in league rules. * Give your community opportunities to participate in recreation. Some experience you will gain at JCPRD: * Conflict Resolution

CITY OF LINCOLN CITY

Referee

Lincoln City, OR

$15.05 - $17.55/hr

This position performs general work acting as a Referee during youth indoor and outdoor soccer, basketball, or volleyball games sponsored by the Lincoln City Community Center. TO APPLY: Fill out the ...

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How much do youth referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 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.

How much do kid referees get paid?

Youth referees typically earn between $10 and $25 per game, depending on the league, location, and level of experience. Pay may vary for different age groups and competitive levels, and referees often need certification or training to qualify for assignments.

What is the youngest age to become a referee?

The minimum age to become a youth referee typically ranges from 12 to 14 years old, depending on the sport and local regulations. Many organizations require referees to complete training and certification courses before officiating games, which may also set age requirements. It is important to check with the specific league or governing body for their age policies and certification standards.

What are youth referees?

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 much does a 14 year old referee get paid per?

A 14-year-old youth referee typically earns between $10 and $20 per game, depending on the league, location, and level of experience. Payment rates can vary based on the organization and whether the referee is certified or has completed necessary training.

Can a 14 year old become a referee?

Youth referees can often start at age 14, depending on the sport's governing body and local regulations. They may need to complete training and obtain certification to officiate matches, and age requirements vary by organization and level of play.

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.

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Youth Referee jobs near you
YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE

YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE

Town of West Springfield

West Springfield, MA

$24K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description YOUTH SOCCER REFEREE $15 per game The West Springfield Park & Recreation Department seeks qualified individuals to fill Soccer Refereepositions for youth leagues. As a Youth Soccer Referee, your responsibilities are to ensure accurate calls and fairness during a youth soccer game. You will officiate games scheduled in the Park & Recreation youth leagues and interact with various soccer teams made up of children ranging from Kindergarten through 7th Grade.

These games may be for instructional or competitive leagues, but you must referee all games equitably and treat all players according to the rules for that league. Your duties may include: checking that the field is appropriately and safely set up, reviewing soccer players for appropriate attire, carrying flags to call specific plays, starting the game on time, observing the game with great attention to detail, and reporting any injuries. The referee will talk with each coach before the game and review any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards.

The referee will make sure all players are in proper uniform and notify the coach if any problems need to be rectified. All referees must wear the assigned uniform to each game they officiate. Examples of Duties Arrives fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.

Checks all equipment and checks that the field is appropriately and safely set up. Sets-Up Corner Flags prior to the start of the game. Returns equipment to the job box at the end of the final game.

Talks with each coach before the game and reviews any ground rules, unusual circumstances or local field hazards. Verifies that all players are in proper uniform and notifies the coach if any problems need to be rectified. Officiates youth soccer games and enforces specific league rules.

Observes the game with great attention to detail and remains unbiased during the contest. Keeps track of game time and final scores. Reports any inappropriate spectators/coaches to the League Coordinator.

Avoids direct contact with spectators. Approaches the position as a representative of the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, displaying respect for the facility, participants, parents and co-workers. Submits reports as required and keeps records Reports to the Recreation Supervisor, and directly to the Referee Coordinator and/or League Coordinator Qualifications Minimum Age Requirements: Anyone 14 years of age and older as of September 11 2026.

Adult/Child teams are encouraged and welcomed. Adults are strongly encouraged to apply as well. Qualifications: Strong knowledge of the game and soccer rules Ability to take the initiative to do the work that needs to be done Ability to work independently Self-motivator and good decision making skills Ability to jog for lengthy periods during officiating Ability to work outdoors in all kinds of weather Ability to deal with public diplomatically and respectfully Supplemental Information Shift: Weekends (Saturdays between 8:00am - 12:00pm, Sundays between 12:00pm-5:00pm) & occasional weeknights (after 5:30pm).

This position is seasonal (September through early November). Salary: The salary range for this position is $15.00 per game.

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