REFEREE

About the role

The City of Poulsbo seeks referees to ensure youth sports are safe, fair, and fun by enforcing rules, maintaining professionalism, and managing game situations.

Responsibilities

• Officiate games in accordance with established rules and regulations.
• Enforce the specific sport's rules and regulations, make quick, fair decisions, and maintain safety on the field/court.
• Conduct pre-game inspection of equipment, playing areas, and player readiness or other safety hazards.
• Interact positively with participants, coaches, and parents; review 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.
• Ensure teams maintain time and score; submit 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.
• Maintain professionalism and high levels of impartiality and sportsmanship, representing the City well.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• Knowledgeable and competent understanding of the sport's rules and game play.
• Strong communication skills, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills (often under pressure).
• Ability to handle confrontations with professionalism and confidence.
• Punctual and have consistent attendance for scheduled and assigned games.
• Current certification in CPR, AED, and First Aid or the ability to obtain this certification within 6 months of hire (City will provide training).

Skills

• Knowledge of rules regulations of the sport.
• 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.

Benefits

No benefits are provided for this position.

Pay

Pay is based on the following levels: Referee in Training, Referee, Lead Referee, Solo Referee.

Schedule

Positions require weekend and evening availability.