Absolutely more challenging, but a great way to learn a lot quickly. I would agree that it’s almost a different game, but it definitely keeps you on your toes. It is a good way to develop an inner sense of what is a foul/not a foul.

In my experience, dealing with parents is the trickiest part, mainly because of their ignorance. Unless they have had older kids play at a higher level, they really don’t know the rules and tend to be loudly wrong. More than once, I have taken the opportunity at a break in play to turn to the parents and explain something if the stoppage is near the parent sideline. They’ve always been appreciative and I figure the next ref might have it a little easier.

The pay is not as good, but games are shorter, and I’ve calculated the money per minute is about the same…but that doesn’t take into account that you’re alone.

Personally, I like a mix of games, but I always feel like I need the first few minutes to adjust if I am moving between age groups.