Guidance for referees

Other Guidance

Report writing and misconduct

Under FA Regulations, Match Officials are responsible for reporting all forms of misconduct from matches to the relevant authority within 2 working days of the match.

Further information on how that is achieved can be found here.

Social media guidance

Social Media is an ever growing presence in 21st century life, especially within football. Match Officials are reminded that that any comment they make which is offensive, threatening, violent or that is deemed not to be in the best interests of the game have brought the game into disrepute may result in action being taken against them by the The Football Association or County Football Association.

As a Match Official, you are seen as a representative of The Football Association and a figure of authority, not only on match days but by all participants of the game. This reminder is to consider your actions and behaviour in public forums.

The best advice we can give is, ‘if you wouldn’t say it in a press conference then don’t write it in social media’.

Get in touch

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact the Referee Development Officer at your local County FA or alternatively email Refereeing@thefa.com