What is the minimum age to work as a youth sports referee in North Dakota?

14 (under 14: parents, farm, newspaper, casual) Parent-employed exempt; no referee carve-out (NDCC 34-07). State law keys on 'employ/permit to work' - no 1099 carve-out; misclassifying minor officials as contractors does not avoid child-labor rules.

When is a final paycheck due in North Dakota if you let someone go?

Next regular payday Penalties under NDCC 34-14. Accrued PTO generally must be paid.

How does North Dakota decide whether a coach or referee is a 1099 contractor or an employee?

Common law / right to control (20-factor; N.D.A.C. 46-02-07-02)

For youth sports organizations and event operators · North Dakota rulebook

Youth sports labor rules in North Dakota: who can you put in the game, and what do you owe them?

State rules for everyone a youth sports organization pays: coaches and trainers on payroll, officials and event staff on 1099, program and front-office staff, and the teenagers you hire for a season. Wages, final pay, minors, contractor status and youth safety, 50 states + DC, checked against statute text.

Last reviewed Sep 9, 202651 jurisdictions · 29 rules each

Step 1

Pick the state where the work happens

Rules follow where people work, not where you are based. Running an event? Use the event state. Operating a club or league? Use the state where your staff coach, officiate and work.

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Set a role, age and pay type below to see which rules apply to your organization.

Step 2

Check a staffing plan

Tell us who you are paying, how old they are, and whether they are on payroll or 1099. We rank what applies.

State where the work happens

Role

Worker age

Paid as

Not sure if someone should be 1099 or on payroll?Answer 5 plain-English questions. We explain the sticking points in your state.5-question check

Tourney Direct does not decide classification. Confirm with a tax advisor or attorney before you onboard anyone as a contractor.

Step 3

Everything on file for North Dakota

All 29 rules for this state, with the statutes and agency pages they came from.

Wages and pay
Minimum wage (2026): $7.25
Required pay frequency: Monthly
Final paycheck if you let them go: Next regular payday
Final paycheck if they quit: Next regular payday
Final-pay penalties: Penalties under NDCC 34-14. Accrued PTO generally must be paid.
State income tax withholding: Yes
Workers' comp required at: 1+ (monopolistic WSI fund)
New-hire report due (days): 20
Minors
Minimum working age: 14 (under 14: parents, farm, newspaper, casual)
Work permit: Yes, under 16 (Employment & Age Certificate via ND DOL, parent + employer signed); 16+ on request
Ages 14 to 15, school in session: 3 hrs/day, 18 hrs/wk, 6 days (if not exempt from school); 7am-7pm
Ages 14 to 15, summer and breaks: 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/wk, 6 days; 7am-9pm June 1-Labor Day
Ages 16 to 17: None: federal has none
Weekend and evening games: Mirrors FLSA
Referee, coach and recreation exemptions: Parent-employed exempt; no referee carve-out (NDCC 34-07). State law keys on 'employ/permit to work' - no 1099 carve-out; misclassifying minor officials as contractors does not avoid child-labor rules.
Contractors and leave
How this state decides 1099 vs. payroll: Common law / right to control (20-factor; N.D.A.C. 46-02-07-02)
Same question, for unemployment insurance: Common law / IRS 20-factor (N.D.C.C. 52-01-01(17); N.D.A.C. 27-02-14)
Referee-specific rule: None found (no officials-specific statute; general tests apply)
Seasonal or recreation carve-out: N.D.A.C. 46-02-07-02(1)(a) exempts from state MW employees of nonprofit camps that are directly youth-related and intended for educational purposes; no for-profit seasonal amusement/recreation or coach exemption.
Paid sick leave: No
Paid family and medical leave: No
What it costs to get it wrong: N.D.C.C. 65-04-33 WC misclassification penalties
Safety
Background checks: None statewide: check municipal/league policy (NCPA channeling via BCI).
Concussion law: N.D.C.C. §15.1-18.2-04 (2011), school only; coach training; RTP clearance by licensed health-care provider.
Sudden cardiac arrest law: Yes (school), N.D.C.C. §15.1-02-24 (2025): cardiac crisis plans from 2027-28. Youth leagues not covered.
CPR and AED: None for youth leagues.
Coaches as mandated reporters: Not specifically: N.D.C.C. §50-25.1-03 (professionals list).
Coach certification: None.
Assault-on-official law: No.

All states

Rulebook by state

North Dakota at a glance: minimum wage $7.25. Final paycheck when you let someone go: Next regular payday. Minimum working age: 14 (under 14: parents, farm, newspaper, casual). Background checks for youth sports: None statewide: check municipal/league policy (NCPA channeling via BCI).