I am an administrator for a youth sports league that “hires”
youths ages 14-17 for scorekeeping and referee work in Missouri.

We have always paid them cash. For tax purposes, none of them earn over $600 in a year, so 1099’s are not an issue.

A new directive from the league offices is trying to classify all youths as independent contractors and place the independent contractor rules upon the administrators.

My research on Missouri law tells me that no one under the age of 18 may be classified as an independent contractor.
Missouri Revised Statute 431.055. I cannot find a federal law that says anything different.

I am trying to figure out how youths under 18 are classified when earning self-employment income in this case.

That law is referring to juveniles not being able to sign contracts, which is normal, but I doubt you are expecting the youths to sign contracts.

So they get "non-employee compensation" for their services.

So are the 14-17 year olds subject to Independent Contractor regulations?

We are being asked to "contract" with all of the sports officials.

Examples of rules that are being proposed:

1. No one may interfere in the performance of the work done by a sports official.

2. A sports official may not work exclusively for one entity.

3. All sports officials are recognized as Independent contractors.

4. No entity may contract with anyone under the age of 14.

Legally I cannot contract with anyone under 18, so I think that 14-17 year olds should not be subject to these regulations.
What would be a proper terminology for these non-employees?

Please let me know your opinions.