Youth Basketball Referee

JOB SUMMARY:

*THIS IS A CONTRACT ROLE HIRED THROUGH UHSAA*

We are seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Youth Basketball Referees. This entry-level position is ideal for teenagers, students, or sports fans with minimal to no prior officiating experience. Your primary role is to ensure a safe, fair, and positive environment for young athletes to learn and play. Rather than just enforcing strict penalties, a youth referee acts as an educator on the court, helping players understand the rules of the game. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Enforce Rules & Educate: Learn and apply league-specific game rules fairly, explaining basic infractions to young players to promote learning.
• Ensure Player Safety: Inspect the court and equipment before games to identify potential hazards, and immediately stop play if an unsafe situation or injury occurs.
• Manage Game Flow: Keep accurate track of game time, scores, and substitutions according to league standards.
• Communicate Clearly: Use standard hand signals and a loud whistle to clearly communicate decisions to players, coaches, and spectators.
• Maintain Sportsmanship: Act as an unbiased, calm role model on the court. Defuse minor disagreements professionally and report serious issues to the organization.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 16 years old.
• No prior referee experience required. A strong background playing, coaching, or watching basketball is highly preferred.
• Must complete a mandatory pre-season rules and orientation training session both online and in person..
• Ability to continuously jog, run, stand, and move along with the pace of youth games.
• Must be available to work flexible shifts, primarily on weekends and evenings.

CORE SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES:

• Strong verbal communication and a confident presence.
• Quick decision-making under pressure.
• High level of patience and a positive attitude toward children and families.
• Punctuality (arriving 15 minutes before scheduled game times).

The Utah Jazz provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Note: The need may arise to revise, supplement, or rescind portions of this job description, and the Utah Jazz reserves the right to do so at any time. Employees shall be required to meet the qualifications and perform the duties of any revised job description.