• Minimum Age: 14
• Course Duration: 24 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, two of which should be observed by a referee coach.

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 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.
  
  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.
• 2 of the games are observed by a referee mentor who offers immediate feedback and development points.

   

  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 and Training Development programme organised by County Football Associations for all new and existing referees.
  
  Suggested additional learning opportunities:

• FAL Online Laws of the Game
• Learn the Laws CD ROM
• 1st4sport Level 2 Certificate in Match Officiating
• FAMOA Education Events
• Referee Academies/ Schools of Excellence/ Referee Schools

  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.