For further details on refereeing can be found at the following Association websites:
For specific information about referee training costs and courses in England, please contact your County Football Association.
The cost of Basic Referee Training in England is shown below:
The breakdown of the minimum costs for a new referee taking the basic training course are shown below:
| Description | Cost (£) |
|
| 16 and Over |
Under 16 |
|
| Training Fee |
85.00-135.00 |
85.00-135.00 |
| Registration Fee |
20.00 |
20.00 |
| CRB Check |
10.00 - 15.00 |
N/A |
| Child Protection |
12.00 - 22.00 |
12.00 |
These costs are variable dependant on the age of the new recruit and whether they are compelled to undertake Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and Child Protection Training.
If you would like to consider becoming a referee, you need to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
1. Are you at least 14 years of age?
2. Are you reasonably fit?
3. Is your eyesight O. K.? (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn)
If you are able to answer "yes" to all of those questions, you now need to find the local instructor, who will be almost certainly attached to your local Referees Association branch.
Elsewhere on this site you can see the R.A. branches that have their own web pages and the contact details for each of them.
If you are close to one of the listed branches, please call them and ask about local courses.
If not, find the number of your local County Football Association and they will give you the local Training Officer's contact details.
Procedure for Basic Training as from 1 July 2007
Pre-course activities:
Prospective candidates should contact their County Football Association to register their interest in becoming a referee. They will be provided with details of local courses, dates and venues, and will receive a registration form, a questionnaire and a request for payment for completion and return. On confirmation of registration, training venue and dates for the Basic Referees' Course will be provided. A current copy of the Laws of Association Football (LOAF) will also be sent, and candidates will be expected to complete a Pre Course Study.
Once the pre-course requirements have been dealt with, the candidate will attend the Course Induction, and move through the modules as described below:
The Basic Referee Course will comprise of 5 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 onto Module Two.
Module Two (Minimum 15 hours) 'Application of the Laws'.
Module 2 will relate theory to practice, and involves on-field interactive activities (if available, if not video clips), and self-evaluation techniques. At some time between Modules 2 and 3, Child Protection training will be provided, and candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Form.
Module Three (1.5 Hours), 'Examination'. Depending on whether the candidates' training was predominantly theoretical (classroom based) or practical (on the field of play), the exam process will consist of two elements from the three listed below. The third element will become an assessment throughout the course.
-Written element – application of law (theoretical and practical course)
-Theory examination via video analysis using DVD or CD Rom (theoretical course, and assessment tool for the practical course)
-Practical on field assessment in line with new practical course (practical course and assessment tool for the theoretical course)
Candidates will also be expected to successfully complete a misconduct form, based on a match incident from the theory exam DVD.
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 times x 11 v 11 matches, utilizing a mentor style appraisal, supported by either a Referee Coach, Assessor or Instructor. Candidates will be assessed via the standard competencies in line with the current FA competency based assessment scheme. They will also be involved with Self-evaluation of their own performance, performance evaluation of others, and video analysis.
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 5 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.
QUESTION: The Athletic number seven takes a corner. The ball hits the referee, who is standing in the goal area, deflects to an Athletic forward who is alone on the goal line. The forward heads the ball into the net. Decision and reasons for the decision?
ANSWER: Goal The ball striking the referee does not affect the situation. The forward is not offside because he received the ball directly from a corner kick.
You will be introduced to the local Appointments Secretaries, who will explain to you how the leagues appoint match officials and how to tell them when you would like matches.
They'll be delighted to meet you, as all Appointments Secretaries need the help of new referees throughout the season.
QUESTION: Which five items of clothing must a player wear?
ANSWER: Shirt, shorts, socks, shinguards, footwear. Shinguards must be covered by the socks, must be made of a suitable material, and must provide a reasonable degree of protection.
At this stage you will also be welcomed by the local branch of the Referees' Association, who meet regularly and who will offer you advice and guidance in your early days as you "find your feet". They will arrange mentor support for you, explain how to buy kit, etc., and most importantly you will meet fellow referees and learn quickly what a supportive bunch they are!
QUESTION: Can a player be offside if the ball is played "square"?
ANSWER: Yes.
The questions throughout this part of the site are designed as "tasters" - we guarantee our answers are correct, whatever the media pundits may say to the contrary!
QUESTION: The ball hits the back of a defender's arm from a hard shot by a forward standing two yards from the defender. The ball would have entered the goal had it not hit the defender. Decision?
ANSWER: No offence as was not deliberate handling of the ball.Play continues.
We hope you will join a local course soon - you'll enjoy it.