Hockey Referee Jobs
Hockey Referee jobs are open across amateur leagues, professional organizations, youth programs, and collegiate athletics, at every level from entry-level recreational officiating to senior and elite competition, with specializations in ice hockey, inline hockey, and officiating instruction. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Backyard Sports Basketball RefereePosition Type: Part-Time / SeasonalJob Title: Youth Basketball RefereePay: $50-$100 per game (1 hour)Schedule: Weekends and/or weekday eveningsAbout the Position
We are looking for enthusiastic, patient, and dependable Basketball Referees who understand that youth basketball is about more than winning and losing. It is about learning the game, developing skills, building confidence, and creating a positive sports experience.
Our referees play an important role in both officiating games and educating young athletes. We believe every game presents an opportunity for a teachable moment. Rather than simply calling fouls and violations, our referees are expected to help players understand the rules of basketball and learn from their experiences on the court.
The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys working with children, communicates effectively, demonstrates patience, and is passionate about helping young athletes develop a better understanding of the game.
You do not need to be a certified referee or have extensive basketball officiating experience to apply. A willingness to learn the rules, receive training, and develop as an official is what matters most. Previous referee certification or officiating experience is preferred, but not required.
Responsibilities
- Officiate youth basketball games while maintaining fairness, consistency, and sportsmanship.
- Incorporate teachable moments into gameplay by explaining rules and calls in a clear, concise, and age-appropriate manner.
- Help athletes understand common basketball rules, including traveling, double dribbling, fouls, violations, out-of-bounds, and other basic fundamentals.
- Use appropriate stoppages in play to briefly educate players about rules and proper gameplay.
- Maintain control of the game while creating a welcoming and supportive environment for developing athletes.
- Work collaboratively with coaches, program staff, players, and fellow officials.
- Arrive on time, prepared, and dressed appropriately for scheduled games.
Qualifications
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Patient, approachable, and comfortable providing constructive feedback.
- Knowledge of the rules is required.
- Willingness to learn basketball rules and participate in referee training.
- Ability to make decisions confidently while remaining fair and professional.
- Reliable, responsible, and punctual.
- Previous basketball playing, coaching, or officiating experience is a plus.
Preferred Qualification:
- Current basketball referee certification or prior officiating experience. Certification is preferred, but not a requirement for consideration.
Pay: $50.00 - $100.00 per hour
Expected hours: 2.0 – 6.0 per week
Application Question(s):
- What is your availability on the weekends and weekday evenings?
- How many years of experience of refereeing basketball do you have?
- Do you have coaching at the youth level?
- Are you able to travel to games within Westchester County?
Work Location: In person
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Find Hockey Referee JobsHockey Referee Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in hockey referee jobs.
- Current USA Hockey or governing body officiating certification at the appropriate level
- Demonstrated experience officiating games at the youth, adult recreational, or competitive level
- Strong working knowledge of current ice hockey rules and officiating mechanics
- Ability to skate proficiently and maintain fitness to cover full-game assignments
- Reliable availability for evenings, weekends, and holiday-season game schedules
- Effective communication and conflict-de-escalation skills with players, coaches, and spectators
Tips for Your Hockey Referee Job Search
List your certifications by level
Officiating certification tiers vary by governing body, so name the specific level you hold on your resume rather than just the organization. Hiring coordinators screening applicants need to match your credential to the age group or league level they're filling.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists hockey referee openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Tailor your resume to game type
Ice hockey and inline hockey officiating require different mechanics and equipment knowledge. Highlight which format you've called most and note any crossover experience, since leagues filling specialist slots scan for that distinction before reading further.
Get your on-ice evaluations documented
Many competitive officiating positions require a formal evaluation score or assessor report. If you've been evaluated, list the evaluator's name, date, and the level of play assessed. Undocumented experience is harder for assigners to act on than a filed report.
Prepare a game-film reference you can share
Some higher-level positions ask for footage or a contact who can speak to your positioning and rule application under pressure. Identify two or three games you officiated cleanly and confirm you can provide a reference who observed those games before your interview.
Ask the assigner about mechanic expectations before accepting
Two- and three-person officiating systems have different zone responsibilities and communication norms. In any offer or follow-up conversation, confirm which system the organization uses and whether a clinic or on-ice orientation is required before your first assignment.
Hockey Referee Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most hockey referees?
The most active employers for hockey referees right now are Sofive Soccer Centers, YMCA, and i9 Sports Corporation, and the most openings are in California, Washington, and Texas, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Availability tends to increase ahead of seasonal league starts, so checking listings regularly gives you the best shot at the roles with the most hours.
How many hockey referee jobs are remote?
About 0% of hockey referee openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those concentrated in administrative, coaching, or officiating-instruction roles rather than on-ice assignments. Game officiating itself is an in-person function, so the large majority of active listings require a physical presence at the rink for every scheduled assignment.
How do you become a hockey referee?
Start by registering for an officiating certification clinic through USA Hockey or your regional governing body, which covers rules, mechanics, and on-ice positioning. After passing the written exam and completing the required on-ice sessions, you receive a certification level and can register with a local assigner. Build a game log, pursue evaluations, and re-certify annually to advance to higher levels of play.
Can you get hired as a hockey referee with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level recreational and youth leagues actively hire new officials who have completed a basic certification clinic, even without prior game experience. Most assigners pair newer referees with a more experienced partner for their first several assignments. Demonstrating strong skating ability, a clean rules-exam score, and reliable availability matters more at this stage than a long game log.
What does the hockey referee interview process look like?
Most officiating positions begin with a brief phone or in-person conversation with an assigner or league coordinator focused on your certification level, availability, and experience with specific age groups or formats. Higher-level positions may include an on-ice evaluation where an assessor observes your skating, positioning, and rule application during a live or scrimmage game. References from previous assigners carry significant weight at advanced levels.
Where can I find and apply to hockey referee jobs?
You can find and apply to hockey referee jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your certification level, preferred format, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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