How Much Do Youth Sports Referees Make in Missouri?

If you’re thinking about becoming a youth sports referee in Missouri, one of the first questions you might have is: how much does it pay? The good news is that officiating youth sports can be a great way to earn money with a flexible schedule, whether you’re a teenager, college student, working adult, or retiree.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you can expect to make as a youth referee in Missouri, and how to get started. If you’re in the Kansas City area, KC Soccer Officials is a great resource for training, certification, and game assignments.

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Average Pay for Youth Sports Referees in Missouri

Pay rates vary depending on the sport, age group, and experience level, but here’s a general idea of what youth referees in Missouri can expect to earn:

Soccer

• Recreational (younger ages): $25–$40 per game
• Competitive (older ages or travel teams): $40–$60 per game
• Assistant Referee roles (linesmen): $20–$40 per game

Basketball

• Youth rec leagues: $25–$45 per game
• Competitive or tournament play: $50–$65 per game

Baseball/Softball

• Coach-pitch and machine-pitch: $30–$45 per game
• Kid-pitch or older divisions: $45–$70 per game
• Plate umpires generally earn more than base umpires

Flag Football

• Elementary/Middle School divisions: $30–$50 per game
• Older age groups or tournaments: $50–$75 per game

These numbers can increase depending on the league or region, and multi-game days or weekend tournaments can add up quickly.

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How Many Games Can You Work?

One of the biggest perks of refereeing is the flexibility. Most youth sports games are played on evenings and weekends, which means you can fit officiating around school, work, or other responsibilities.

Many referees work:

• 2–4 games on a Saturday
• 1–2 games on weeknights
• Full weekends during tournaments

If you're making an average of $35 per game and working 3 games a day, that's over $100 per day—not bad for part-time work.

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What Affects Referee Pay?

A few key factors determine how much you'll make:

• Age group or skill level: Older, more competitive games usually pay more
• Your experience: The more experienced you are, the more you're trusted with higher-paying games
• Your role: Center referees often earn more than assistant referees or sideline officials
• Tournaments vs. regular season: Tournament games often pay higher rates or include bonuses for working multiple games

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Is Refereeing Worth It?

Absolutely—especially if you’re looking for flexible income that doesn’t involve sitting at a desk. You also get to:

• Stay active
• Be around sports you enjoy
• Build leadership and communication skills
• Earn while you learn, especially as a teen or college student

Refereeing can be a side job, a weekend hustle, or the start of something bigger. Many officials go on to work high school, college, or even professional games.

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Want to Get Started?

If you live in or around Kansas City, KC Soccer Officials is your go-to resource for becoming a youth referee. They’ll help you:

• Get certified
• Understand pay structures
• Find local leagues and tournaments
• Get assigned to games that match your experience level

Whether you’re brand new or looking to pick up more games, KC Soccer Officials makes it easy to get started and stay involved.

Interested in Refereeing Youth Sports?

Contact KC Soccer Officials today to learn how to get trained, get certified, and start earning money on the field.