Sports Official - Youth Basketball Referee

City of Corvallis; Corvallis (OR); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Corvallis is seeking a Youth Basketball Referee to officiate games for youth leagues in the Parks and Recreation department. The role emphasizes fair play, rule enforcement, and safe play for students in grades 3/4 and 5/6.

The position is casual, non-represented, with an expected 4‑6 hours per week on Saturdays, during February–March 2027. Training and safety certifications are required prior to appointment.

Qualifications

• Experience officiating, coaching, or playing specialty sport preferred.
• Must successfully complete Parks & Recreation umpire, volleyball, basketball, or soccer official training program.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification or able to obtain within 1 month of appointment.

Responsibilities

• Officiates games according to sport’s governing bodies and Parks and Recreation league rules and regulations.
• Makes fair and unbiased decisions on plays and game rules.
• Ensures players adhere to league rules and regulations; addresses violations promptly and impartially.
• Maintains control of the game and manages player conduct and conflicts.
• Clearly communicates calls and decisions to players, managers, and spectators.
• Monitors field/gym conditions and weather to determine if games should proceed or be postponed.
• Coordinates with Scorekeepers to manage game logistics, including time and special circumstances.
• Stays current on league rules and communicates updates with Recreation Coordinator.

Skills

Enforce rules

Decision making

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

First Aid/CPR certification

Experience officiating, coaching or playing specialty sport

Job description

The Sports Official officiates various sports leagues within the Parks and Recreation department. Responsibilities include ensuring fair play, upholding league rules and regulations, and maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. These tasks are illustrative only and may include other related duties.

The Youth Basketball Referee oversees youth basketball games. Enforce rules while teaching the game to youth in grades 3/4 and 5/6. Must have basic knowledge of the game of basketball, desire to work with children, good interpersonal skills, ability to make and enforce rules, ability to make decisions and give directions.

Casual, non-represented position

February – March 2027

Part-time, Approx. 4-6 hrs/wk, Saturdays

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.

The Sports Official may be assigned as a Softball Umpire in the adult slow-pitch softball league, a Volleyball Official in the adult volleyball league and/or a Basketball Official in the adult and youth basketball leagues, and/or a Soccer Referee in the youth or adult leagues.

Officiates games according to sport’s governing bodies and Parks and Recreation league rules and regulations. Makes fair and unbiased decisions on plays and game rules.

Ensures that all players adhere to league rules and regulations. Addresses any violations promptly and impartially.

Maintains control of the game, managing player conduct and any potential conflicts that may arise.

Clearly communicates calls and decisions to players, managers, and spectators.

Addresses questions or concerns from participants in a professional manner.

Monitors field/gym conditions and weather to determine if games should proceed or be postponed.

Enforces safety protocols and regulations to minimize the risk of injury including equipment and field/gym checks to ensure safe play.

Coordinates with Scorekeepers to manage game logistics including keeping track of time and any special circumstances.

Stays current on league rules and any changes or updates. Communicates regularly with the Recreation Coordinator.

Acts ethically and honestly; applies ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Builds confidence in the City through own actions.

Conforms with all safety rules and performs work is a safe manner.

Adheres to City and Department policies.

Delivers excellent customer service to diverse audiences.

Maintains effective work relationships.

Arrives to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintains regular job attendance.

Education and Experience

Any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.

Experience officiating, coaching, or playing specialty sport preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure including when interacting with difficult or irate people.

Knowledge of and ability to interpret, explain, follow and apply sports rules, department policies and written instructions.

Ability to identify and prevent hazards, implement solutions, and maintain safe play environments.

Effective communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.Ability to speak clearly and concisely. Ability to use conversational skills and courtesy to exchange information with other staff and participants.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Recreation Coordinator, other staff members, program participants and the general public.

Ability to maintain a neat, professional appearance and wear approved clothing for an official/umpire.

Ability to work in a team-oriented environment as well as alone at a worksite with minimal direction while performing duties thoroughly and accurately in accordance with Department policy.

Special Requirements

Must successfully complete the Parks & Recreation umpire, volleyball, basketball, or soccer official training program which includes classroom and on-the-field or in-the-gym training.

Current First Aid/CPR certification or able to obtain within 1 month of appointment.

Preferred Certifications:

Softball Umpire – Current USA, ASA, USSSA or WBSC softball umpire certification.

Volleyball Official – Current USAV, NFSH or OSAA volleyball certification.

Basketball Official – Current FIBA, NFHS or OSAA basketball certification.

Soccer Official – Current USSF, OSRO, NFHS or OSAA soccer certification.

Ability to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on game schedules.

Demonstrable commitment to sustainability.

Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion.

The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.