Youth Soccer Referee Statistics (2026)
50,000 referees have quit since 2019. Explore the crisis in grassroots soccer officiating: shortage drivers, retention rates, demographics, abuse, compensation & solutions.
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Youth soccer in the United States is booming— with 20.5 million total soccer participants ages 6 and older across outdoor and indoor formats —yet the sport faces a silent crisis behind the scenes. Since 2018–19, roughly 50,000 officials nationwide have stopped officiating, leaving leagues scrambling to cover games, and that's just high school figures . As a nonprofit youth soccer leader, understanding referee statistics is essential to managing your program effectively. This report examines the scale of the shortage, why referees quit, who's most affected, and what screening protocols protect both officials and young players. (Part of our volunteer statistics hub.)
Every statistic in this report comes from peer-reviewed research, government data (National Survey of Children's Health, Sports & Fitness Industry Association), nonprofit surveys, or official state soccer association documents. We cite 25+ sources and note where data gaps exist. This living report is updated annually—last refreshed August 2026.
Key takeaways
The scale of the shortage
Across the United States, youth soccer is facing a quiet but growing crisis with thousands of games each weekend struggling to find officials . The numbers tell a stark story: since 2018–19, roughly 50,000 officials nationwide have stopped officiating, leaving leagues scrambling to cover games, and even worse, on average only 2 out of every 10 officials return for their third year, meaning most new referees drop out quickly .
In high-demand regions, the strain is acute. During the season, there are hundreds of soccer games every weekend in Arizona, and there aren't enough referees to cover every game, with the Arizona State Referee Administration national assignor having had to assign upwards of 700 games in a weekend during the fall . Considering that every game needs three officials—one referee and two assistant referees—a total of 2,100 referees might be needed on busy weekends .
Why referees leave: Abuse tops the list
Many cite the same reason for leaving: abuse from spectators, from coaches, and even from players . In Utah, the state youth association had reached the point of canceling 570 matches and rescheduling more than 1,000 in one season, and when they sent out an email trying to drum up interest in referee certification, they were flooded with responses stating they would never register as referees or allow their children to register because they've seen how horrible the treatment of referees has been .
However, abuse may not be the sole driver. The NASO National Officiating Survey in 2017 received responses from 3,725 soccer referees on which level of soccer demonstrated the worst sportsmanship, with only one in six respondents citing high school soccer, so it does not make sense that abuse is necessarily driving referees away from high school soccer to officiate soccer at other levels . Instead, research suggests retention is the real problem: an average of 235 new high school soccer referees enrolled in Illinois each of the past four years, a number sufficient to replenish attrition in a state with a recent history of 1,200 active high school referees, indicating states don't need to attract more officials but retain the ones they have recently recruited .
Pay: Insufficient to offset costs
Youth leagues tend to pay between $50 and $100 per game . This modest compensation is often overshadowed by the costs and barriers to entry. Public schools typically offer around $100 per game, whereas officials working non-scholastic games can bring in as much as $1,000 over a weekend, and considering the fees and time that go into becoming certified as an official (including $115 just to be fingerprinted), it's understandable that many people don't find working multiple weekday nights for a few hundred bucks worth all the effort .
Typically, the more experience that a referee has, the higher the pay, with the better-paying games in the U.S. being Division I college level and the professional tiers such as the United Soccer League Championship, USL League One, MLS and National Independent Soccer Association, where professional referees who are under contract can make more than $100,000 a year . This disparity creates a powerful incentive for experienced, talented referees to move up and out of youth soccer.
Certification requirements and barriers
Becoming a referee requires time, effort, and money. To become a referee, you'll complete an entry-level certification course offered by your State Referee Committee that includes the Laws of the Game, practical instruction, and everything you need to begin officiating local matches . Registration for the First-time Referee Course includes both an online course and an in-person course with a total fee of $55 in some states, though fees vary. Online coursework takes a minimum of 3–4 hours to complete .
Minimum age per U.S. Soccer policy is 13 years old at the time of registering for the course, with no exceptions . The process requires completion of Introduction to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments (free), SafeSport certification for those 18 or older (free), and a National Background Check for those 18 or older ($24 covering 2 years) . All licensed match officials with U.S. Soccer are required to complete the Intro to Safe and Healthy Playing Environments online module and maintain a valid background screening (18 years and older) and valid SafeSport training .
| Requirement | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online course | Included in fee | 3–4 hours |
| In-person training | $55 (varies by state) | 1–2 hours |
| SafeSport training | Free | 30–60 min |
| Background screening | $24 (adults) | 7–10 business days |
Youth soccer participation growth outpaces referee supply
The mismatch between demand and supply is at the heart of the crisis. In 2024, 20.5 million total soccer participants ages 6 and older participated across outdoor and indoor formats . U.S. youth sports participation tracked by the federal government rose to 58% in 2024, marking a significant one-year increase . Yet the US Soccer Federation projects participation could reach 29 million by the end of 2026, driven by the World Cup on home soil .
Over the past decade, since 2009 there are 16 percent more players in boys soccer, but data shows there are not enough referees to support the growth . Through 2023, outdoor soccer participation among those ages 6 or older reached nearly 14.1 million players, marking an impressive 8.1% increase from the previous year and a 23% increase compared to 2018 .
Demographics: Who are youth soccer referees?
Youth soccer referees come from diverse backgrounds, though reliable demographic breakdowns are limited. The minimum age is 13 years old, creating a cohort that includes teenagers and adults . Female representation is growing; there has been progress with support for female officials , though exact percentages remain unreported in most state associations.
In high school soccer specifically, Illinois has seen an average of 235 new high school soccer referees enroll each of the past four years , suggesting recruitment efforts are ongoing but insufficient to meet demand. The lack of standardized demographic reporting across states makes it difficult to assess representation by race, gender, or socioeconomic status—a gap that nonprofits and leagues should address when building diverse referee programs.
