Question Number: 8950

Law 5 - The Referee

RE: rec Under 14

Shelby of Newmarket, Canada asks...

how old do u have to be to be a ref?

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

I have taught student referees as young as 11. ..Regards,

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Answer provided by Referee Dawson

HI Shelby, .While age is not the only consideration young people are at a disadvantage UNLESS the soccer association they are attached to is a strong fearless defender of the integrity and values that fairplay are REPORTED to be founded from. Our elite players at age 11 are required to take the entry course as part of training whether they choose to referee or not. I recommend all competitive players take a referee course to at least have SOME understanding from that perspective. I personally prefer that young referees do not enter competative youth officiating until aprox age 16 although I know a few 14 year olds that can handle themselves equally as well. Sharp mentoring sword and a strong support sheath, referees live or die by the these two on the field. Younger than 14 should be ONLY in mini soccer UNDER supervision..Cheers

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