Sports Official

YMCA of the Cedar Rapids Metro Area; Irmo (SC); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

YMCA is seeking a Youth Sports Official/Referee to ensure fair play, safety, and a positive experience in youth leagues and tournaments. You will officiate games, enforce rules, monitor for injuries, manage timekeeping and equipment, and communicate decisions clearly to players, coaches, and spectators.

Required are strong communication skills, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and availability for evenings/weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of game rules, officiating mechanics, and sportsmanship principles.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed for league games and tournaments.
• Previous experience as a sports official or referee preferred.
• Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.
• Must complete Child Abuse Prevention, Bloodborne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment training within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Officiate youth sports games according to YMCA rules and guidelines.
• Enforce rules fairly and promote sportsmanship and safety.
• Monitor gameplay and intervene to prevent injuries or unsafe play.
• Manage substitutions, timeouts, and game stoppages for safety.
• Handle timekeeping, scorekeeping, and equipment management.
• Communicate decisions clearly to players, coaches, and spectators.
• Attend trainings to improve officiating skills and stay updated on rules.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Remain calm under pressure

Education

CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen certifications

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:The Youth Sports Official/Referee play a critical role in our youth sports programs; they are responsible for ensuring fair play, sportsmanship, and a positive experience for participants in YMCA youth sports leagues and tournaments.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Officiate youth sports games, matches, and tournaments according to YMCA rules, regulations, and officiating guidelines. Enforce rules fairly and consistently, ensuring that all players, coaches, and spectators understand and adhere to game rules and sportsmanship expectations.Prioritize the safety of players by monitoring gameplay and intervening as needed to prevent injuries or unsafe play. Make decisions regarding player substitutions, timeouts, and game stoppages to address safety concerns and maintain a safe playing environment.Manage game logistics, including timekeeping, scorekeeping, and equipment management. Ensure that games start and end on time, and that necessary equipment and supplies are available and in working order. Coordinate with coaches, officials, and facility staff to resolve any logistical issues that may arise during games.Handle conflicts and disputes between players, coaches, or spectators calmly and impartially. Mediate disagreements, issue warnings or penalties as necessary, and maintain control of the game environment to prevent escalation of conflicts.Communicate effectively with players, coaches, parents, and fellow officials before, during, and after games. Provide clear and concise explanations of calls, rulings, and decisions to ensure understanding and promote sportsmanship and respect among participants.Attend training sessions, workshops, and meetings to enhance officiating skills, knowledge of game rules, and understanding of best practices in youth sports officiating. Stay informed about changes to rules, policies, and procedures relevant to officiating in specific sports leagues or organizations.Serve as a positive role model and mentor for young athletes, demonstrating integrity, sportsmanship, and respect for the game and its participants. Encourage fair play, teamwork, and good sportsmanship among players, coaches, and spectators.Perform other duties as assigned.YMCA COMPETENCIES:Mission Advancement - Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fund-raising.Collaboration - Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.Operational Effectiveness - Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work and actively participates in meetings. Follows budgeting policies and procedures, and reports all financial irregularities immediately. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.Personal Growth - Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Accurately assesses personal feelings, strengths and limitations and how they impact relationships. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.QUALIFICATIONS:Minimum age of 16.Strong communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to remain calm and composed in high-pressure situationsKnowledge of game rules, officiating mechanics, and sportsmanship principlesAvailability to work evenings and weekends as needed for league games and tournaments.Previous experience as a sports official or referee preferred.Certifications required within 60 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen.Ability to complete the following within 30 days of hire: Child Abuse Prevention training; Bloodborne Pathogens and Sexual Harassment training.Passion for the YMCA mission and commitment to serving the communityWORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the position; including walking, standing, bending, reaching and lifting up to 50 lbs. at a time.