Job Descriptions

Referee Job Description

What is the job description of a Referee? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Referee? What does a Referee do?

Job description of a Referee

Referees officiate games or competitions. They explain and enforce rules, assess penalties, signal the start and end of games, stop play for reviews as needed and inspect sports equipment prior to the start of games. They might work for professional sports organizations, schools or community sports organizations. Referees might be used in such games and sporting competitions as baseball, basketball, football, boxing, volleyball or soccer.

This Referee job description example includes the list of most important Referee duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Referee profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Referee Duties and Responsibilities

Referee job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Officiate sporting events, games, and competitions
  • Settle claims of infractions or complaints by participants
  • Keep track of event times, starting or stopping play when necessary
  • Signal participants and other officials when infractions occur or to regulate play or competition
  • Enforce the rules of the game and assess penalties when necessary
  • Inspect sports equipment and examine all participants to ensure safety
  • Judge performances in sporting competitions to determine a winner

Referee Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Referee job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • High school diploma
  • An eye for detail
  • Strong verbal communication skills
  • Excellent decision-making and leadership skills
  • Outstanding conflict resolution skills
  • Customer service skills
  • Must be energetic and have the physical ability to be on their feet for long periods of time

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Referee starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Referee job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Referee may also reference it in preparation for the interview.