CO4 / 17 Acklam Green Centre, Stainsby Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 4JS 

Wednesday, 23 August 2017: Module 1 Introduction: 6.30pm - 9.30pm 

Wednesday, 30 August 2017: FA CRC / Safeguarding: 6.30pm - 9.30pm 

Sunday, 03 September 2017: Day 1: 9.30am - 5.00pm 

Wednesday, 06 September 2017: Application & Awareness Workshop - 6.30pm - 9.30pm 

Sunday, 10 September 2017: Day 2: 9.30am - 5.00pm

Date TBC: Unit 6 Return Workshop – 6.30pm – 9.30pm 

Please note candidates must attend allsessions as detailed above to pass the course.

FAQs

How much does the full FA Referee Course cost?

The full cost of the course for all ages is £130. Those who are aged 16 andover will also need to complete an FA CRC (Criminal Records Check) which isincluded in the cost. Please note that the Safeguarding Children Workshop isincluded in this price. For those who are aged 14/15 they will receive anonline link to complete this training.

What will I get for my money?

In addition to the services of FA Referee Tutors, the following is included inthe price:

A copy of the latest Laws of the Game booklet

An interactive DVD on the Laws of the Game

A pre-course study programme (Unit 1)

All course materials

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)

A certificate of qualification… following an initial five 11v11or 9v9 games and the successful passing of a final examination on the Laws ofthe Game

FA Referee badge

The services of FA Referee Mentors for ongoing support via thelocal Referees Association

Will I need to undertake FA Safeguarding Children Training?

All referees have to undertake FA Safeguarding Children training before theywill be able to register with The FA as a referee. This will need to becompleted prior to attending the first day of the course as it is aprerequisite of attending. Certification will last for 3 years with the cost ofthis being included in the course fee. This will be discussed further at theintroduction evening with available options fully explained.

Will I need to undertake FA CRC (formerly CRB) check?

All referees aged 16 years or over who wish to officiate in youth football mustundertake an FA CRC enhanced check. This is a simple on-line process which willbe fully explained to you during the course. Certification last for 3 years.Please note that your first check is included in the cost of the workshop.Additional checks currently incur a cost of £10.

How is the rest of the course structured?

After completion of the pre-course study programme (Unit 1), you will move ontoUnit 2 of the overall course, which contains the following sessions:

1)Practical Referee Training - Unit 2:
This is an all-day session so you will need to come prepared with food anddrinks etc., plus come suitably dressed; a change of footwear is essentialas are shin-guards. It will involve learning how to referee outside on thefield of play and also involve some classroom work. You will be given thelearning resources and all necessary equipment (whistle, red/yellow cards etc.)at this session but you will need to bring a pen and pad to take notes. At theend of this day, you will have the opportunity to referee part of a game amongyour group of candidates.

2) Application & Awareness Workshop - Unit 3:
This is a 3 hour session which will include ‘Recognising Challenges’ and theMisconduct procedure.

3)Practical Referee Training and Evaluation - Unit 4:
This is a second all-day session which will be mostly completed outside on thefield of play. The second part of the day includes a practical evaluation whereyou will have another opportunity to referee part of a game among the group.The evaluation will include staged scenarios which will provide you withopportunity to consolidate your learning from the previous sessions and receiveimmediate feedback.

Provided you attain the minimum standard required whenevaluated, you will be sanctioned to operate as an FA Level 9 (trainee)referee.

4)Experience & Mentored Unit - Unit 5:
Having successfully graduated from the first four units of the training course,you will now officiate in a minimum of 5 games of football (9v9 or 11v11) andwill be mentored during a game by FA Referee Mentors. A record of these gamesis compiled as evidence of your development. During this period, in addition togaining practical experience, you will have time to learn and revise the Lawsof the Game thoroughly before returning to complete the final unit of thecourse.

5)FA Examination & Call Back Unit - Unit 6:
This is a 2 hour session and the final part of the course. It involves thesuccessful completion of the FA Examination of the Laws of the Game (a multiplechoice examination of approx. 30 minutes duration), and an opportunity toreview and discuss your learning experiences from your games thus far as atrainee referee. You will be rewarded with an FA Referee Certificate ofQualification along with an FA Referee badge when successful completion of thecourse is attained (usually within 4 weeks of completion of the course).

Unit 6 can only be attended and completed when a minimum of 5games as an FA Level 9 (trainee) referee have been refereed. North RidingCounty FA will advise you of the dates of the Unit 6 sessions throughout theseason and these can be planned in with your course tutor. It is possible toattend an alternative date either earlier or later if necessary but this finalsession must be completed within 3 calendar months of the date of thefirst Practical Training Session at the start of Unit 2.

What level of referee will I be at the end of the course?

Successful completion of all six units of The FA Referee Course sees thecandidate move from FA Level 9 (trainee) to FA Level 8 referee (if aged 14 or15) or FA Level 7 referee (if/when aged 16 or over).

Where will I referee my first FIVE games?

Appointment of these first five games is crucial to the course and for yourself-development as a referee. These will be communicated to you during thecourse itself.

Do I have to re-register to referee each season?

Yes you will need to re-register with North Riding County FA each season. Thisis an on-line process and currently costs £20 (about one match fee).

What support will I receive from North Riding County FA?

North Riding County FA provide a strong support network for newly qualifiedreferees. In addition to being mentored early-on, you will be invited to attenddevelopment sessions with relevant advice available. You can also contact theReferee Development Team at any time should you have any issues or questions.

How do I move up the refereeing ladder?

North Riding County FA is keen to see and help its referees develop andprogress to achieve their full potential and as such, have a structuredpromotion pathway for referees. The basic requirement is that you must haverefereed a minimum of 20 games prior to seeking to be promoted.

There will be an opportunity to clarify any queries at theTaster Session, but please don’t hesitate to contact the County FA RefereesDepartment office should you need to do so prior to then.