Young & Future Referees

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Ages 14–17 & Future Referees

Young Referees

Refereeing is a great first job — flexible hours, good pay, and real responsibility. Here’s what young officials and their parents should know.

A first-time referee course
For Parents

What to expect

Minimum age 14

U.S. Soccer sets the entry age at 14. We keep a Future Referee interest list for younger players so we can invite them the moment they’re eligible.

Join the future list →

Safety first

Young referees are never sent out alone for their first games, and SafeSport-trained adults oversee every course.

Our safety approach →

Support & pay

New officials get mentor support on early matches and are paid per game by the competition they work.

See pay →

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Adapted from Florida’s “FSR Futures” model. Indiana’s entry age is 14, so we propose a Future Referee interest list rather than an under-14 badge.