1. Who Can Become A Referee?
Anyone with a passion for football. There is a definite benefit in starting young to gain the maximum opportunity to reach the top. However, it's never too late to start if you simply want to cotinue your enjoyment of the game after your days as a player are over.
2. Is There A Lower Age Limit?
You make take a course and qualify as a Youth Referee at the age of 14. You will not be allowed to referee adult football until you reach the age of 16. However, there are plenty of opportunities for refereeing amongst the younger age groups and mini-soccer.
3. Are There Opportunities For Female Match Officials?
Female recruits are very welcome to apply. Once qualified you will be able to operate in men's and women's leagues and competitions.
4. How Do I Become A Referee?
You attend a course organised by your local County FA. The new style entry course is modular and is centered on gaining a greater understanding on applying the laws of the game. Such courses are run over a weekend, one night a week or over two days depending onlocal needs.
5. Can I Get Refereeing Experience During The Course To See If I Like It?
The Football Association has designed an entry level course which has a practical refereeing element built in. The referee completes six games as a trainee under supervision of the course.
6. Is There A Course Near To My Home?
Yes. Courses are run on a County basis in centres of population. Some are run in schools, colleges and universities.
The Armed forces also organise courses for new referees.
7. What Will It Cost Me?
There is a small charge for the course, which will be refunded after you have completed your first 6 games.
8. Do I Have To Pass Examinations?
Yes. Towards the end of your course you will be required to answer a multiple choice question paper on the laws of the game. You will also be shown a DVD which assesses your understanding of match incidents such as fouls and offside. If you have participated in a course which is focused on practical refereeing you will also take an on field practical assessment.
9. What Else Do I Need To Do To Qualify?
You will nedd to pass an eyesight and colour test. You will also have to demonstrate that you can complete a misconduct report form correctly.
10. What Happens After I Qualify?
You will register as a referee and then be offered appointments on a league in the area where you live. You will be offered appointments on the days you make yourself available.
11. Can I Get More Training After I Qualify?
You certainly can. You will be offered lots of support all the way through your refereeing career. You will be kept up to date with changes to the Laws of the Game and will receive advice on how to continue to develop your refereeing techniques.
HOW?
Contact
The Lincolnshire Football Association,
PO Box 26,
12 Dean Road, Lincoln,
LN2 4DP.
Telephone No: 01522 524917
E-mail phil.joslin@lincolnshirefa.com
or
The Football Association
25 Soho Square
London
W1D 4FA
Telephone No; 020 7745 4561
Fax: 020 7745 5651
E-mail newrefs@TheFA.com