Course Details:

Course Information:

• Minimum Age: 14
• Course Duration: 21 hours plus 6 games
• Course Prerequisites: None
• Who is it for: Ideally suited to those wanting to become a referee involved in the 11-a-side game both in Youth and Adult football
• Course aims and objectives: This course will provide an introduction to the laws of the game as well as developing the practical skills required to be a football referee

Course Content:
The course is run over 5 modules including the completion of 6 matches as a trainee referee, one of which should be observed by a referee observer.
The course can either be predominantly theory or practically based dependant on venue and can be run over a weekend or several sessions again depending on resources.

Module 1- Introduction
This module will introduce some key aspects in the following:

•   Laws of the Game
•   The role of the Referee
•   Consider the skills require to control a game of football

Module 2- Practical Element
Practical elements of the course will provide an introduction to:

•   Warming up and cooling down activities
•   Positioning & movement at both set pieces & in open play
•   Managing game situations
•   Signals & communication techniques

FA Safeguarding Children in Football Workshop (included in the course programme).

Module 3 - Examination
Both a multiple choice examination paper and a practical on field assessment are used to establish theory & practical knowledge - dependent on course style.

1. Written element - both theoretical & practical courses
2. Theory DVD - used in mainly theory based courses
3. Practical on field assessment for use on practical based courses

Module 4 - Refereeing

•   6 games are used to establish both the knowledge as well as the practicalities of refereeing
•   Hopefully at least 1 of the games will be observed by a referee observer who offers feedback

Module 5 - The Next Steps

A 3 hour workshop designed to reflect on a trainee referees first experiences of refereeing and to offer development pointers.

Re-assessment: Candidates can be re-examined within 1 month after completing the initial examination.

Refresher: Annual Referee In-Service Training Events are organised by Sussex County FA for all new and existing referees.

Suggested additional learning opportunities: 

•   FIFA Laws of the Game 
•   Learn the Laws CD-ROM

Equality: FA Learning will ensure that it treats people fairly and with respect and that it will provide access and opportunities for all members of the community to take part in, and enjoy, it's activities in an atmosphere free from harassment, bullying, discrimination or abuse. FA Learning will seek to provide a service which is appropriate to the needs of an individual and to make reasonable adjustments or provide support, where appropriate, to cater for those needs. 

If you would prefer you can download and print off a paper version of the Referee Course Applicaiton Form via the following link: Referee Course Application Form.pdf

***Please note that if you are having problems below applying online then you can either contact Stuart Mallows on 01903 768573 or Stuart.Mallows@SussexFA.com or you can download the above application form and send it into the office***