In most clubs there is a tremendous youth program for soccer officials. Many young players - even as young as 10 or so - "ref" the very little kids, with the "coaches" at that level supervising. They continue to ref games with players only a few years younger than they are. Costs the league very little.

Once the good players are in their mid-late teens, many have been reffing for several years, they know the game as well as the refs in their games - who are often just older guys out to make a few bucks over a weekend and, while still interested in the sport, their knowledge has often plateaued. The teen players are used to making calls when they ref - they have been on that side and know the ins and outs - and they don't see refs as much of an authority figure as say a 12 year old in Little League does with an adult ump calling balls/strikes.

Now not saying that is right - just kinda the way it evolves.