Youth Sports Officials and Referees

Position Overview:

Youth Sport Officials/Referees are responsible for providing fair, safe, and enjoyable officiating for YMCA youth sports leagues, including soccer, flag football, and basketball. This role ensures games are conducted in alignment with YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring while promoting sportsmanship, learning, and fun for all participants.

Key Responsibilities:

 Officiate games for youth ages 4-14, with a primary emphasis on teaching and guiding children, particularly under age 8.  Ensure games are played according to YMCA rules, promoting fairness, safety, and sportsmanship.  Educate players on basic rules and encourage skill development, teamwork, and positive participation.  Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, coaches, and parents regarding game play, rules, and expectations.  Manage the pace of games, maintain control, and resolve conflicts as needed.  Assist in pre-game setup and post-game takedown of equipment, as assigned.  Serve as a role model by demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and commitment to the YMCA mission.

Core Competencies:



Child & Family Focus:

Creates a positive, welcoming environment for youth and families. 

Safety Awareness:

Maintains a safe and supportive environment for players, volunteers, and spectators. 

Teamwork & Collaboration:

Works closely with the Coordinator of Youth Sports, coaches, and volunteers. 

Integrity & Professionalism:

Demonstrates honesty, fairness, and respect in all interactions.

Qualifications:

 Must be at least 14 years of age (dependent upon age of children officiating)  Experience in playing or officiating soccer, flag football, or basketball preferred; not required for officiating younger age groups (under 8 years old)  Must enjoy working with children and have the ability to teach, encourage, and manage youth participants.  Strong communication and interpersonal skills with both children and adults.  Needs sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and be physically capable of running and moving continuously throughout games in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations.  Ability to make fair and timely decisions under pressure.  Reliable transportation to and from game sites.  Availability to work primarily on Saturdays.