How to start
You may be able to make some money doing some coaching or refereeing through your local sports club – ask and see what’s available. Keep an eye out for opportunities on their website/notice board/social media.
If you’re very keen, you can give yourself more options by doing a coaching or refereeing course: you’ll generally have to pay (sometimes quite a lot) but you’ll get a qualification which will entitle you to higher rates. For example :
- Tennis – level 1 coaching course through the Lawn Tennis Association – minimum age 16
- Football – become a FA qualifed referee – minimum age 14
You can find lots of useful information on the UK Sports Coach website which has links to the websites of the different UK sports governing bodies of different sports.
How much pay
This depends on your sport, your qualifications and the opportunities where you live. Referees normally get a standard fee per match.
Things to remember
You’ll need skills in people management and organisation/planning as well as sports skills. Make sure you’re happy to deal with brattish children or annoying parents if necessary.
As with any other job, check that you know exactly what’s involved. Make sure you’re reliable, turn up when you say you will, and give as much notice as possible if you can’t make a particular match or training session. If you get yourself a good reputation, this may well lead to other opportunities.
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