Question Number: 14840

Other 2/13/2007

RE: Under 14

Laura of las vegas, nv us asks...

Do referees make any money? If so, how much money.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Enough to worry about the 15% Social Security contribution, the 28% Federal tax and what ever your state has [yeah, I know NV has no state tax]. Do the math you pay 43% tax on what you make as a referee because you are self employed. Don't forget your health insurance, you pay that too, and car insurance and gasoline and food and lodging. When all is said and done you get, sometimes less than nothing for all that hard work. We do this for the Good of the Game, not for the money; so should you. '

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

Yes, that depends on the league and state policy. Referees do make money for their service. Also, usually get reimbursed travel expenses.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Enough to cover my expenses for things like travel to the fields, classes, uniforms, etc. Plus a little left over so I can take my wife and family out to dinner from time to time, to partially make up for of the time I spend away from them while I'm reffing. In other words, just a little spending-money. Only once or twice a season will I have enough to make a small bank deposit.

Nobody's going to get rich on reffing. You won't be able to put kids through college or buy a new speedboat. My somewhat facetious goal was to make enough to afford a hot tub, so I could soak out my sore muscles after I got back from reffing. Didn't happen.

Only some English Premier League refs are full-time, and from what I hear while it's not poverty, it's not an especially generous wage.

However, I see you put down U14. For a kid, reffing can be a good part-time job. Being out on the field doing something you like sure beats flipping burgers.