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REFEREE

Salary

$41k - $66k

Location

Poulsbo, Washington, United States

JobType

part-time

About the job

Info This job is sourced from a job board

About the role

About the Department

A City of Poulsbo referee ensures youth sports are safe, fair, and fun by enforcing rules, maintaining professionalism, and managing game situations. Key duties include managing, officiating, and monitoring player/coach conduct. Positions require weekend and evening availability. 


Applications are reviewed periodically as needs arise within the Parks & Recreation Department. 

Position Duties

Job Duties:

  • Officiate games in accordance with established rules and regulations. 
  • Enforces the specific sport's rules and regulations, makes quick, fair decisions, and maintains safety on the field/court.
  • Conduct pre-game inspection of equipment, playing areas, and player readiness or other safety hazards.
  • Interacts positively with participants, coaches, and parents; reviews ground rules with coaches before games.
  • Communicate calls clearly using standardized signals and verbal explanations.
  • Manage game flow, including starting/stopping play, administering free throws/penalties and handling substitutions.
  • Ensures teams maintain time and score; submits game reports if disciplinary action is required.  
  • Address and de-escalate conflicts involving players, coaches, or spectators.
  • Collaborate with fellow officials and scorekeepers to ensure accurate game administration. 
  • Uphold professional standards, including punctuality, dress code, and ethical conduct.
  • Stay current on rule updates and officiating mechanics through ongoing training.
  • Maintains professionalism and high levels of impartiality and sportsmanship, representing the City well. 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of rules regulations of the sport is fundamental and enforce the rules accurately. 
  • Knowledge of safety regulations to protect players and ensure a safe playing environment. 
  • Knowledge of game mechanics such as positioning, signaling, and court/field coverage responsibilities. 
  • Knowledge and awareness of injury risks and safe play enforcement. 
  • Knowledge of game flow and timing (shot clock, game clock, substitutions, stoppages, etc.)
  • Knowledge and ability to enforce sportsmanship, fair play principles, and code of conduct. 
  • Ability to communicate and explain calls to players, coaches, and scorekeepers. 
  • Ability to observe and track players and off-ball actions. 
  • Ability to handle stress and remain composed under pressure, often facing criticism and high-stakes situations during games. 
  • Ability to be assertive to prevent manipulation by players and coaches to maintain authority of the games. 
  • Ability to ensure fair play and contribute positively to the sporting experience for all participants. 
  • Ability to apply rules without bias. 
  • Ability to adapt to different levels of play, styles, and game intensity. 
  • Ability to anticipate plays and position yourself effectively. 
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
  • Must be able to physically keep up with the pace of the game which includes continuous running up and down the court or field for extended periods (often 1-2+ hours with minimal rest breaks). 
  • This position involves running, agility, and endurance, as the incumbent will need to cover as much ground as the players.
  • Ability to accelerate, stop, pivot, and change direction quickly to keep proper positioning. 
  • Strong near and distance vision to track ball movement, player contact, and boundary lines. 
  • Detect whistles, player contact/language, and communication from partners or scorekeepers. 
  • Maintain stability while moving and signaling simultaneously. 
  • Ability to withstand frequent games and sometimes on consecutive days. 
  • Working conditions include gyms, courts, fields which may vary in temperature, lighting, and ventilation with elevated noise due to crowds, music, or players. 

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 16 years old; and
  • Knowledge and competent understanding of the sport's rules and game play; and
  • Strong communication skills, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills (often under pressure); and 
  • Ability to handle confrontations with professionalism and confidence; and 
  • Must be punctual and have consistent attendance for scheduled and assigned games.
Other Qualifications: 
  • CPR, AED, and First Aid training or have the ability to obtain this training within 6 months of hire (City will provide training).

Other Qualifications

Criminal Background Screening:

  • This position may involve access to facilities, worksites, or environments where vulnerable adults and/or minors are present. To help ensure the safety of those individuals, employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check. 
  • Background screenings will be conducted only after a conditional offer of employment has been made and will comply with applicable laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act. 
  • Applicants must provide consent for the background check before it is conducted.

Position Levels:
There are four (4) levels for Referees (Referee in Training, Referee, Lead Referee, Solo Referee) and pay is based on the following: 
  • Experience 
  • Availability of service 
  • Acceptance of all parts of the basketball program while officiating 
  • Number of people officiating the game
  • Ability and skills to train lower-level Referee positions.

About the company

Provides municipal services and public infrastructure to Poulsbo residents.

Skills

communication skills