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Youth Referee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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

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 · 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 ...

YMCA

Youth Sports Referee/Sports Assistant

Monroe, WA · On-site

Under the supervision and guidance of the Sports Director or Coordinator, the Sports Referee is responsible for officiating youth, teen or adult sporting events including, but not limited to ...

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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.

Youth Soccer Referee

Gurnee Park District

Gurnee, IL • On-site

$21 - $31/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

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 soccer. They will also be responsible for maintaining the flow of the games and ensuring the safety of all participants.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Referee must attend a mandatory referee meeting/training prior to the start of a season
  2. Arrive at your scheduled game 15 minutes early to meet the teams and also perform a visual inspection of the field noting any deficiencies to the supervisor
  3. Check all teams for any jewelry prior to the start of a game
  4. Control the flow of the soccer game for the level on which they are assigned
  5. Ensure the safety of all players during a given game
  6. Be able to explain the rules to the players when making calls
  7. Communicate and interact effectively with a large, diverse group of players, parents and coaches
  8. Resolve any on-field issues between players, coaches or parents that are within your capability or comfort level when they happen; Any issues that cannot be resolved by the referee will be immediately communicated to the Site Supervisor and/or Athletic Supervisor
  9. Report/recap any incidents or problems with players, coaches or parents that happened during assigned games to the Site Supervisor and/or the Athletic Supervisor
  10. Hand out any materials to coaches as communicated by the Athletics Supervisor
  11. Report any red or yellow cards given during a game to the Site Supervisor or the Athletic Supervisor
  12. At the end of the day the referee will pick up all of the corner flags and bring them to the designated storage area after the last game

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position could require you to work some weeknight evenings for re-scheduled games due to cancellations for inclement weather. Referees must supply their own whistle, stopwatch and referee shirt in a color that is not blue or yellow.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience: Must have a working knowledge of the rules of the game from either previous refereeing or playing experience
  • Skills: Ability to communicate effectively via e-mail, phone and in person with direct supervisor; They must also be able to communicate with a large diverse group of people participating in the soccer leagues with various ages
  • Certifications: A minimum of a Grassroots Referee Certification is preferred, but not required to start
  • Competencies: This position must possess a good knowledge of the game and be able to enforce and explain the rules

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position will require an employee to be on their feet for a majority of their shift in different types of weather. During the time on their feet the employee will experience different levels of exertion depending on the grade level they are officiating. At certain points in a season a referee might have to lift a box up to 25 lbs to hand out different items to teams or coaches, mainly coaches plaques.
We believe in taking care of our team and supporting our members both professionally and personally. As a valued addition to our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package dependent on your role. Check out our offerings here.

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