The youngest referee in the world? In Bolivia, a 10-year-old controls the pitch

Erick Callejas, one of the few referees his age, may only be 10 years old and much shorter than the other players on the soccer field, but he has no problem upholding the rules.

Callejas may be seen on weekends blowing his whistle and making decisions in neighborhood games in high-altitude El Alto, Bolivia’s second-largest city and a close neighbor of the capital La Paz. Callejas was inspired by his referee father Ramiro.

Ramiro remarked, “On Saturdays and Sundays, my son Erick and I go out to referee games. Because refereeing is in his blood, I’m overcome with emotion and am really proud of him.

After his father signed him up for the position, Callejas officiated his first game in a women’s league.

“There was a women’s championship, and (the coordinator) asked if I could referee. I said yes.”

He seems to be making an impression on his elders thus far with his manner. Callejas has a natural skill, according to athlete Beimar Tancara.

“He clearly has that character. He takes off. He shifts. Even if the crowd yells, he is not scared off by them, Tancara remarked.

“I believe he was destined to be a referee. He has a lot of skill. I like how he officiates.

For the time being, Callejas is officiating games on sand-filled fields in the community league while his mother and father teach him from the stands.

But he has high expectations for one day making his abilities known abroad.

To be a FIFA referee and officiate the Bolivian Derby would allow Callejas to attend the World Cup, America Cup, Liberators Cup, and Champions League.

Santiago Limachi, Sergio Limachi, and Monica Machicao contributed to the reporting, while Isabel Woodford and Lincoln Feast edited the writing.