Youth Basketball Referee

About the role

This is a contract role hired through UHSAA. We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Youth Basketball Referees. This entry-level position is ideal for teenagers, students, or sports fans with minimal to no prior officiating experience. Your primary role is to ensure a safe, fair, and positive environment for young athletes to learn and play, acting as an educator on the court to help players understand the rules.

Responsibilities

• Enforce Rules & Educate: Learn and apply league-specific game rules fairly, explaining basic infractions to young players to promote learning.
• Ensure Player Safety: Inspect the court and equipment before games to identify potential hazards, and immediately stop play if an unsafe situation or injury occurs.
• Manage Game Flow: Keep accurate track of game time, scores, and substitutions according to league standards.
• Communicate Clearly: Use standard hand signals and a loud whistle to clearly communicate decisions to players, coaches, and spectators.
• Maintain Sportsmanship: Act as an unbiased, calm role model on the court. Defuse minor disagreements professionally and report serious issues to the organization.

Requirements

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• No prior referee experience required.
• A strong background playing, coaching, or watching basketball is highly preferred.
• Must complete a mandatory pre-season rules and orientation training session both online and in person.
• Ability to continuously jog, run, stand, and move along with the pace of youth games.
• Must be available to work flexible shifts, primarily on weekends and evenings.

Skills

• Strong verbal communication and a confident presence.
• Quick decision-making under pressure.
• High level of patience and a positive attitude toward children and families.
• Punctuality (arriving 15 minutes before scheduled game times).

Schedule

Flexible shifts, primarily on weekends and evenings.