Youth Referee Jobs in Florida: Training and Certification for Young Soccer Fan
By Gary Curreri
The Soccer Association of Boca Raton SABR is now recruiting Futures Referees, a new program in partnership with Florida Soccer Referees (FSR).
The program is for players ages 11–13 who are not yet old enough to be certified referees, whose birthdays fall between November 1, 2011, and November 1, 2014.
Are there soccer referee jobs for 13 year olds?
Yes, there are.
As the largest recreational soccer program in the Florida Youth Soccer Association, SABR is no stranger to implementing cutting edge programs, as evidenced by being the lone program with a full-time recreational Director of Coaching Carrie Barker.
“This is the first year for us,” said SABR Director of referees Bruce Spidell. SABR is one of just five programs in South Florida and the only one in the area to implement the Futures Referees program. “Other clubs in Florida have been doing it a few years and we decided to pilot it.”
How much does a youth soccer referee make per game?
That depends. Answer 1: Futures Referees start earning right away. They get paid $15 a game. Once they turn 14, they will be eligible to become certified by Florida State Referees as a soccer referee.
So, how much do soccer referees get paid?
Answer 2: All Certified soccer referees’ earning start at $23 per game and go up from there depending on age group.
With more than 1,000 games to be officiated in SABR throughout the season, there are plenty of youth sports referee jobs to go around, and after gaining valuable experience learning from mentors, they can go on and become a certified official and do lines, as an assistant referee, or become a center official.
There are nearly 40 FYSA programs throughout the state with the program. It is a perfect opportunity to get involved in the world of officiating and get paid in the process. Future Referees can start building confidence, learn to manage games, all while gaining valuable experience and learning the rules.
How 11–13 Year-Olds Can Get Certified and Become a Referee
The program is open to players who already play or are interested in soccer and want to learn how to become a referee. Youth referees will have jobs officiating recreational games within SABR.
Do youth soccer referees need to know the rules?
“It helps to have played yourself and I expect they all will have played, but not required,” Spidell noted.
Futures Referees will work sidelines on Saturdays in U9 or U10 games with an experienced referee in the middle and a mentor watching. These younger age games give them a chance to hone their skills so they can more easily transition to
a referee role after they turn 14.
A Futures Referee will gain experience in a low pressure environment under the guidance of a mentor. Once they gain the experience, they can easily move on to a more competitive environment and become a US Soccer Referee when they turn
14 since they will be proficient in soccer referee rules.
Limited spots available; How to register for a youth soccer referee job
There are just 10 to 20 spots available for the upcoming season.
Families will register with SABR at https://sabrsoccer.net/referees/futures/register and also at FSR’s website https://www.flsoccerrefs.org/futures-referees, which contains more information on the program and instructions on how to join for $40.
Included in the registration will be:
• Online learning modules
• A field clinic on Saturday, Sept. 13, 5–8 PM at Spanish River High School
• Futures Referee jersey, whistle, coin, and cards
As a bonus, SABR will reimburse the $40 after eight completed games this season.
“This is a great way for young players to gain confidence, contribute to the club, and build a future as a certified referee,” Spidell said of becoming a youth sports referee. “We’re accepting 10 to 20 participants this fall.
For more information on the program, contact Spidell at 561-350-4148 or via
email at referees@sabrsoccer.net.