Course Overview

The FA Referee Course is designed to equip new referees with the key skills and knowledge 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 11 v 11 football.

The course comprises online learning on the Laws of the Game and face to face training. You must complete the online learning before attending the face to face training. You will also need to complete online safeguarding training before attending the face to face training.

Course Content Online Learning

The online learning has five sections (modules) 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.

Module 1- Before the Match

This module covers the referee's pre-match responsibilities and includes ensuring players' kit is safe, how to carry out the coin toss and what a referee needs to take to a match with them.

Module 2 - Signals and Communication

This module contains short video clips (GIFs) which show every signal the referee and assistant referee might give during a match.

Module 3 - 'Getting it Right'

This module deals with foul challenges, violent conduct, handball, unsporting behaviour, DOG SO offences and advantage. It uses video clips from football at different levels to show how the referee should manage common scenarios.

Module 4- Offside

This module also uses video clips, this time to demonstrate what is and isn't offside and how the referee should manage offside offences. The clips, like those used in the 'Getting it Right' module, are voiced over to explain the decisions the referees make.

Module 5 - Managing Restarts and Set-Pieces

This module covers restarts and set-pieces, including goal kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, free kicks and penalty kicks. It uses both video and illustrations to clarify what players must do at each restart and set-piece and explains what the referee should do if players don't comply with the Law.

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 practise:

• 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 also referee five games after you have attended the face to face training. You will then be invited to a Review Workshop (this will be either online or face to face).  This session gives you the opportunity to meet other referees who are newly qualified and also a chance to review your journey so far. 

Upon attending a Review Workshop you will then receive a certificate and an FA Referee badge.

You will 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.

Learner Pre-Requisites

Before completing the online learning, learners must be a minimum of 14 years of age.

Learners cannot attend the face to face training unless they have completed the online learning on the Laws of the Game.

The online learning can be accessed at this link and is free of charge.

Referee Course Code:  REF2109

Attendance is expected at all sessions.

FA DBS

All Referees from the age of 16 years need an in-date FA DBS if you plan on officiating youth football (formerly known as Criminal Records Check).

If you are under the age of 16 years you do not currently require an FA DBS.

However please contact Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA (SHCFA) once you turn 16 years old.

If you are aged 16+ you will need to apply for a FA DBS. Without this you will be unable to complete the course and register as a qualified referee for Youth Football.

The cost is currently £10 for volunteers when you complete your application online.

If you currently have and FA DBS through another football role, this needs to be in date. An FA DBS has a three-year lifespan. SHCFA can check your records to find out your FA DBS expiry date.

Please contact safeguarding@SheffieldFA.com if you need to apply for an FA DBS.

Safeguarding

Before attending the face to face training, learners should also have completed the appropriate online safeguarding training. The 'Safeguarding for All' course is for 14- and 15-year olds, the 'Safeguarding Children' course is for those aged 16 and over. Both courses are available at this link.