For working a side job, how come sports reffing is not mentioned? I have reffed football, softball, lacrosse, field hockey and volleyball. Besides in season games, there are off season leagues, and tournaments. I have been reffing sports since 1989. Being a ref requires discipline. You cannot be late. It creates discipline with money.
Good question! For starters, playing is more fun than reffing. Reffing requires education and testing. You have expenses such as your own uniforms and transportation, which you can deduct on Sched. C, but then not everyone knows how to file those tax forms & pay self-employment taxes, so add tax accountant to the expenses. Then you also need a certain personality to do well – confidence, thorough knowledge of the rules, quick decision making, firmness, knowing how to deal with difficult people (read: parents). And you don’t get paid for waiting around for your match to start if the previous one hasn’t finished. But dang, reffing pays pretty well.
Right on Sir! I am a high school/ middle school/youth soccer official and since I am retired and available 6-7 days a week, I cleared $8k this past year (for 5 months’ work…) But as others also say, "I do it for the fun, not the $.
lis5678, you have it backwards; if you’re good and you like it then officiating IS fun! And I also play! For me, the extra expenses cancel out since it’s extra income. And as a teacher, I find we make effective officials and I’m prepared to handle issues with parents, coaches or players. You were right about the tax filing though!