Want to get a job that’s not too hard but is also not boring? As a young person without experience, your options are limited. But most teens would never even consider a much-needed position: referee. Here are the top five reasons why you should become a referee.

• The pay is excellent: Depending on the sport, you could earn between $25-$45 a game with a basic referee license. If you ref a few games a day, you have enough money to support yourself for the week. Some places may even pay you in cash after each game. No need to declare your taxes.

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• Referees are needed: Most games you will officiate will be on the weekends, anytime from 8 AM-5 PM. It is not hard to find games. In fact, coaches and referee assignors are always looking for officials. They will approach you! You just sit tight and wait for a text or email during the week asking you to officiate a game or two. You will never have a shortage of games unless you purposefully turn down those opportunities.

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• It is an easy job: As a beginner, you will most likely officiate young kids. This makes it easy because the game speed is a lot slower, the kids are more honest, and the parents refrain from yelling at you. You are free to officiate as you please.

• You make the final calls: If parents do end up yelling at you or things start getting a little heated, at the end of the day, you have the authority. You can tell parents or coaches or players to leave if you think they are disrupting the play.

AP

• You will look fly while on the job: You get to wear some cool referee gear and carry a whistle. Who doesn’t like looking good on the job?

Being a referee is fun, easy, thrilling, and important. Many people overlook this job, but it is very needed in today’s society. You should become a referee to reap its wonderful benefits and help kids have fun!