Get Started

You Don’t Need to Know Every Rule in the Book

If you love sports and want to earn good money staying close to the game, officiating might be for you. No prior experience necessary — we’ll help you get started.

Sports We Cover

Pick Your Game

We assign officials across multiple sports in the Twin Cities metro. Here’s what you could be doing.

Primary Sport

Baseball Umpire

Work behind the plate or on the bases for youth leagues, traveling teams, and tournaments. Our biggest sport with games running spring through fall.

Primary Sport

Basketball Referee

Officiate youth basketball games during the winter and spring seasons. Fast-paced, indoor action with consistent scheduling throughout the season.

Also Available

Softball

Similar to baseball with its own rules and rhythm. Spring and summer season.

Also Available

Football

Officiate youth football games during the fall season.

What It Takes

Honest Talk About the Job

Officiating isn’t always easy — but it’s rewarding. Here’s what you actually need to get started. Spoiler: the bar is lower than you think.

A Love of the Game

You don’t need to be a former athlete, but you should genuinely enjoy the sport you want to officiate.

Basic Fitness

You’ll be on your feet and moving for 1–2 hours per game. You don’t need to run a marathon, but you should be able to stay active.

Willingness to Learn

Nobody starts knowing everything. GT Officials can connect you with training and clinics, and you’ll learn on the job with more experienced officials.

Minimum Age

Most youth sports allow officials as young as 12–14 depending on the sport and league level. Adults of all ages are welcome.

Basic Gear

You’ll need sport-specific attire (we can help point you in the right direction). For baseball, think dark pants, polo, and a mask. For basketball, the classic black-and-white stripes.

Photo suggestion: Umpire behind the plate or referee on the court — action shot from a youth game

The Pay

What You’ll Earn

Game Pay Ranges

Pay varies by sport, game level, and experience. Here are general ranges for youth officiating in the Twin Cities:

$65 – $95 per game

Baseball / Softball

$55 – $75 per game

Basketball

During peak season, active officials can work multiple games per week. The more available you are, the more assignments you’ll get. And with GT Officials, you’ll get paid fast — we’re known for the quickest payouts of any assignor in the area.

Day in the Life

What a Game Day Looks Like

It’s simpler than you might think.

You check the Arbiter app on your phone and see you’ve got a 6:00 PM baseball game in Minnetonka. You confirm the assignment with a tap. You show up 20 minutes early, meet your partner, go over the ground rules, and work the game. Ninety minutes later, you’re done. A couple days later, your pay hits your account. That’s it.

Getting Started

Four Steps to Your First Game

Fill Out Our Interest Form

Tell us your name, which sports you’re interested in, and any experience you have. Takes about 2 minutes.

We’ll Reach Out

We’ll contact you to answer your questions, talk through what to expect, and discuss training options.

Get Trained

Complete the necessary training or clinics for your sport. We’ll connect you with the right resources and help you get set up on Arbiter.

Start Getting Assignments

Once you’re ready, you’ll start receiving game offers through Arbiter. Accept the ones that fit your schedule and go to work.

Ready?

Start Your Officiating Journey

Fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch within a day or two.