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Do you have a passion for sports like soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, football, or lacrosse? Have you thought about getting more involved in the game while earning extra income? Becoming a youth sports official might be the perfect opportunity for you. Not only does it offer part-time or full-time gig work, but it also allows you to stay connected to the game you love.
If you're ready to jump in, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey as a youth sports referee.
You obviously have a sport in mind, so the first step is to make sure you know the basics of the game rules, different officiating positions, and game mechanics. But, it’s also helpful to explore topics like how pay rates are determined and how youth sports officials are paid. Youth sports officiating is a business, and understanding the financial aspects is often just as important as the rules.
Additionally, consider the physical demands of officiating. Staying in good shape is crucial, as the ability to keep up with the pace of the game ensures you don’t miss important calls. Make sure you meet the physical requirements of the sport to perform at your best.
With a solid understanding of the game and the business of officiating, the next step is to connect with a local club, team, league, or referee association. These organizations will help you get started. To find one, simply search for “[sport] officials/referee/umpire association in [State]” using your preferred search engine.
Think about whether you’d prefer to aim for recreational or competitive games. Recreational leagues tend to have lower stakes, lower pay, and are less physically demanding, while competitive leagues often offer higher pay but require advanced certifications, more travel and a higher level of fitness. Keep in mind, recreational leagues are a great starting point for new officials, even if you hope to move to higher level games.
Once you identify a potential organization, contact them by phone or email and ask to speak with their assignor. Assignors are responsible for ensuring qualified officials cover the organization’s games. Having a personal relationship with the assignor is critical to getting good assignments that help you develop, and getting a referral from the organization to speak with the assignor gets the relationship off to a good start.
Certification and training requirements vary depending on the organization and sport. That’s why it’s best to connect with an assignor or organization first—they can guide you on what certifications are needed and even recommend specific training programs.
Most organizations make it straightforward by detailing fees, certification processes, and training schedules on their websites. Following their guidance removes the guesswork and streamlines the process. Be sure to review this information before speaking with the assignor. This shows the assignor you’ve done your homework and makes that first interaction as productive as possible.
After completing your training and certifications, you’ll begin receiving game assignments. Your assignor will help you set up an account on an assigning platform. If they use Notch (FairCall was created by Notch), for example, they’ll send you a link to create an account where you can manage your availability and schedule, and even receive payment.
Take time to familiarize yourself with the assigning platform to avoid confusion about game assignments and payments. Most importantly, make sure your availability in the platform is up to date so you don’t have to decline an assignment. That creates rework for the assignor.
Starting any new job can be nerve-wracking, and officiating is no exception. To ease your nerves before your first game, create a “pre-game checklist” to ensure you have everything you need. Being prepared will help you focus on the game.
Remember, no official is perfect, especially when starting out. Mistakes happen—it’s part of the learning process. Use each game as an opportunity to improve. Attend additional training sessions, watch educational videos, ask questions, and pursue higher certifications to enhance your skills.
As you gain experience, stay loyal to the organization and assignor who helped you get started, but feel free to expand your network to other leagues and assignors.
Becoming a youth sports official can be incredibly rewarding. It allows you to stay connected to the game, be part of a supportive community, and earn extra income. With dedication and persistence, you can build a successful officiating career.
