Youth Sports Referee (Southwest)

greateraustinyexternal; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Greater Austin YMCA seeks a Youth Sports Referee to officiate basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football for youth leagues. You will ensure a safe, fair, and fun environment, enforcing rules with integrity while modeling sportsmanship and positive behavior for players and families.

The role emphasizes effective communication, inclusivity, and readiness to address injuries or emergencies, with ongoing training to develop officiating skills within a supportive community.

Qualifications

• Requires strong decision-making under pressure.
• Ability to work as part of a team and support a positive environment.
• Excellent communication with players, families, and coaches.
• Focus on customer service and member experience.
• Fosters belonging and inclusive atmosphere for all participants.

Responsibilities

• Officiate games across multiple youth sports with consistency and integrity.
• Enforce rules, ensure safety, and promote fair play and sportsmanship.
• Assist with equipment setup, game-day operations, and incident reporting.
• Attend trainings and meetings to enhance officiating skills and knowledge.

Skills

Decision making

Team player

Effective communication

Customer focus

Belonging & inclusion

Job description

Why Your Role Matters

At the Greater Austin YMCA, youth sports are about more than just the game—they’re about building character, teamwork, and confidence in every child. As a Youth Sports Referee, you play a crucial role in creating a safe, fair, and fun environment across multiple sports, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and flag football. Your ability to enforce rules, encourage sportsmanship and ensure player safety helps shape a positive experience for young athletes.

How You Make an Impact

• Create a safe and welcoming environment where all players, families, and coaches feel included and valued.

• Ensure fair play for everyone by officiating games with consistency, integrity, and respect.

• Promote teamwork and sportsmanship by modeling positive behavior and encouraging players to support one another.

• Keep the game safe and fun by identifying and addressing potential risks before each match begins.

• Stay calm and confident when making calls, ensuring that every participant feels heard and respected.

• Communicate effectively and with empathy, engaging with players, coaches, and families in a positive and professional manner.

• Support smooth game-day operations by assisting with equipment setup and takedown as needed.

• Respond to injuries or emergencies with care and efficiency, ensuring all incidents are properly reported.

• Continue to learn and grow by attending trainings and meetings to enhance your officiating skills.

• Demonstrate the YMCA’s values in every interaction, fostering a positive culture and serving as an ambassador of our work to inspire others and strengthen our purpose within the community.

• Complete all duties as assigned to support the success of the sports program.

What You Bring to the Y

• Minimum age of 16.

• At least one year of experience in officiating, playing sports, or a similar role, with a willingness to learn new sports.

• CPR and First Aid certification (must be obtained within 30 days of employment).

• Official certification is a plus but not required.

• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Growth Mindset: Learn and improve to better serve members and the mission.

• Team Player: Work collaboratively with others and support a positive team environment.

• Communicates Effectively: Listen actively and communicate clearly with members and peers.

• Customer Focused: Anticipates needs and ensures quality, member-centered service.

• Fosters Belonging: Ensure everyone feels welcomed, respected, and included.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, talk and occasionally lift and/or move items including equipment, furniture and/or children. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.