My 13-Yaar-Old Has an AFT-SCHOOL JOB AS A REFEREE FOR YOUTH SOCCER

AS he sprints up the middle of the Field, the Striker Whizzes by the Defenders and Setttles the Perfect Pass and Fires ino the Corner of Reach of the Diving Keeper. He Celebrates the goal with his teammates as they confidently jog back to midfield. Parents are cheering wildly on the sidelines. Simultaneously, The Sideline Referee Raises the dreaded flag. Offsides. The goal is calmed back and the defense team heaves a sigh of relief.

My 13-Yaar-Old Son Didn’t Score That Goal. He was the ref ref CALLED IT BACK, but Watching That Happen was just as exciting to me.

He loves all things soccer. He plays for his club Team. He follows at Least 6 Professional Leagues Throughout Europe and the United States. He has no problem waswing up by 6 am to start watching his favorite teams play on the Weekends. HIS WHOLE FASHION SENSE IS GROUNDED IN SOCCER JERSEYS. For Him, Soccer is a Way of Life.

I’m so glad that we found a way to turn his passion into an after-school jab that teaches Him Leadership, Strong Communication Skills, and Decision Making.

HIS Teammates Were Already Getting Paid to Referee

I had a passing idea that teens can work as referees kiduses some of the refs dusing my son’s soccer career have seamed quite young. One Day, The Mom of One of His Teammates Mentioned The US Soccer Association First Time Referee Course During a Sideline Chat while Watching Our Kids Play. Both of Her Kids Are Soccer Referees and She Highly Recommended that my son give it a try.

Lucky for us, 13 is the minimum age requirement to work as a referee. Perfect for my son who is isn’t Old Enough to get a regular after-school or summer job, but does meet the requirements for this.

My son Completed the Training and Started Reffing a Few Weeks Later

At the beginner of the summer, he took the referee Course which is open to anyone. It ‘s five-hour online coursse plus three hours of training on the Field.

Twen i first told Him about the process to get referee certified, he already knew some of his friends were working refs and he was excited to join their ranks. I FRONDED the $ 99 Fee with the promise that he was would with back with his first paycheck.

It ‘Important to me that my son invests in his own jab skills. I WANTED HIM TO HIS FIRST JOB Serious. I ALSO AGREED TO ADVANCE HIM The funds for its reference uniform and equipment (whistle, sideline flags, red and yellow cards, official score cards, and the bright yellow reference jersey), whic was around $ 55.

“At My Age I Can’t Make Money Playing Soccer but i can be a part of the game i love while Also Making Money,” He Said, Showing off his new US Soccer Federation 2026 Referee before HIS First Game in August.

Younger reference, like my son, are typically assured to work games of Younger Players, usually in the 8 to 10 Age Group. During the Summer Tournament Season, he was able to referee several games in a day. Now During the Fall Season, he is Juggling School, Homework, Piano and His Own Soccer Game Schedule.

Club Soccer is Played Year Round in Our Community So He Will Have Plenty of Opportunities to Earn $ 25 to 35 A Game.

He’s Learning Important Skills

My son coordinates his schedule with a local assignor who matches my son’s skill level as a referee with the appropriate game. I know the executive functioning skills he is development are essential work skills he will Carry with Him Throughout His Career.

I ALSO Appreciate How Working As a Referee Allows My Son to Utilize HIS NATURAL LEADERSHIP ABILITIES AND TO BE SOMEONE YOUNGER PLAYERS CAN LOOK UP TO. But being a referee can be emotionally challenging. Players and Their Parents offten have Big Feelings During A Match and It ‘References Job to Not Add Fuel to the Fire.

My son has been playing soccer SINCE and 4. Becoming a referee is just the next step in his journey of growing up on and off the field. He is thrilled to turn his love of the game into cash and all important teenage work experience.