Student Coaches and Referees

By Will Soffronoff

Among all jobs available for high school students, the opportunities to become a referee or a coach are as enticing as any. These jobs are rewarding, flexible, sociable, and often offer competitive pay and leadership experience. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 38% of U.S. teens (16-19) were working or looking for work. While most teens tend to work behind the counter at a fast-food restaurant or as a sales associate, coaching or refereeing can be a more rewarding and fun experience. 

While some teens may be apprehensive to put themselves in a role where they have to take initiative and interact with new people, junior Sophie Faveru has thrived in her position as a coach of the youth running organization, the Clarksburg Coyotes XC Club, stating that “watching the kids I coach achieve their goals is an unmatched feeling.” 

Faveru also noted that her age had an advantage when relating with the team, “I feel like my age allows me to connect to the kids in a unique way that builds lifelong relationships between me and them more easily.”

When looking into the opportunities granted to teenagers regarding officiating, it appears to be one of the most accessible jobs for students. According to MSI (Montgomery Soccer Inc), each season they train nearly 100 referees, with ages as young as 13 years old. 

Einstein student and MSI referee Hanly Muller commented, “Usually I find myself looking forward to games, and I rarely see a conflict I can’t fix.” Hanly also mentioned, “The schedule is very flexible, and the money is great.” 

According to their website, MSI pay for refs varies depending on the age group at play, with pay for assistant referees ranging from $15-$80+, and center referees earning a minimum of $30 a game, to as high as $115.