Question Number: 23119

League Specific 4/14/2010

RE: Classic / Premier Other

Stacy Wilson of Fuquay Varina, NC USA asks...

A newly certified, 14 year old soccer ref - Grade 08.....Can they ref older age group games? For example, can they ref a U-16 classic game, whether it's the center ref or linesman???
Thanks so much.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Technically speaking, under the USSF policies and procedures, there is no age restriction on which games a referee is capable of doing. The referee's assignor should have a pretty good idea of a referee's skills before putting them on a U16 game (we call them the 'beasts' around here), or any game for that matter. Generally speaking a brand new ref of any age has no business in a game with players of this age and skill level. Even a new ref who has played for years at a high level will struggle with skilled 16 year-olds.

Many leagues do restrict the level a youth referee can do, most often based on their age - you'll just have to check your local rules. I personally hate to see age restrictions, as I have assigned many young referees with the confidence, poise, skills and knowledge to do a far superior job than some of my adult referees on any game, any level.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Our assignor starts new refs with a couple of rules: You ref below your age group, and AR at or below your age group. You start with U8 centers and U12 lines before you do older ages. Once you've done 'a lot' * of games, you get to move up. So maybe a U16 referee with 3-4 years good experience will get U18 lines from time to time.

* - 'A lot' of games is relative. It also depends on your age and game experience. But it is certainly more than just 2 or 3.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

A Grade 8 may referee any match. That said, any assignor that would assign a newly certified Grade 8 that is 14 years old to a U16 Classic game should have their head examined. Most new Grade 8 Adults should be starting at the rec level. Starting newbie referees on games at this level is asking for trouble.