A youth soccer referee is a great first job with many benefits. If you/your child are at least 14 years old and looking for a great first job, read on.

A youth soccer referee is a great first job for young people

• Make great money with a flexible schedule: Where else can a 14-year-old make $20- $30 an hour with a flexible schedule? Games are only on weekends and don’t interfere with schoolwork. And there is no commitment. if you are busy some weekends, no problem.

• Develop a sense of responsibility: Making a commitment and showing up for work is great for developing a sense of responsibility. Referees have to learn the laws of the game and proper mechanics. They are accountable for player safety. And with the schedule flexibility and limited commitment, being a referee is a great place for a young person to start to learn to be responsible and accountable.

• Gain confidence and leadership experience: Referees have to show up at the field, confidently greet the adult coaches, speak with the players, and show confidence and composure. And then they have to make decisions, including mistakes, that some folks will disagree with. It is a safe place to build their self-confidence, leadership, and resilience.

• It is really fun: If your child loves soccer, they might actually love being a referee. It is easy to get started but many referees like the process of trying to improve as a referee, learning the finer points of the craft, and taking on more challenging games.