REFEREE

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.

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