Referees
A youth soccer referee is responsible for enforcing the Laws of the Game to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for young players. Their role goes beyond simply blowing a whistle; it involves:
This page is setup to provide important and easy access to documents and information that will make your role successful.
How to become a certified referee:
New Referees
Returning Referees
In Minnesota, soccer referee pay varies from roughly $20 to $90 per game, depending on the age group, the level of the league, and the position (center referee or assistant referee). Higher levels of competition, like high school games, generally offer better pay, while more experience also leads to increased earnings.
Factors influencing pay:
- Age Group/League Level: Younger age groups and recreational leagues typically have lower pay rates than more competitive leagues or adult leagues.
- Position: Center referees generally earn more than assistant referees.
- Experience: As you gain experience and become certified by the Minnesota State Referee Committee (MNSRC), you can earn more and be assigned more challenging games.
- Game Type: Pay can differ between regular league games, tournaments, and travel matches.
- Club & Assignor: Each local soccer club and referee assignor sets its own pay scale, so rates can vary significantly from one organization to another.
How to find specific pay rates:
- Contact Local Clubs: Check the websites of local clubs like Eastview Athletic Association or North Suburban Soccer Association (NSSA), as they often post their referee pay rates.
- Check with Referee Assignors: Organizations like the Minnesota River Soccer Officials (MRSO) or those partnered with clubs can provide specific pay information.
- Consult the MNSRC: The Minnesota State Referee Committee oversees referee training and certification and may have resources on its website.
- Job Boards: Websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter list referee positions and sometimes provide hourly wage estimates for different areas within Minnesota.
