COURSE DETAILS

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

The course comprises five modules across a mix of online learning, face to face sessions, and physically refereeing live games. Training is completed by attending a call back evening later in the season.

Course Content

The five modules that must be completed before you are qualified as a referee are:

Module 1 – Online Learning

Module 2 – Session 1: Creating Chemistry  – Focuses on building cohesion among learners in preparation for Module 3 (Practical/Theory Day).

Module 3 – Session 2: Building the Foundation - Incorporates a variety of indoor and outdoor sessions, emphasising skill development through practice and refinement.

Module 4 – Practical Games – Referee a minimum number of games at grassroot level

Module 5 – Re-connection (Online/In-Person)

Online Learning

The online learning has five sections 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.  

The online learning can be accessed at https://falearning.thefa.com/course/view.php?id=1804

If you are under the age of 16, you might find the information at the refereeing help centre useful when logging in.

Face to Face Training

There is 11 hours of face to face training (normally one evening, followed by a full day), which mixes training room work with practical activity on a pitch. Key messages from the online learning are reinforced throughout.  The training room 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

Qualifying as a Referee

To qualify as a referee, you must referee a minimum number of games after you have attended the face to face training and attend the call-back evening (Module 5),  You will then receive your certificate to confirm qualification as an FA Referee.

You be supported through those five games by your County Football Association (CFA). As you continue your refereeing career, you will then be able to access further training opportunities, both online and face to face.

Course Dates and Times

Course Cancellations & Transfers: 

Should a candidate wish to cancel or transfer their place on a course, they need to notify LFA as soon as possible by emailing the Football Development Department; declan.ford@lincolnshirefa.com 

Course Cancellation: 

Our courses are in high demand and by not informing us that you are unable to attend, you are preventing another candidate from attending the course. The following charges will apply to all cancellations:

• 28 days or more a candidate will be entitled to a full refund.
• 27 days – 14 days a candidate will be charged 25% of their course fee plus admin fee.
• 13 days – 7 days a candidate will be charged 50% of their course fee plus admin fee.
• 6 days or less no refund will be provided.

Course Transfers: 

If a candidate wishes to transfer to a different course the following charges apply:

If notification is provided between 28 – 14 days prior to the start date of the course no fee will be charged.

If notification is provided between 13 – 7 days prior to the start of the course there will be a 10% (of the total course fee) administration charge.

If notification is provided less than 6 days prior to the start of the course the candidate will not be able to transfer. They will lose their course place on the course and will need to re-book on to another course at full cost.

Consideration will be given to candidates who, for health reasons or exceptional circumstances are unable to attend and require a transfer to another course. A letter from a Doctor or medical professional may be requested.