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.
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.
Safety first
Young referees are never sent out alone for their first games, and SafeSport-trained adults oversee every course.
Support & pay
New officials get mentor support on early matches and are paid per game by the competition they work.
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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.