For those with a penchant for sports and a desire to contribute to the community, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board is currently on the lookout for sports officials. According to their recent bulletin, spring and summer seasons are coming up, and officials are needed for an array of sports such as sand volleyball, softball, baseball, flag football, kickball, and soccer. Notably, the gig comes with a starting pay of at least $30 per game, a chance to stay active, and the opportunity to serve the local community.
The process of becoming a referee is straightforward: pass a background check, register online, and complete the required hiring paperwork. The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board provides all the necessary details for those interested in officiating. Upon approval, candidates can attend free officiating clinics designed to train and hire in a single evening—an efficient and convenient process.
The available clinics provide comprehensive training, covering everything from rules and expectations to game mechanics and group discussions. Sessions are tailored to different sports; for example, the Live Action Clinic is designed for those new to officiating or interested in working adult 6-on-6 soccer games, with a hands-on approach that puts theory into practice on the field.
Returning officials can bypass the introductory sessions and join at 7 PM for the latter half of the clinics, where the focus shifts to more advanced aspects of officiating. A variety of options are available, including training for Adult Soccer and Youth Baseball Umpires, with sessions designed to accommodate both adult and youth dynamics. For those handling administrative tasks, a Hiring and Paperwork Computer Lab is available to streamline necessary logistics.
