Arkansas Rules on Employing Minors

Arkansas law requires all employers to obtain an employment certificate before employing any child under sixteen (16) years of age. The purpose of this certificate (work permit, working papers) is to provide conclusive evidence of the child's age and educational standing, thus insuring that underage minors are not employed.

The employer must keep this certificate and make it available to the proper officials upon request. Employment certificates can be issued by the Director of the Department of Labor or by his authorized representative.

Minors under the age of 18 can not work more than six days a week, more than 54 hours in any week, more than ten consecutive hours in any one day, more than ten hours in a 24 hour period, or before 6 a.m. or after 11 p.m., except that limitations of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. do not apply to children under the age of 18 employed on nights preceding non-school days in occupations determined safe by rule of the Arkansas Department of Labor.

Minors 11 years of age and older may be employed as sports officials, referees or umpires in organized youth football, baseball, softball, basketball, or soccer leagues provided that there is an adult representing the state or local athletic program on the premises and that a person responsible for the program possesses written acknowledgment signed by a minor's parent or guardian consenting to the minor's employment.