Our Whistle Referee Course
We are delighted that you have been inspired to become a referee, part of the 'Our Whistle Campaign' to make refereeing more representative of society. Please complete the below and someone will be in touch with you shortly.
The initiative is aligned to our wider goal of helping to female increase referees from historically underrepresented ethnic communities (Black, Asian and Mixed Heritage populations).
The FA will use the personal data provided in this form to determine whether you are eligible for this iniative.
This form asks for information on your ethnic group, which amounts to special category data under data protection law. When determining eligibility for a bursary we will process your special category data based on your consent. You can withdraw that consent at any time by contacting The FA – see our Privacy Policy for more information: www.thefa.com/public/privacy.
The FA will also retain your special category data in order to monitor the success of the programme. We do this to keep under review the existence or absence of equality and opportunity and with a view to ensuring that equality of opportunity is promoted or maintained. We will keep the data for 5 years and will only retain it for longer if it’s necessary for us to do so.
FA Referee Course (Our Whistle)
Session One (Mandatory)
Venue: Microsoft Teams (link to be sent out prior to the session)
Date: Thursday 18th September 2025
Time: 18:30 to 20:30
Session Two (Mandatory)
Venue: National Speedway Centre, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Manchester, M12 4WB
Date: Saturday 20th September 2025
Time: 09:00 to 17:00
Reconnection Session (Mandatory)
Venue: Microsoft Teams
Date: Monday 30th November 2025
Time: 18:30 to 20:30
Once learners have attended the face-to-face training, they must complete a minimum of five matches (mini-soccer, 9v9 and/or 11v11) as a referee appointed by a league to become qualified and then attend a mandatory reconnection session (please see details above). Details on how to receive appointments and to record these games will be provided.
Cost: £40.00
** Please Note - Joining instructions will be sent to you via the email address that you have registered with us upon booking before the course begins which will confirm all course details including the venue address.
Mandatory Pre-Course Requirements
All learners must complete the Guide to the Laws of the Game which can be accessed here.
All learners must complete the Safeguarding For All which can be accessed here.
By booking onto a FA Referee Course, learners agree to commit to completing the FA Referee Course as detailed below:
- Learners will be required to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the course sessions.
- Learners will be required to ensure that they act in an appropriate manner and respect the FA Developers and other learners throughout the duration of the course.
- Learners will be required to take part in all aspects of the course.
- Learners will be required to act as both match officials and as players within each of the practical role-play scenarios.
- Learners will be required to bring appropriate training wear, boots, shinguards and waterproof clothing.
- Learners will be required to complete the Safeguarding For All (details above).
- Learners will be required to complete an FA DBS (learners aged 16 and older).
- Learners will be required to be available to referee five games upon completion of session one and two.
- Learners will be required to submit details of these games back to Referees@EssexFA.com via the FA 5-match Form.
- Learners will be required to attend one reconnection session (details above).
