Youth Basketball Official

YMCA OF OTTAWA • Ottawa, IL

12d • $0 - $15

About The Position

Youth Basketball League Staff officiate youth basketball games for Kindergarten through 6th Grade and ensure safety, equality, and fair play for children, coaches, and fans in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures. The league is recreational and non-competitive. The role supports the Ottawa YMCA’s work strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Staff maintain knowledge of developmentally appropriate basketball rules, officiate games, and may guide and supervise participants in relevant skills, drills, games, and activities. They help manage participant groups as needed, prepare and maintain program areas and equipment, and foster a safe, positive environment and constructive relationships with participants, parents, and staff. They also attend required program activities, meetings, and trainings, report concerns to their supervisor, and perform other assigned duties.

This is a part-time seasonal position, primarily scheduled on Saturdays. Additional weekday evening hours may be available. The role requires standing, walking, bending, lifting, repetitive motions, and intense concentration; sports-specific movements may include throwing, kicking, jumping, and running. Employees must be able to lift or adjust equipment and may need to administer standard first aid. Noise levels may be moderate to loud. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

• Experience in basketball at the high school level or higher.
• Ability to work with participants of all ages.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, parents, coaches, and staff.
• Ability to work well with others as a team player.
• Initiative and leadership skills.
• Ability to think creatively and with an open mind.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must complete required trainings.
• Minimum age of 16.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, perform repetitive motions, and concentrate intensely.
• Ability to lift and/or adjust equipment.
• Ability to administer standard first aid if necessary.

Nice To Haves

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with children in a recreational and/or instructional setting.

Responsibilities

• Maintain current knowledge of developmentally appropriate basketball rules and regulations for different age groups.
• Officiate games with a focus on safety, fairness, equality, and inclusion in a recreational, non-competitive league.
• Guide and supervise participants of varied ages and skill levels in relevant skills, drills, games, and activities as needed.
• Manage groups of participants when needed.
• Prepare and maintain program areas and equipment, including cleaning, setup, and breakdown.
• Create and maintain a safe, positive environment and build positive relationships with participants, parents, and staff.
• Attend or participate in YMCA program activities, meetings, and trainings as required.
• Report issues or concerns to the direct supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed