Football Referee
What is the work like?
As a football referee, you would look after the players’ safety and make sure they obey the rules of the game.
Before kick-off, you would:
- inspect the pitch (if necessary), making sure that equipment like goalposts and nets are safely set up
- check pitch markings
- check that you have everything you need for the game, for example stopwatches, cards and radio communications (at top levels)
- meet with team managers to see if there are any last minute changes to players and substitutes
- brief your assistants on which signals to use and what to do in particular circumstances, for instance if there is a confrontation on the pitch.
During a game, you would:
- follow the play and give decisions
- consult with your assistants to back-up rulings
- control the behaviour of the teams on the pitch, and their coaching staff on the sidelines.
At higher levels, you would also write up match reports for any incidents during a game that needed to be followed up, such as a controversial tackle or sending-off.
At professional and semi-professional levels, you would normally work with two assistant referees and a fourth official. In amateur football, you would take sole responsibility for the match.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The first step to becoming a referee is to register with your local County Football Association and then attend a basic Referee's Course.
For entry to the course you must:
- be at least 14 years old
- be reasonably fit
- have good eyesight (with glasses or contact lenses if worn)
- have CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance.
The course usually takes around eight weeks to complete, and involves attending a series of evening and weekend workshops.
You can find out about courses and venues from your local Referees’ Association or County Football Association – check the FA website for contact details.
Refereeing in England is organised into 10 grades, which correspond to the level of match you can referee. The grades range from Level 10 for non-playing staff like instructors and assessors, up to Level One for full-time professionals.
When you have completed the Referee's Course, you will receive an FA Certificate of Qualification and move to level eight (if you are under 16) or Level Seven (if over 16).
What further training and development can I do?
As you gain match experience, you can apply for promotion through the refereeing levels. Your performance will be assessed over a set number of games, usually a minimum of 20 for each level. You would have to take further training and pass tests to move up the levels. Some County FAs have fast-track academies, which allow you to gain promotion more quickly if you show the potential to reach the higher levels.
In some areas you can take the following qualifications:
- Level 1 Certificate for Match Officials in Football
- Level 2 Certificate for Sports Officials (Football).
These certificates are made up of units, which involve passing a practical exam, completing assessed tasks and putting together evidence of your work on and off the field.
Once you are working as a referee, you could join:
- the Football Association for Match Officials (FAMOA), or
- the Referees' Association.
Membership will give you access to development training courses, up-to-date news and support at all levels of your refereeing career. Contact the associations for more details.
You will need to re-register as a referee with your County FA at the start of each new season.
Where can I go for more information?
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Referees at amateur level earn around £20 to £30 a match.
- Match officials for semi-professional games can get up to £80 a game plus expenses.
- Full-time, top-flight Premier League officials can earn in the region of £40,000 a year, plus match fees.
Only Premier League officials are contracted and have a salary. All other league referees are paid on a fee-per-match basis, and usually have another source of income.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours would depend on whether you referee at amateur or professional level.
Amateur games are normally played at weekends and sometimes weekday evenings. You would referee games within your local area.
At semi-professional and professional level, you may have to travel to grounds anywhere in the country.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a thorough understanding of the rules of the game
- excellent communications skills
- the self confidence to make difficult decisions
- good people management skills
- the ability to work as part of a team
- a calm and professional approach
- the ability to remain objective under pressure
- excellent observational skills
- good fitness levels.
What opportunities are there?
According to the Football Association, the growth in the popularity of football, particularly for women and children, means that the demand for referees is increasing. However, in order to earn a living, most referees also have another full- or part-time job.
With experience at the right level, you could train to become a referee training instructor, match assessor or referee development officer within a County FA. You could also use your knowledge and experience to move into related areas, such as sports development in the community.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
