Sports Official

Gunnison, City of (CO); Colorado; On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Gunnison, City of (CO) Parks & Recreation Department is seeking enthusiastic Sports Officials to support youth and adult programs. The role involves officiating games across baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, and football, ensuring safety, fairness, and positive experiences for participants.

This is a temporary, part-time position with evenings and weekends; training is provided and prior officiating or playing experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Ages 15 and older with previous experience participating in and/or officiating the sport.

Responsibilities

• Officiate games according to sport rules and department standards.
• Maintain game flow and make timely, accurate decisions.
• Ensure safe field/court setup and equipment safety.
• Communicate clearly with coaches, players, and spectators.
• Attend trainings, meetings, and complete required reports.

Skills

Quick decision making

Clear communication

Conflict resolution

Teamwork

Education

Ages 15+ with officiating experience

Job description

The City of Gunnison Parks & Recreation Department is seeking enthusiastic and dependable Sports Officials to support our youth and adult recreation programs. Sports Officials play a vital role in creating a safe, fair, and positive environment by officiating games, enforcing rules, and promoting good sportsmanship. This position offers a great opportunity to stay active, build leadership and communication skills, and be part of a team that supports community recreation and youth development.

This is a temporary, part-time position with flexible scheduling that typically includes evenings and weekends, depending on the sport and season. Officials may work baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, football, or other recreational sports. Ideal candidates enjoy working with people, can make quick decisions under pressure, and are committed to fostering a fun and inclusive experience for players and spectators alike. Training is provided, and prior officiating or playing experience is a plus.

General Purpose:

Sports Officials support the Parks & Recreation Department by ensuring that youth and adult athletic programs are conducted in a safe, fair, and sportsmanlike environment. Officials enforce the rules of the sport, manage game flow, and promote positive experiences for participants, coaches, and spectators. This position may include officiating baseball/softball, football, soccer, basketball, or other recreational sports as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Game Management

• Officiate games in accordance with the rules, policies, and standards established by the Parks & Recreation Department and the governing sport.
• Maintain control of the game by managing play, enforcing rules, and making timely, accurate decisions.
• Ensure proper field/court setup, equipment safety, and readiness prior to each game.
• Start and end games on schedule, keeping play organized and efficient.

Safety & Conduct

• Monitor player safety and stop play when necessary to address injuries or unsafe conditions.
• Promote and model good sportsmanship for players, coaches, and spectators.
• Address unsportsmanlike behavior calmly and professionally, following department protocols for warnings, penalties, or ejections.

Communication

• Communicate clearly and respectfully with coaches, players, scorekeepers, and spectators.
• Explain rulings when appropriate and maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions.
• Report any incidents, injuries, or rule violations to the site supervisor or program coordinator.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend required trainings, meetings, and certification sessions as scheduled.
• Arrive on time, in proper uniform, and prepared with necessary equipment.
• Complete post-game reports or documentation when required.
• Maintain knowledge of current rules, updates, and department policies.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Good interpersonal skills are necessary to communicate with players, other officials and the public.
• Perform duties as assigned by supervisor.

Job Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

• Ages 15 and older with previous experience participating in and/or officiating the sport.

Other Necessary Requirements:

Required

• Basic knowledge of the rules and mechanics of the sport(s) assigned.
• Ability to make quick, confident decisions under pressure.
• Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work outdoors or indoors depending on sport and season.
• Must pass background checks required by the Parks & Recreation Department.

Preferred

• Prior officiating experience in recreational, school, or league settings.
• Certifications from recognized officiating organizations (e.g., NFHS, ASA/USA Softball, NFHS Football, etc.).
• Experience working with youth programs.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Represent the Parks & Recreation Department with professionalism and integrity.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
• Demonstrate fairness, impartiality, and consistency in all officiating duties.

Working Conditions

Work Environment:

• Part-time, seasonal, or event-based schedule depending on sport.
• Evening and weekend availability often required.
• Work performed on athletic fields, courts, or recreation facilities.

Physical Activities:

• Ability to stand, run, and move continuously for the duration of assigned games.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment up to a moderate weight.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions for outdoor sports.

Tools and Equipment Used:

All necessary equipment will be provided by Parks & Recreation

Supervision Received:

Works under the general supervision of the Recreation Coordinator and/or Recreation Supervisor