[Rich1]

There is no charge for training but it is only open to dues paying members. We do rules/mechanics reviews at chapter meetings and run training games as part of a HS fall league (refs work for free while trainers evaluate and take notes; teams understand that they are getting trainees). It runs for six weeks and you go to as many or as few as you want but the more you do the more games you'll get later. It works very well and we are one of the highest rated chapters every year.

Our dues pay for chapter fees, inurance, scheduling, state registration, and background checks.

What a new ref can make depends on competence and whether or not they can get into the tournamnt rotation (a who you know thing here). Low end would be about $1000, high end near $3000. Someone with years of coaching or pee wee league experience who really knows the game can move up fast. Even with almost 400 refs in our chapter we still have trouble covering games - there are a lot of schools, clubs teams, and junior leagues in the area so a good ref can work all year and make good money.