BASKETBALL REFEREE

The West Springfield Park & Recreation Department seeks qualified individuals to fill Basketball Referee positions for youth leagues. As a Youth Basketball Referee, your responsibilities are to ensure accurate calls and fairness during a youth basketball game. You will officiate games scheduled in the Park & Recreation youth leagues and interact with various basketball teams made up of children ranging from Kindergarten through 10th Grade. These games may be for instructional or competitive leagues, but you must referee all games equitably and treat all players according to the rules for that league. Your duties may include: checking that the equipment on the court is appropriately and safely set up, reviewing basketball players for appropriate attire, starting the game on time, observing the game with great attention to detail, and reporting any injuries. The referee will talk with each coach before the game and review any ground rules and/or unusual circumstances. The referee will make sure all players are in proper uniform and notify the coach if any problems need to be rectified. All referees must wear the assigned uniform to each game they officiate.

• Arrives fifteen (15) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.
• Brings out and returns all equipment for the court you are assigned (basketballs, electronic scoreboard and table).
• Talks with each coach before the game and reviews any ground rules or unusual circumstances.
• Verifies that all players are in proper uniform and notifies the coach if any problems need to be rectified.
• Officiates youth basketball games and enforces specific league rules. Observes the game with great attention to detail and remains unbiased during the contest. Makes sure to explain what players are doing wrong as to assist them in learning the game.
• Keeps track of game time and final scores.
• Enforces program rules and philosophies, along with participants’ safety.
• Supervises and assists with practices in Instructional Leagues.
• Submits reports when required.
• Renders First Aid & CPR within ability to do so.
• Reports any problems immediately to the League Coordinator. Find a substitute if you cannot make the shift assigned. Reports who is substituting for you to your League Coordinator.
• Reports any inappropriate spectators/coaches to the League Coordinator. Avoids direct contact with spectators.
• Approaches the position as a representative of the West Springfield Park & Recreation Department, displaying respect for the facility, participants, parents and co-workers.
• Submits reports as required and keeps records.
• Responsible to the Recreation Supervisor, and directly to the Referee Coordinator and/or League Coordinator.

Shift: Saturdays (between 8:00am-7:00pm), and/or Sundays (between 12:00pm -7:00pm). This position is seasonal (Late November through Mid-March.)

Minimum Age Requirements: Anyone 14 years of age and older as of December 11, 2026. Adult/Child teams are encouraged and welcomed. Adults are strongly encouraged to apply as well.

• Strong knowledge of the game and basketball rules
• Ability to take the initiative to do the work that needs to be done
• Ability to work independently
• Self-motivator and good decision making skills
• Ability to jog for lengthy periods during officiating
• Ability to deal with public diplomatically and respectfully

Positions will remain open until qualified candidates are selected.