The start of 2015/16 season sees a fresh and pioneering new approach to the training of new referees, with it being primarily focussed on the practical training and learning of the skills required to referee a 9v9 or 11v11 football match. 

The learning of the practical elements of refereeing re: their application and understanding are facilitated on the course by FA Referee Tutors, with the candidate taking a greater responsibility to learn the Laws of the Game through distance learning prior to, during and after the practical sessions of the course. 

This new and enhanced approach to training new football referees will, without doubt, better prepare the candidate for the role as a referee.  

What is the first step?
The first step is to attend a ‘North Riding County FA Taster Evening’.  This is a two hour introduction evening where you will be guided through the refereeing experience looking at all formats of the game and the opportunities available.

If you decide to start your refereeing journey here the ‘Referee Course’ (11v11 or 9v9 football) will only be weeks away.

We strongly recommend that parents of all candidates attend this taster session to gain a full understanding of the commitment required to complete the course.

How much does this County FA Taster Session cost?
The fee for North Riding County FA Taster session is £12.00

How do I find the dates and enrol onto the full Referees Course?
The link to book onto the Referee Course will be issued to  all the attendees of the Taster Sessions if refereeing is for you.

The dates for the full FA Referee Course at York College is as follows:

Day 1:  Sunday, 11 October 2015 9.30am - 4.30pm

Fouls & Misconduct Module: Thursday, 15 October 2015 6pm - 9pm

Day 2: Sunday, 18 October 2015 9.30am - 4.30pm

5 Game Module:  12 weeks to complete

Examination & Next Step Workshop:  TBC

When do I register and pay to join the main course?
Shortly after the Introductory Session (normally within a few days), a link to the booking site will be emailed to enable the candidate to book and pay for their place on the course.  Once the booking stage has been completed and payment received, pre-course learning material will be sent for study and completion prior to attending the practical training elements of the course.  

How much does the FA Referee Course cost?
The current cost of the North Riding County FA full FA Referee course is £115.00

What will I get for my money?
In addition to the services of FA Referee Tutors, the following is included in the 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 11v11 or 9v9 games and the successful passing of a final examination on the Laws of the Game

FA Referee badge

The services of FA Referee Mentors for ongoing support

Will I need to undertake FA Safeguarding Children Training?
All referees have to undertake FA Safeguarding Children training before they will be able to register with The FA as a referee. This will need to be completed prior to attending the first day of the course as it is a prerequisite of attending. Certification will last for 3 years with the cost of this being included in the course fee. This will be discussed further at the introduction 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 must undertake an FA CRC enhanced check.  This is a simple on-line process which will be fully explained to you during the course. Certification last for 3 years (there is a small additional charge for this process - £10.00).

How is the rest of the course structured?
After completion of the pre-course study programme (Unit 1), you will move onto Unit 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 and drinks etc., plus come suitably dressed; a change of footwear is essential as are shin-guards.  It will involve learning how to referee outside on the field of play and also involve some classroom work.  You will be given the learning 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 the end of this day, you will have the opportunity to referee part of a game among your group of candidates.

2)      Fouls and Misconduct Training - Unit 3:
This is a 3 hour session which will include ‘Recognising Challenges’ and the Misconduct procedure.

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

Provided you attain the minimum standard required when evaluated, 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) and will be mentored during a game by FA Referee Mentors.  A record of these games is compiled as evidence of your development.  During this period, in addition to gaining practical experience, you will have time to learn and revise the Laws of the Game thoroughly before returning to complete the final unit of the course.

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

Unit 6 can only be attended and completed when a minimum of 5 games as an FA Level 9 (trainee) referee have been refereed.  North Riding County FA will advise you of the dates of the Unit 6 sessions throughout the season and these can be planned in with your course tutor.  It is possible to attend an alternative date either earlier or later if necessary but this final session must be completed within 3 calendar months of the date of the first 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 the candidate move from FA Level 9 (trainee) to FA Level 8 referee (if aged 14 or 15) 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 your self-development as a referee. These will be communicated to you during the course 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. This is 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 qualified referees.  In addition to being mentored early-on, you will be invited to attend development sessions with relevant advice available.  You can also contact the Referee 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 and progress to achieve their full potential and as such, have a structured promotion pathway for referees.  The basic requirement is that you must have refereed a minimum of 20 games prior to seeking to be promoted.  

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