FOI Request - Football Refereeing 14-15 Year Olds

Request 101003948142

1.Can you tell me what are the specific bylaws regarding child employment for 14 and 15-year-olds in your local Authority?

2.Are there any specific requirements or permits needed for a 14 or 15-year-old to be employed as a football referee?

3a) What are the maximum permitted working hours for 14 and 15-year-olds during school terms and holidays?

b) The Scottish FA would not be the “employer” in this situation, nor would a football club who would be paying them (which may vary each week). This may pose problems for some of the paperwork – can you confirm if any paperwork is required to be filled out on behalf of the child?
Referees are not considered to be legally “workers” until they are appointed to matches in the Scottish FA.

4. Does this form still require to be filled out and submitted ? [Child Employment Permit Application Form]

Clarification sought 12-03-2026

Clarification received 17-03-2026

Response 30-03-2026

1. The byelaws for employment of children are available on our website and this information is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_66943.html

2. A permit is required if the young person is employed in a trade or occupation which is carried out for profit.

3. a) The maximum permitted working hours are within the byelaws for employment of children, which are available on our website. Exempt under S. 25  FOISA - otherwise accessible. Available on our website at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_66943.html 

b) A permit is required if the young person is employed in a trade or occupation which is carried out for profit. Employment includes assistance in a trade or occupation which is carried out for profit, whether or not payment is received for that assistance.

4. Our application form is available on our website at http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_66943.html