The FA Referee Course is designed to equip new referees with the key skills and knowledge they will need to be able to referee grassroots football matches safely and effectively. It is for people aged 14 years old and over, who want to referee 9v9 and/or 11v11 football.

The course comprises online learning on the Laws of the Game and face-to-face training. All online learning must be completed before attending the face-to-face training.

Mandatory Online Learning (Pre-Course)

Laws of the Game - Online Learning Modules

The Laws of the Game learning modules can be accessed at https://falearning.thefa.com/course/view.php?id=1804

The online learning has five sections (modules) and will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. There are lots of videos to demonstrate how the Laws should be applied, activities to help reinforce the important points and, at the end of each module, there are some questions to test what you’ve learned.

Safeguarding Training

Safeguarding training must also be completed prior to your attendance on our FA Referee Course - and can be accessed via https://learn.englandfootball.com/courses/safeguarding/safeguarding-for-all 

Please note, this must be completed via the FAN account of the individual attending the course - and not a Parent/Guardian's FAN account. If you have completed the online learning via a Parent/Guardian or duplicate FAN account - then you will need to contact FA Education via education@thefa.com before booking onto an FA Referee Course.

The FA Referee Course Face-to-Face Training Days

Minimum Age

All learners must be aged 14 years old or older on the start date of your course booking.

Face-to-Face Training

Venue: Sir Herbert Leon Academy, Fern Grove, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK2 3HQ.

There is 11 hours of face-to-face training - which mixes training theory work, with practical activity on a pitch. Key messages from the online learning are reinforced throughout. The theory work includes:

• Fun, interactive quizzes
• How to establish rapport and build relationships with players and coaches
• Recognising and dealing with foul challenges and handball
• Managing offside
• Dealing with inappropriate behaviour
• Managing players

On the pitch, you will have the opportunity to turn your knowledge into skills through refereeing game-based scenarios. You will practice:

• Communicating decisions
• Cautioning and sending off techniques
• Managing the kick off, free kicks, penalty kicks, corner kicks and throw-ins
• Positioning in open play and at restarts
• Being an assistant referee

Before booking onto an FA Referee Course - please click here to view our Terms & Conditions

Any questions or queries, then feel free to email our BBFA Refereeing team via referees@berks-bucksfa.com