Question Number: 24346

League Specific 11/20/2010

RE: rec Adult

left shot of jupiter, fl U.S.A. asks...

How old should a ref be? Is there a minimum number of year difference between players and head ref? Example: If a group of U12 are playing, should there be a minimum age of ref.?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
According to USSF guidelines the first grade of referee that has a minimum age is Class 1 Grade 7 and that is 17 years of age. All Grades below that does not have a minimum age but there are restrictions on the type of games that can be officiated.
In general assignors will take into account the referees age when assigning games and referees at Grade 9 and below can only referee games of U14 and below.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

According to the USSF Referee Administrative Handbook, referees should be assigned according to their abilities and their grade - age does not enter into the equation, except as it might reflect on their ability for that level game. As an assignor, I would much rather have a fit, capable under 14 referee or AR than an out of shape, unable to keep up adult referee.

If the local club has rules regarding the age difference between the referee and the teams, that enforcement is up to the league only.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There may also be state (or other jurisdiction) work rules to consider. My assignor can not give games to referees under 14 years of age unless there is an adult supervisor present, per child labor laws. (And the home team coach is not the ref's supervisor!) This limits them to being an AR at a game with an adult center.