Volunteer Basketball Referee / Coach / Scorekeeper

Fairfield PAL Teen Center

Fairfield PAL Teen Center is looking for volunteers who can help teens play better, learn the game, and keep the gym feeling fun, fair, and organized.

This is a great fit for someone who loves basketball, understands the basics of the game, and wants to help teens build confidence on and off the court.

You do not need to be a professional referee or coach. You just need to be dependable, patient, fair, and willing to help teens learn while they play.

What Volunteers Will Do

Volunteers may help with:

Refereeing recreational basketball games
Teaching basic rules, positioning, and game flow
Helping teens understand calls without turning every moment into an argument
Coaching simple skills like passing, shooting, defense, spacing, and teamwork
Running warm-ups, drills, or short scrimmages
Keeping score during games or tournaments
Tracking fouls, time, and basic game stats
Helping organize teams and rotations
Encouraging good sportsmanship
Helping newer players feel welcome, not embarrassed
Keeping the court safe, respectful, and fun
Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for volunteers who are:

Comfortable around teens
Fair, calm, and confident
Able to explain rules in a simple way
Good at keeping games moving
Encouraging with beginners and experienced players
Able to redirect behavior without escalating it
Interested in helping teens build leadership, teamwork, and decision-making skills
Willing to model respect, patience, and good sportsmanship

This opportunity is a great fit for former players, current athletes, coaches, referees, parents, college students, retired adults, or community members who just love the game.

Why It Matters

At PAL, basketball is never just basketball.

A pickup game can teach a teen how to handle pressure, take feedback, own a mistake, trust a teammate, respect a call, or keep going after a bad play.

A good volunteer helps set the tone. They keep the game fair. They help teens compete without crossing the line. They turn arguments into learning moments and wins into confidence.

Sometimes the most important thing a teen hears all day is, “Run it back. You’ve got this.”

Volunteer Roles Available

Volunteer Referee
Help call games, explain rules, manage play, and keep games safe and fair.

Volunteer Coach
Help lead drills, support players, teach fundamentals, and encourage teamwork.

Volunteer Scorekeeper
Help keep score, track time, record fouls, support tournaments, and keep games organized.

Volunteers can help in one role or a mix of roles, depending on comfort level and program needs.

Time Commitment

We are looking for volunteers who can help during basketball activities, drop-in games, special tournaments, or league-style play. A regular weekly commitment is helpful, but we are happy to discuss availability.

Volunteer Requirements

Fairfield PAL Teen Center is a youth-serving organization. All volunteers must complete PAL’s volunteer process before working with students.

Requirements include:

Volunteer application
DOJ background check
Mandated reporter training
Compliance with AB 506 requirements for youth-serving organizations

All required screening costs are covered by the program.

Best Fit For Someone Who Says:

“I can keep a game moving.”

“I know how to be fair without making it all about me.”

“I want teens to learn the game the right way.”

“I’m good at helping kids compete and still respect each other.”

“I can teach, encourage, and call the travel.”

How to Get Involved

To learn more about volunteering as a basketball referee, coach, or scorekeeper, contact Fairfield PAL Teen Center.

Call: 707-249-1379

Help teens learn the game, respect the whistle, and build confidence one play at a time.