Youth Basketball Referee

Durango, CO; Durango (CO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free recreation center pass

Free transit pass

Wellness challenge participation with

Job summary

The City of Durango is seeking a Youth Basketball Referee to officiate youth games, applying rules fairly to maintain a safe, respectful environment for players, families, and spectators.

Both certified and non-certified referees are welcome. Starting pay is $18.00/hour for non-certified and $21.00/hour for certified referees, with part-time/seasonal opportunities and perks like free access to recreation facilities and transit.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basketball rules and fair officiating.
• Ability to read and write at a level needed for the role.
• Experience or certification in officiating preferred; non-certified applicants welcome if knowledgeable.

Responsibilities

• Officiate youth basketball games and enforce rules consistently.
• Check equipment, uniforms, and safety gear before games.
• Communicate with coaches about ground rules and facility concerns.
• Attend preseason training and stay current on rule changes.
• Work independently or with other referees, and assist with court setup when needed.
• Represent the City professionally and treat participants with respect.

Skills

Basketball rules knowledge

Officiating communication

Age 18+ commitment

Job description

Help create a positive experience for young athletes as a Youth Basketball Referee with the City of Durango. You’ll officiate youth basketball games, apply the rules fairly and consistently, and support a safe and respectful environment for players, coaches, families, and spectators.

Both certified and non-certified referees are welcome. Whether you already have officiating experience or simply know the game well, this is an opportunity to put that knowledge to use on the court.

• Non-Certified Referee: Starting at $18.00/hour
• Certified Referee:Starting at $21.00/hour

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence

The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here.

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan.

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because:

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements.
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals.
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results.

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing - and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.

What You’ll Do in This Role:

• Officiate youth basketball games and apply the rules fairly and consistently.
• Reinforce game rules and sportsmanship to support a safe and respectful environment.
• Check the court, equipment, uniforms, and required protective gear for safety concerns before play.
• Talk with coaches before games about ground rules, unusual circumstances, or facility concerns.
• Stay current on basketball rules and rule changes and attend preseason training.
• Work independently or with other referees to keep games moving and respond to situations on the court.
• Help with court setup and takedown and game cancellations when needed.
• Let the site supervisor or Recreation Supervisor know about court, equipment, safety, or conduct concerns.
• Arrive at your scheduled time, stay through the end of your assigned work, and return any City-issued equipment.
• Represent the City professionally and treat players, coaches, families, spectators, and coworkers with respect.

You Have:

• At least 18 years of age.
• Knowledge of basketball and its rules.
• The ability to read and write at a level needed to perform the job.
• Referee or officiating certification and prior officiating experience preferred, but non-certified candidates with strong sport knowledge are encouraged to apply.

You Will Succeed in This Role If You:

• Make fair calls and apply the rules consistently.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with players, coaches, coworkers, and community members.
• Keep up with game play and stay aware of what is happening throughout the court.
• Work well independently and with other referees and recreation staff.
• Stay calm and professional when disagreements or concerns come up.

What We Can Offer You:

The following perks are available for part-time and seasonal employees.

• Free pass to the Durango Community Recreation Center and Chapman Hill Ice Rink and Ski Area
• Free Transit pass
• Eligibility to participate in the City’s Annual Wellness Challenge and a chance to receive prizes and cash rewards