Many aspiring soccer referees feel that age might be a barrier to starting their journey.
Let's debunk that myth with some real stories and numbers.
1. Age Diversity in Referee Courses
Yes, it's entirely possible you'll be in a referee training class with someone half or double your age. Andy Taylor, a referee with 3 years of experience, said that he was 35 when he attended his first referee course. He sat in the class alongside a 12-year-old! Age diversity in these classes isn’t rare; it’s the norm. Taking a step back, the varying age groups represent the inclusivity of the sport and its officiating arm.
2. Young or Old, Everyone's a Peer on the Field
On the field, age takes a back seat. One referee instructor shared a touching story about a class he led where the youngest student was 13 and the eldest was 74, with an estimated 4,000 games under his belt. The age gap didn't matter.
Once on the field, every referee, regardless of age, sex, or any other distinction, becomes an equal team member. A teenager can guide a match with a much older assistant, and once the final whistle blows, the roles might revert, but respect remains.
3. Experience Matters, Not Age
When you first start, a younger referee might have more experience under their belt. For instance, a 14-year-old with two years of experience could have officiated over 100 games. Learning from younger referees is not just possible, but also encouraged. Their fresh perspectives, combined with their on-ground experiences, can offer valuable insights.
4. A Profession That Skews Young
A fun stat: In Kansas, a quarter of the referees are as young as 12 or 13. And in Michigan, 60% of USSF referees are under 20. But don't let these numbers deter you. This just means the profession offers an early start for many, but there's no cap to when you can begin. Aspiring referees in their 40s have attended classes, showing that passion for the game knows no age.
5. Positive Interactions Across Ages
Multiple referees have had pleasant experiences working alongside younger counterparts. A shared sentiment among referees is that younger referees are easy to work with, have a better sense of humor, and if they started early, their experience is invaluable. The interactions between referees of different age brackets often lead to positive, mutually beneficial relationships.
6. Overcoming Initial Hesitations
It's natural to feel a bit out of place initially. One referee, James Soto, admitted to feeling weird when he attended his first referee training at 40, alongside 16-year-olds. However, such feelings are temporary. Once the ball starts rolling, age distinctions blur, and the love for the game takes precedence.
Embracing the journey of soccer officiating means looking beyond age and focusing on the beauty of the game. If you have the passion, dedication, and willingness to learn, the world of soccer refereeing welcomes you with open arms.
And before you go, I also wrote about how much you might expect to make as a referee. Check out that article here: How Much Money Do Grassroots Referees Make?
