All referees we see are local people who love the game of soccer. They have dedicated time to take a national certification course to learn the rules and procedures around the game. And they take time each year to recertify (5 hours of education plus pass a test). They have decided to take time to come out and support the local soccer community as a referee at your child's game.
Things to Consider
Coaches and parents influence the behavior of players, positively and negatively
Think before you say something
Referees are doing their best
Referees cannot and do not see everything
Referees are not biased
Youth referee should not be expected to stand up to an adult
Referees do not want anyone to get hurt
When they yell at a youth referee, they are yelling at a child - a child from your community
You need to support the development of the referees or have no referees
Winning is not everything
Provide a good role model for your child
U08-U12 Recreational Games
Referees who are officiate the U08-U12 recreational games are kids (and sometime parents) from your local community. They probably live no further than 5 miles away from the field.
U08 and U09 games are usually officiated by 13 and 14 year olds who are in their first year of refereeing.
U10 and U11 games are usually officiated by 14 and 15 year olds who are in their second year of refereeing.
By U12, the official(s) in the game have a firm feeling for the game and have refereed for 3 or more years.
Premier and Select Games
Referees for premier and select games are from your local community. They sometimes travel 15 miles to get to your game.
Center referees for the U11 and under games have usually refereed for 2 or more years.
Center referees for the U12 - U14 games have usually refereed for 3 or more years.
Center referees for U15+ games have usually refereed for 4 or more years.
Assistant referees for the U11 games are usually first year referees.
Assistant referees for the U12 - U14 games have usually refereed for 2 or more years.
Assistant referees for U15+ games have usually refereed for 3 or more years.