NFL Flag Referee

Organizations: NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football
Employment Type: Part-Time, Seasonal, 1099 Independent Contractor
Minimum Age: 16
Season: Mid-September through mid-November 2026
Schedule: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, depending on league location
Locations: Kansas City metropolitan area and surrounding Kansas and Missouri communities

Available League Locations

Referee opportunities may be available at the following league locations:

• Overland Park, Kansas

• Olathe, Kansas

• Lawrence, Kansas

• Liberty, Missouri

• North Kansas City, Missouri

• South Kansas City, Missouri

Game days vary by league location and may take place on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays.

Assignments will be based on league needs, referee availability, experience, location preference, and proximity to each league location. Applicants may be considered for one or multiple locations.

Position Overview

NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football are seeking dependable, level-headed, and professional referees to officiate youth flag football games during the Fall 2026 season.

Our referees play an essential role in creating a safe, fair, competitive, and enjoyable game-day experience for young athletes, volunteer coaches, and families. Referees are responsible for enforcing league rules, monitoring player safety, promoting sportsmanship, managing game conduct, and making timely and impartial decisions on the field.

The ideal candidate communicates confidently, remains calm during challenging situations, works well as part of a team, and demonstrates sound judgment and professionalism. Previous officiating experience is preferred but not required.

Applicants must be reliable and able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the season. This is a seasonal, part-time, 1099 independent contractor opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Officiate youth flag football games in accordance with NFL FLAG rules and league guidelines.

• Promote player safety, fair competition, inclusion, and good sportsmanship.

• Make timely and impartial decisions involving penalties, scoring plays, out-of-bounds calls, and other game situations.

• Monitor game play and address rule violations appropriately.

• Manage player and coach conduct in a calm, respectful, and professional manner.

• Address unsportsmanlike behavior and on-field disagreements without escalating the situation.

• Communicate clearly with players, volunteer coaches, parents, Field Managers, league staff, and fellow officials.

• Accurately record final scores and report game results to the Field Manager.

• Assist with field and equipment setup or cleanup when needed.

• Follow all referee uniform and equipment requirements.

• Complete and maintain required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

• Remain current on league rules, procedures, and officiating expectations.

• Attend weekly referee calls or review the weekly call recording during the season.

• Arrive on time and prepared for every assigned game day.

• Maintain reliable availability for assigned weekends throughout the Fall 2026 season.

• Notify the appropriate supervisor as early as possible when an unavoidable emergency affects availability.

• Officiate divisional tournaments and other scheduled league events when assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years old.

• Able to work as a 1099 independent contractor.

• Dependable, punctual, level-headed, and professional.

• Able to commit to working each assigned weekend throughout the Fall 2026 season.

• Able to remain calm and make fair decisions in fast-paced or challenging situations.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Able to interact respectfully and impartially with children, coaches, parents, staff, and fellow officials.

• Reliable transportation to assigned league locations in Kansas or Missouri.

• Available to work assigned Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays, depending on league location.

• Willing to complete required NFL FLAG certification and league training.

• Able to attend weekly referee calls or review the recorded call each week.

• Physically able to stand, walk, jog, and run throughout multiple games.

• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience officiating football, flag football, or another sport.

• Knowledge of football or flag football rules and game procedures.

• Current NFL FLAG certification or comparable officiating certification.

• Experience working with children, families, coaches, or youth sports organizations.

• CPR or First Aid certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

Referees must be physically capable of standing, walking, jogging, and running throughout multiple games. Officials must be able to keep pace with game play and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be considered for qualified individuals when they do not prevent the individual from performing the essential responsibilities of the position.

Compensation and Professional Development

• Compensation is provided on a 1099 independent contractor basis.

• Opportunities may be available to officiate additional regular-season games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

• Low-cost or no-cost training opportunities may be available for qualified candidates.

• Additional assignments may be offered based on performance, reliability, league needs, and availability.

Why Join Our Team?

This opportunity is a great fit for experienced officials, student-athletes, coaches, teachers, sports professionals, and individuals interested in building experience in youth sports.

As a referee, you will have the opportunity to:

• Make a positive impact on young athletes.

• Support both coed and girls’ flag football programs.

• Build leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Gain or expand sports officiating experience.

• Work in an active, fast-paced, and team-oriented environment.

• Be considered for additional games, tournaments, camps, and special events.

Apply Today

If you are dependable, confident, fair-minded, and passionate about creating a positive youth sports experience, we encourage you to apply.

Join our NFL FLAG and Girls Play Flag Football officiating team and help us provide a safe, fair, and enjoyable Fall 2026 season for athletes and families throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.