Pennsylvania Bill Would Allow 12-Year-Olds to Officiate Youth Sports

State Rep. Brian Ellis' bill allowing children 12 and older to be employed as youth sports officials in Pennsylvania passed the House on Tuesday.

Current law prohibits minors 14 and younger from being employed, except as a golf caddie or newspaper delivery person.

House Bill 1502 would amend the Child Labor Act to permit individuals who are 12 and older to enforce rules and supervise participants of youth sporting events.

"This bill is a win-win," said Ellis, a Butler Republican, in a prepared statement. "I introduced it because it would provide local touch sports leagues with greater flexibility and more opportunities. It would also provide younger Pennsylvanians with leadership experience and the satisfaction of having a job at a young age."

The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

Rachel Farkas is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-779-6902 or [email protected]