Great $ Opportunity for Teens – Soccer Refereeing

With our purses and wallets consistently under siege by our beloved offspring, it never hurts to keep our eyes peeled for opportunities that might offer them a sliver of “financial independence.”

Soccer refereeing provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to earn a little income. On average, a youth soccer referee can typically make double the minimum wage, if not more.

If your son/daughter is interested in becoming a soccer referee, follow these simple guidelines:

1. Sign up for a Refereeing Clinic. Each state soccer association offers their own clinics throughout the year. The clinics typically take place on the weekend and can last 2-3 days. It is not unusual for clinics to require that participants watch a series of videos and complete an online quizzes prior to attending the clinic.  Simply print the results of the quizzes and bring them to the clinic, if required. To find a local clinic near you, use the list below to locate your state soccer association.
2. Pass the Certification Test. Typically on the final day of the soccer clinic, a test will be administered. This test must be passed with an 80% to earn certification (this might vary by state, some states may only require a 70% passing rate). If successful, your teen will receive a referee patch. The certification expires after one year.  A recertification test must be taken annually thereafter.
3. Order a Uniform. Most state associations will provide recommendations on where uniforms can be purchased, as well as what type of uniform is needed for each level of refereeing.
4. Register with the Local Soccer Association.Once registered, the association will have a process by which games will be assigned to your teen. Each association runs their system differently,so teens will need to be sure to follow the guidelines carefully.

If you want to give your future referee a jump start to learning the rules, these resources come highly recommended:

State Soccer Refereeing Associations