Coach Play Ways to play Volunteering Roles
Referee

Get Into Refereeing

Make a difference to the game

 

Reasons to Referee

More and more people of all ages, genders, races and abilities are getting into refereeing.

For current and potential officials, refereeing is a great way to:

• Give something back to the game you love
• Remain involved in the game after injury or retirement
• Play a vital role in ensuring players enjoy the game
• Increase participation in the sport
• Make new and lasting friends
• Keep fit and healthy
• A potential career for those who wish to progress to the top

Completing the required online courses and then filling in an Expression of Interest form are first steps to become an FA Qualified Referee.

If you wish to become an FA Referee, please complete the Expression of Interest Form. When course places become available, you will be contacted to book onto available dates, with priority given based on information provided in the EoI Form.

FA Referee Course Expression of Interest Form

What you need to complete before submitting the EoI Form:

  • Complete The FA Laws of the Game free online module.
  • You will needs a safeguarding qualification. If you have another role in football eg a coach you may already hold a FA Safeguarding Children or FA Safeguarding for All . online course. If you do not have one of these, the FA Safeguarding for All is free and can be completed online.
  • Have a saved screen-shot of your FA My Account ‘Learning’ tab showing your Safeguarding qualification & Guide to the Laws of the Game to upload onto the EoI form. Log-in to your FA My Account, then select the ‘Learning’ tab option. This will display all your FA qualifications attached to your FA Number (FAN).

 Once you have completed the EoI we will contact you when places are available on the next referee course, which will be held in person.

When offered a place and booked onto the course:

  • If you are over 16, you will need to complete an FA DBS application (unless you already have one which is connected to your FA Number). To receive the guidance to start or renew your FA DBS, please contact safeguarding@northumberlandfa.com.

For anyone aged under 16, you will need their parent/carer to create a FA Account for them if you don’t already have one. Instructions on how to do this, along with other help guides for FA Accounts, are available on The FA Grassroots Technology Support site. For any FA Account issues, please raise a ticket via this site.

Anyone aged 14 or over can become a referee. There is no upper age limit but candidates need to be able to fully participate in practical sessions. Until you reach the age of 16, you will only be able to referee games involving children at least 1 year younger than yourself.

Follow the instructions above to complete the required online courses then complete and Expression of Interest form. When you have done this, we will send you information about the next available courses.

• The services of FA Referee Tutors
• A copy of the latest Laws of the Game
• An interactive DVD on the Laws of the Game
• A pre-course study programme
• FA Safeguarding Children training
• FA 'Respect' training
• FA registration fee for one season
• A referee whistle
• A set of red/yellow cards & holder
• A list of League contacts (for information only)
• Initial five 11v11 or 9v9 games
• A certificate of qualification following the successful passing of a final examination on the Laws of the Game
• FA Referee badge
• The services of FA Referee Mentors for on-going support throughout development period

We strongly recommend that parents of all candidates attend the initial session to gain a full understanding of the commitment required to complete the course.
All referees have to undertake safeguarding training before you are able to progress to referee training.
All referees aged 16 years or over who wish to officiate in youth football must undertake an FA CRC enhanced check. This is a simple on-line process. Certification last for 3 years. 
Successful completion of all six units of The FA Referee Course sees the candidate move from FA Trainee Referee to FA Youth Referee (if aged 14 or 15) or FA Level 7 referee (if/when aged 16 or over).
Appointment of these first five games is crucial to the course and for your self-development as a referee. These will be communicated to you during the course itself.
Yes you will need to re-register with Northumberland FA each season. This is an on-line process and currently costs £20 (about one match fee).
Northumberland FA provide a strong support network for newly qualified referees. In addition to being mentored early-on, you will be invited to attend development sessions with relevant advice available. You can also contact the Referee Development Team at any time should you have any issues or questions.
Northumberland FA is keen to see and help its referees develop and progress to achieve their full potential and as such, have a structured promotion pathway for referees. The basic requirement is that you must have refereed a minimum of 20 games prior to seeking to be promoted.