Solutions: Recruitment, retention & support
Addressing the referee crisis requires a three-pronged approach:
1. Zero-tolerance abuse policies
Utah implemented a "zero tolerance" policy on complaining to referees, which recognizes the reality of heated competition with the policy stating "Exclamations in the moment are part of the game" and that a "handball" or "offside" as an immediate response to a situation is acceptable so long as that exclamation ends there . Wisconsin's youth association instituted its own zero tolerance policy in 2015, citing a "persistent shortage of referees" . These policies, combined with formalized complaint procedures, help create safer environments for young and adult referees alike.
2. Competitive compensation & recognition
While youth leagues cannot match professional pay, they can improve compensation and provide non-monetary incentives: performance bonuses, advancement pathways, certification funding support, and public recognition. Screening and protecting referees is also critical—documenting abuse and ensuring referees feel valued demonstrates institutional commitment.
3. Streamlined certification
Simplifying and subsidizing the certification pathway reduces barriers. Some states now offer identity verification support as part of referee vetting, ensuring both safety and efficiency. Offering courses in multiple formats (in-person, virtual, hybrid) and reducing upfront costs can widen the recruitment funnel.
4. Volunteer screening & safeguarding
Nonprofits managing youth soccer must implement character reference checks and training on youth protection for all officials. Organizing a youth sports referee program requires vetting referees just as rigorously as coaches. See also our guides on organizing volunteer youth coach programs and 50 volunteer screening statistics for best practices.
What this means for your volunteer program
As a nonprofit running youth soccer, you're caught in a perfect storm: more kids want to play, fewer qualified referees are available, and those who do officiate face abuse and low pay. The solution isn't to accept match cancellations or compromise on officiating quality.
Protect and screen your referees. Every referee on your field should clear a background check—not just for legal protection, but because referees deserve to know they're working in a culture that values safety and accountability. VolunteerBadge's FCRA-compliant screening includes identity verification and character reference checks starting at $5 per person, with no monthly fees. When referees see your organization invests in their safety and the safety of young players, they're far more likely to stay.
Invest in retention. Train referees on managing difficult situations, offer mental health support, celebrate their contributions publicly, and ensure you have a zero-tolerance abuse policy with real enforcement. Start building a safer, more sustainable referee program today.
Download the data
⬇ Download the data (.xlsx)Frequently asked questions
Q: How many soccer referees have quit since 2018?
A:
Roughly 50,000 officials nationwide have stopped officiating since 2018–19, and that's just high school figures
. Youth and adult levels have experienced similar or greater losses.
Q: Why do referees quit?
A:
Many cite abuse from spectators, coaches, and even players as the reason for leaving
. Additionally, low compensation, time commitment, and lack of organizational support drive attrition.
Q: What is the retention rate for youth soccer referees?
A:
On average, only 2 out of every 10 officials return for their third year, meaning most new referees drop out quickly
.
Q: How much do youth soccer referees earn?
A:
Youth leagues tend to pay between $50 and $100 per game
, which often does not cover costs and preparation time.
Q: What age can you become a soccer referee?
A:
The minimum age per U.S. Soccer policy is 13 years old at the time of registering for the course, with no exceptions
.
Q: How much does it cost to become a certified soccer referee?
A:
The First-time Referee Course includes both an online course and an in-person course with a total fee of $55
, though costs vary by state. Background screening for adults adds $24.
Sources & references
- Sol Sports Club – Youth Soccer Referee Shortage: Who's Protecting the People Who Protect the Game? (March 2026)
- Cronkite News (Arizona PBS) – Soccer refereeing by the numbers: Abuse, pay, rigor factor in to ref shortage (January 2024)
- Tucson Sentinel – Soccer refereeing by the numbers: Abuse, pay, rigor factor in to ref shortage (January 2024)
- AOL/Reuters – US referee numbers are plunging and aggression is to blame (2025)
- Spond – Soccer Team Management: Referee Shortage Threatens Future (December 2024)
- Referee.com – More Players, Fewer Officials Point to Trouble Ahead (February 2021)
- The Gomez Way – Why is there a shortage of US soccer referees? (May 2023)
- Project Play – Youth Sports Facts: Participation Rates (2025)
- Project Play – State of Play 2025: Participation Trends (2025)
- Project Play – U.S. youth sports participation increased to 58% in pursuit of 63% by 2030 (May 2026)
- Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) – U.S. Soccer Participation Data (2025)
- Centro – US Youth Soccer Participation Stats 2026 (July 2026)
- FOR SOCCER – Soccer Participation in the United States (November 2024)
- U.S. Soccer Foundation – After a troubling report on youth soccer participation numbers, it's time for some good news (July 2018)
- U.S. Soccer – Become a Referee (2025–2026)
- USYS Maryland – Become a Certified USSF Referee (October 2025)
- South Texas Soccer Referees – Referee Program (March 2025)
- Cal South – Become a Soccer Referee in California (2025)
- Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association – Referees (August 2025)
- Florida Soccer Referees – New Referees (September 2022)
- Massachusetts State Referee Committee – Steps to Become A Referee (November 2025)
- U.S. Soccer – Referee Pathway (2025)
- Washington Referee Association – Referee Certification Requirements (2025)
- Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association – Referee Information (February 2026)
- North Carolina FC Youth – Referees (2025)
- Strive On – Statistics on Youth Sports Participation (2025) (2025)
Disclaimer: This report is educational and informational. It is not legal or professional advice. Always consult legal counsel regarding volunteer screening, background checks, FCRA compliance, and youth safeguarding policies in your jurisdiction.
