Sports Official

POSITION SUMMARY:

A YMCA Sports Official's position is to referee, officiate and/or umpire games in alignment with the YMCA's mission, ensuring a safe, fair, and fun environment for all participants. Key duties include enforcing sports rules, managing game flow, and building positive relationships with players, parents, and coaches. The role requires knowledge of the sport, good communication skills, and the ability to handle conflicts while promoting sportsmanship. Incumbent must also have a good understanding of game rules and the equipment used. Certification with the State Association or 2 years' experience in specific sport is preferred.

OUR CULTURE:

Must be of sound mind, good character, possess good communication skills and be safety minded at all times. Required to demonstrate Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assess the playing conditions to ensure safety for players
2. Meet with coaches and players prior to the start of games to ensure understanding of any rules variations that might be in effect
3. Arrive before the start of games for set up and remain after game for clean up of all equipment and playing areas.
4. Ensure that games begin and end at scheduled times
5. Serve as a positive role model to players, parents, coaches, and fellow officials by enforcing all rules, demonstrating good sportsmanship, and officiating consistently with the YMCA Youth Super Sports philosophy
6. Report any injuries to supervisor
7. Before each game, bring all teams together and recite the YMCA pledge.
8. Understand and enforce all game rules and regulations, as well as enforcing them.
9. Create a nurturing and safe environment by reporting suspicious activity that may lead to child abuse or may violate the code of conduct. Keep supplies organized, maintain and clean facilities and care for equipment. Responsible for all equipment and reporting any equipment damage or loss to supervisor
10. Model the YMCA core values at all times.
11. Actively promotes membership growth.
12. Adheres to association and position training requirements to include but not limited to; Risk Management & Abuse training within 30 days of hire. CPR/AED/First Aid required within 60 days of hire. Must complete, Intro to the Ys Cause & Culture, Y's Way to Service & Engagement, and I Hear You: Service with CARE. Principles of Youth Development, Youth Affirmations: Distinguishing Between Praise and Encouragement, and Foundations of Listen First trainings required within 90 days of hire. Within 6 months of hire, Engaging with Families training required. Get SMART, This individual must familiarize themselves with YMCA rules and policies.
13. Work various hours and locations to meet association needs.
14. Work various hours as a building supervisor to ensure game coverage.
15. Perform other duties as assigned by the manager.

EFFECT ON END RESULT:

1. Maintenance of quality YMCA programming that supports core program goals and meets the needs of all populations within the target community.

2. Creation of a safe environment where youth and participants can be involved in the YMCA programs and has fun.

3. Retention of positive community attitudes towards the YMCA and its programs.

4. Maintenance of quality equipment.

PHYSICAL AND/OR MENTAL REQUIRMENTS:

This individual needs to be able to remain on their feet for extended periods of time, demonstrating physical stamina and agility often in extremely warm conditions or relative cold conditions. They need to be multi-task oriented and be able to read a game/practice schedule to direct player traffic. This individual needs to be able to lift and carry at least 30 pounds. If individual must carry more than 30 pounds, they must ask for assistance from another staff member.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES (Leader):

Mission Advancement: Incorporates the Y's mission and values into the organization's vision and strategies. Ensures community engagement; promotes the global nature of the Y. Leads a culture of volunteerism ensuring engagement, inclusion, and ownership. Leads a culture of philanthropy.

Collaboration: Advocates for and institutionalizes inclusion and diversity throughout the organization. Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community. Is recognized as an inspirational community leader who navigates complex political and social circles with ease. Communicates to engage and inspire people within and outside the YMCA. Ensures that a talent management system is in place and executed effectively.

Operational Effectiveness: Possesses penetrating insight and strong strategic and critical thinking skills. Invests resources in well-designed innovation initiatives. Creates a structure to deliver organization-wide results to achieve objectives. Develops and implements stewardship strategies. Determines benchmarks and ensures appropriate leadership to meet objectives.

Personal Growth: Creates a learning organization. Effectively drives change by leveraging resources and creating alignment to expand organizational opportunities. Shares authority and demonstrates courage and humility. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum age of 16

Level 1: Entry-Level Official

Requirements:

• Experience: No experience officiating.
• Credentials: Former or current athlete who participates/ed in high school-level organized sports.
• Responsibilities: Officiate youth beginner-level games and participate in training sessions.

Level 2: Intermediate Official

Requirements:

• Experience: 1-3 years of officiating experience.
• Credentials: Former or current athlete who participates/ed in high school-level organized sports.
• Responsibilities: Officiate youth intermediate sports.

Level 3: Senior Official

Requirements:

• Experience: 3+ years of officiating experience.
• Credentials: Advanced certification, including specialized training in multiple sports.
• Responsibilities: Officiate high-level and competitive league games, oversee the officiating team, and develop training programs for all levels.