Sports Official - Youth Basketball Referee

City of Corvallis•City of Corvallis, OR

About The Position

The Sports Official officiates sports leagues within the Parks and Recreation department, ensuring fair play, enforcing league rules and regulations, and maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment. For this assignment, the Youth Basketball Referee oversees basketball games for youth in grades 3/4 and 5/6, enforcing rules while teaching the game. Duties may also include officiating adult slow-pitch softball, adult volleyball, adult or youth basketball, and youth or adult soccer leagues. The position is casual, non-represented, part-time, and scheduled for approximately 4–6 hours per week on Saturdays during February–March 2027. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the position’s essential functions.
Basic knowledge of basketball and a desire to work with children.
Ability to make and enforce rules, make decisions, and give directions.
Ability to remain calm under pressure, including when interacting with difficult or irate people.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret, explain, follow, and apply sports rules, department policies, and written instructions.
Ability to identify and prevent hazards, implement solutions, and maintain safe play environments.
Effective communication, customer service, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to speak clearly and concisely.
Ability to exchange information courteously and maintain effective working relationships with the Recreation Coordinator, staff, participants, and the public.
Ability to maintain a neat, professional appearance and wear approved official or umpire clothing.
Ability to work both in a team and independently at a worksite with minimal direction, completing duties thoroughly and accurately.
Successful completion of the Parks & Recreation official training program for the assigned sport, including classroom and on-field or in-gym training.
Current First Aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain it within one month of appointment.
Ability to work variable hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on game schedules.
Demonstrable commitment to sustainability and to promoting and enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.
Qualified applicants must submit a completed online application; resumes are not accepted in lieu of the application.

Nice To Haves

Experience officiating, coaching, or playing the specialty sport.
Current basketball certification from FIBA, NFHS, or OSAA.

Responsibilities

Officiate games in accordance with the sport’s governing bodies and Parks and Recreation league rules.
Make fair and unbiased decisions about plays and game rules.
Ensure players follow league rules and address violations promptly and impartially.
Maintain control of games and manage player conduct and potential conflicts.
Communicate calls and decisions clearly to players, managers, and spectators, and address questions or concerns professionally.
Monitor field or gym conditions and weather to determine whether games should proceed or be postponed.
Enforce safety protocols, minimize injury risks, and check equipment and playing areas for safe conditions.
Coordinate with scorekeepers on game logistics, including timekeeping and special circumstances.
Stay current on league rules and updates, and communicate regularly with the Recreation Coordinator.
Act ethically and honestly, follow safety rules and City and Department policies, and provide excellent customer service to diverse audiences.
Maintain effective work relationships and arrive on time with regular attendance.