JOB
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.
EXAMPLE OF 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.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 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.
