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Youth Referee Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Soccer Official

Corona, CA · On-site

$20/hr

It's the way youth sports should be. What does your company do? Job Summary The Official is a critical role in any sports field; responsible for enforcing rules while also cultivating a positive ...

It's the way youth sports should be. What does your company do> Job Summary The Official is a critical role on any sports field; responsible for enforcing rules while also cultivating a positive ...

Recreation Leader

Rialto, CA · On-site

$18.75 - $20.68/hr

Sports (officiating, scorekeeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

Sports (officiating, score keeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

Recreation Specialist

Rialto, CA · On-site

$20.68 - $22.80/hr

Sports (officiating, score keeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

Recreation Leader

Rialto, CA

$18.75 - $20.68/hr

Sports (officiating, scorekeeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

Recreation Aide

Rialto, CA · On-site

$22.79 - $25.13/hr

Sports (officiating, score keeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

Recreation Aide

Rialto, CA

$22.79 - $25.13/hr

Sports (officiating, score keeping, refereeing youth and adult sports); Senior Cultural (classes, excursions, senior citizen programs and special events); Racquet and Fitness Center (fitness room ...

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Youth Referee information

See Riverside, CA salary details

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How much do youth referee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth referee in Riverside, CA is $21.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $23.08 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Referee jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Youth Referee jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Youth Referee jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Youth Referee job openings:
Infographic showing various Youth Referee job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,423 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Game Day Assistant - GDA for Spirit League -Special Needs Athletics

Spirit League (sports for special needs)

Mission Viejo, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

There is no organization like Spirit League, providing year-round connection and self-confidence on the field of play to a historically under-supported population. Nearly 600 autistic, neurodivergent, or developmentally disabled youths and adults in Orange County participated in Spirit League athletics in 2025. The League is expanding, and now offers an additional week each season to include a Community Day event - programming that brings experts, families and athletes together to connect, support, and learn from each other, off the fields.
We are the only special needs team sports league in California that offers year-round programming.  We run 11 weeks of Soccer in the Fall, 11 Weeks of Baseball in the Winter, and 11 weeks of Basketball in the Spring.  We hire Game-Day Assistants year-round, as another sports season is always around the corner.  We hire per season, so you can apply anytime of year!
Game-Day Assistant (GDA)
 
Reports To:  Program Director

Rate of Pay:
$25 p/h starting compensation, Part-Time.  We pay more for people experienced and/or trained to work with this population.
Hours:  The GDA is the foundation for the overall quality and delivery of all Spirit League Youth Sports.  The GDA must be present at all Spirit League Youth Athletics unless approved by their supervisor.  Additional hours outside of game time are required to prep, review, and facilitate all SL Youth athletic programming.
Every Spirit League GDA is expected to work effectively with all team members, ensure the health and safety of all athletes, and maintain a caring community that nurtures the growth of all athletes.  General responsibilities of all Program Staff include:

  • Ensuring compliance with safety rules and regulations.
  • Be customer and client-facing through
    • answering phone calls and responding to emails promptly 
    • Resolving customer complaints and issues courteously 
    • Building positive and supportive relationships with all members of the SL community (staff, coaches/volunteers, families, athletes)
    • Ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Function as an ambassador for Spirit League to the larger community; finding opportunities to bring awareness to the League, express its benefits, and always speak positively about the Spirit League community and its value.
  • Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.
Responsibilities Specific to the Game Day Assistant (GDA):

·         Assist program staff in preparing courts and equipment for games;
·         Manage or referee a game on one's own, assisting coaches and athletes as needed;
·         Helping teach basic sports skills to athletes during practice and game time;
·         Adjusting equipment on the court when preparing for the next age division to play;
·         Helping staff clean up equipment and return to on-site storage;
·         Assisting the Youth Game-Day Athletic Program Manager, as needed, on game day.
 
Candidates should have experience working with athletes/teens with autism and general knowledge of game rules (Soccer, Baseball, Soccer). An understanding of applied behavioral analysis is a plus.
For inquiries, please email our Program Director at info@spiritleague.org