How Much do High School Basketball Referees Earn?

High school basketball referee fees vary by state and level, but typical ranges are:

• Junior Varsity (JV) Games: About $40 – $70 per game for the lead referee. The second referee usually earns $30 – $50.
• Varsity Games: Typically $60 – $120 per game for the lead referee, depending on region. The other referee earns around $40 – $80.
• Middle School/Freshman Games: Often around $30 – $50 for the lead official.
• Playoff Games: Pay is higher. Expect $100 – $150 or more for the lead referee in a playoff game, with a similar increase for the second referee.
• Tournaments: Multi-game tournaments might pay per game or include a flat rate for a day’s work.

These are general figures. For example, some states pay a varsity official $60, others $100. Many referees officiate multiple games per night, so working a JV and a varsity game at a school can double earnings. Weekend tournaments (Sectionals, Districts) often pay more per game than regular-season contests.

‍

How Earnings Can Increase

Referees get paid for each game, so working multiple games boosts income. A typical high school referee might work 2–3 games per week. At $80 per varsity game, three games is $240 per week. Over a 16-week season, that’s around $3,840 (before playoffs). Referees who also cover other sports (like officiating football in fall and soccer in spring) can increase their annual income significantly.

‍

Comparison with Other Sports

High school basketball officiating pay is generally on par with other sports like soccer or volleyball. It’s often higher than sports with fewer officials (e.g., track). Compared to college, of course, it’s much lower. An NCAA Division I game pays coaches or officials hundreds per game, whereas high school pays tens of dollars. But for a few hours’ work, the hourly rate can be quite attractive for a part-time schedule.

‍

Getting Involved

To become a high school basketball referee, start by attending your state’s referee clinic and getting certified (often through your state basketball officials association). Organizations like Primary Coverage Officiating (PCO) can connect you with assignment opportunities and explain local pay rates. They offer training and mentorship to help new officials succeed. If you enjoy basketball and want to earn money officiating, reach out to PCO to learn more about certification and openings. The court is waiting for you—put on the stripes and start earning on the sidelines!