Refereeing is a great way to get involved in the game and enjoy yourself, absolutely anyone (aged 14 or over) can take up refereeing by simply contacting us and getting themselves booked on a Basic Referees Course.
So what can you expect?
Pre-Course Activities
Either download a Course Booking Form or contact us and we’ll send you a Form. Choose a course on a date and venue to suit you Referee Course Dates, complete your Form and return it to us with the appropriate fee.
Approximately 10 days before your course is due to start you’ll receive a Pre-Course Study Pack which includes; Pre-Course Study Material, an Information Booklet and a current copy of the Laws of Association Football (LOAF).
Once the Pre-Course activities have been completed, you will go through The Course which comprises of the following five modules: -
Module One (2.5 Hours) 'Knowledge of the Laws'
The course induction will introduce candidates to the support mechanisms available to referees. A DVD promoting the benefits and opportunities of refereeing will be shown, and a 'Knowledge of the Laws' certificate presented to those who pass their Module One ‘Assessment of Knowledge’ paper. Candidates who do not wish to take up active refereeing will be able to exit the course, and those who wish to progress further will move on to Module Two.
Module Two (Minimum 15 hours) 'Application of the Laws'
Module Two will cover Laws of the Game and relates theory to practice, involving on-field interactive activities (if available, if not video clips), and self-evaluation techniques.
Module Three (1.5 Hours) 'Examination’
The exam process will consist of two elements: -
- Written element – application of law
- Theory examination via video analysis using DVD clips
On successful completion of the Basic Referee Training Modules One, Two and Three the candidate will become a Level 9 Trainee Referee.
Module Four 'Probation Period'
During the probation period Level 9 Trainee Referees must referee six 11 v 11 matches, supported by Mentors on at least two of those games, who will provide a short assessment. Candidates will be assessed via the standard competencies in line with the current FA competency-based assessment scheme.
Module Five (2 Hours). Newly Qualified Referees In-Service Training
The Level 9 Trainee Referees will have to attend In-Service Training on subjects incorporating: application of law, recognition of offences, body language and communication, management of people and situations, fitness awareness, warm-up/cool-down techniques, programmes to meet individual needs and encouraging training togetherness/bonding.
On successful completion of the five Basic Referee Training Modules the Referee will receive an FA Certificate of Qualification, and progress from a Level 9 (Trainee Referee), to either a Level 8 (Youth Referee) or a Level 7 (Junior Referee), depending on the age of the candidate.
CRB Checks
All candidates aged 18 and over have to undertake an FA CRB Check as part of the course. CRB Forms are generally sent out with the Pre-Course Study Pack and candidates bring them along to the course, with their forms of identification to be verified.
Unfortunately, CRB Checks undertaken through other organisations are not transferrable.
Safeguarding Children
All candidates must also complete Safeguarding Children training as part of their qualification.
For candidates 16 years of age and under this consists of reading a booklet, watching some DVD clips and successfully completing a Checklist. The packs are given out on the first day of the course and must be returned the following week.
Any candidates over 16 must attend and successfully complete a three hour workshop. The workshop is arranged as part of the course.
Cost of Course
Adults - £77*
includes Safeguarding Children Workshop & CRB check
17 - 18 year olds - £65*
includes Safeguarding Children Workshop
16 and under - £35*
includes Safeguarding Children CD ROM
* on completion of 6 matches, 16 years old and under receive a £10 refund, over 16’s receive a £30 refund, plus, you keep the fees and expenses paid for officiating those matches.
Having completed the course you are free to Referee as little or as often as you like, receiving a fee and expenses for each game you officiate. For those Referee’s who want to progress to the higher levels of the game, there are opportunities to apply for promotion.
Happy refereeing!!