Young Refs, Big Moments
- Sara Asbeck
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
Introducing referees as part of the game, not the opposition. Welcome to The Whistle Files, where we open up the ref's playbook and break down the how's and why's behind those game-time calls. No rulebook jargon, no lectures - just clear, parent-friendly insights to help you enjoy the game (and support the kids and refs) even more. Whether you've shouted "What was that?!" or just scratched your head during a call, you're in the right place.
Supporting Teen Officials on the Field
Picture this: a cool Saturday morning, dew still clinging to the grass, and a teenager—half-awake but bravely caffeinated—stands at midfield clutching a whistle like it’s the Infinity Gauntlet. Across from them are two teams of U12s, a chorus of eager parents, and one coach who’s already pacing.
Welcome to the biggest small stage in youth sports: the world of the young referee.
Every Ref Starts Somewhere (Usually in Shorts Two Sizes Too Big)
That teenager in yellow didn’t just appear from the mist like a scene out of Braveheart. They took a class, learned the Laws of the Game, passed a test, and decided to trade their weekend mornings for the noble art of being yelled at for things they didn’t do. Every veteran ref out there started as a nervous teen once—heart racing, palms sweaty, wondering why everyone’s shouting about handballs that clearly weren’t.
So when you see that new ref, remember: you might be watching the future of our referee pool… or maybe just a kid brave enough to take charge of 22 small humans and two sideline philosophers.
The Parent’s Role: Cheer Squad, Not Jury Panel
We love enthusiasm—really, we do—but there’s a fine line between encouraging your team and cross-examining a child from the touchline.
So here’s the game plan:
Encourage, don’t engage. A thumbs-up or “good call, ref” goes a long way. Shouting “Offside! Again!” just makes everyone question your geometry.
Trust the process. Mistakes happen; the important thing is that the ref learns, improves, and keeps showing up (just like your player).
Be a role model. The kids on the field notice how adults act. If you model respect, they’ll follow.
Remember, referees don’t grow on trees—they grow on patience, confidence, and the occasional post-game snack.
When They Blow the Whistle, They’re in Charge
It can be tempting to “help” a young ref from the sidelines (“Watch the hands, ref!”), but resist that urge. You wouldn’t want someone leaning over your kid’s shoulder during a math test whispering, “Carry the one! Watch the denominator!” Give them space to learn, make decisions, and develop the thick skin this game requires. If they’re confident and calm now, they’ll stay that way when they’re older—when the stakes (and the parents) get louder.
Refereeing Builds More Than Just a Resume
Being a referee teaches independence, responsibility, communication, and leadership. It’s also a crash-course in managing chaos with composure—skills that serve them far beyond the pitch. Supporting these young officials helps them stick with it. And who knows—maybe one of them will be reffing your kid’s college game one day… still ignoring you (respectfully, of course).
New in 2025–26: The “Green Badge” (or Youth Ref Badge) for Under-18s
Here’s a major update that deserves a spotlight: the introduction of the specially designated badge for youth referees. In the U.S., the U.S. Soccer Federation is rolling out the Green Referee Badge, worn by all certified referees under the age of 18.
What does that mean in practical terms?
A young official under 18 will wear the green-badge on their uniform for the full season, even if they turn 18 halfway through.
The badge is a visual signal to players, coaches, parents and spectators: “This ref is a youth; be extra-supportive, respectful and encouraging.”
It supports the broader #RespectTheCall movement, designed to protect and retain young officials by building a more positive, safer culture from the start.
What you can do as a parent or coach:
Recognize the badge: when you see a green-badge ref, your tone, volume and manner matter more than you realize.
Encourage all refs—especially young ones—to feel supported (not intimidated).
Talk to your players: remind them the ref with the badge is a youth official, give them space, listen to the whistle, and respect the call.
Zero Tolerance: Referee Abuse Against Minors = Big Consequences
Now for the part where I blow the metaphorical red card on sideline behavior—especially when the ref is a youth. The rules are clear: abuse or harassment of referees—particularly minor referees—will not be tolerated.
Some key policy elements:
U.S. Soccer’s updated Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (Policy 531-9) emphasizes stronger sanctions for both physical and non-physical abuse toward referees.
At the grassroots level, leagues note that abuse of youth referees triggers stronger disciplinary response than abuse of adult officials. For example, one policy states: “Abuse of Youth Referees will NOT be Tolerated … an additional game suspension is common if the referee involved is a minor.”
On the Laws side (via International Football Association Board/IFAB), misconduct toward a match official (which includes referees) is directly addressed under Law 12 — e.g., sending-off offences for “using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or action(s)” directed at a match official.
In plain English for parents:
If a coach, player or spectator yells at, insults, threatens or physically interferes with a young referee, they’re crossing a line.
The result? Possible multi-game suspensions, longer bans, removal from the match site, or impact on team eligibility (depending on your league).
If you’re that parent on the touchline? Think: you’re being watched. Your kid sees you. The referee sees you. The assignor sees you. Respect matters.
Your role to keep things clean:
Before games, remind your players and sideline of respectful behavior—“We support everyone. Listen to the ref. Clap for them, don’t heckle.”
After games, if there’s a call you disagree with — cool off, then contact your coach or league rather than confronting the ref on the field.
Model the behavior you expect. If you’re calm and respectful, most parents and fans will follow.
Final Whistle
So next time you see that young official jogging out, remember: they’re not just out there for pocket money. They’re learning to make split-second decisions, manage emotions, and uphold fairness in a world that often forgets what that looks like.
Smile. Encourage. Thank them. Because without those brave young refs, none of our beautiful Saturday chaos could happen.
And hey—if you really want to make their day? Bring them a donut.
Interested in getting your Ref Certification or staffing FIERCE matches? Submit your interest today: FIERCE Referee Interest Form.