The FA Referees Course
Course Information:
- 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.
Course Venue:
Copleston Sports Centre, Copleston Road, Ipswich, IP4 5HD
Course Dates:
Wednesday 27th July (6.30pm - 9.30pm) & Sunday 31st July (9am - 5pm)
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.
The course comprises online learning on the Laws of the Game and face to face training. Learners must complete the online learning before attending the face to face training.
This course is for people who want to referee mini soccer, 9 v 9 and/or 11 v 11 football.
There is just over 11 hours of face to face training, which mixes training room work with practical activity on a pitch. The key points from the online learning are reinforced in the training room and quizzes are used to help test learners' knowledge. The training room element also covers how to establish rapport and how to deal with inappropriate behaviour.
On the pitch, learners will be given the opportunity to turn their knowledge into skills through refereeing different game based scenarios. They will also have the opportunity to practice and develop their communication and management skills.
