FA Laws of the Game Returning to Refereeing Current Referees National Refereeing Strategy U18 yellow armband
Coin toss

The FA Referee Course

COURSE DETAILS

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.

Minimum Age: 14 years old

Price: £120

Leading To: Registered Referee Status (either Level 7 or Youth Referee level)

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.  

ONLINE LEARNING CAN BE ACCESSED HERE
 

useful links

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.
This module contains short video clips (GIFs) which show every signal the referee and assistant referee might give during a match.
This module deals with foul challenges, violent conduct, handball, unsporting behaviour, DOGSO offences and advantage. It uses video clips from football at different levels to show how the referee should manage common scenarios.
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.
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.

Get In Touch

Danny Guest

Education Course Administrator (Part-Time)

07719 028924

Learning@SheffieldFA.com 

Before booking on to a course
  
You must have completed the ‘Online Guide to the Laws of the Game’. This is a compulsory requirement of the FA Referee Course and is free of charge. In order to access the course you will need to log in with an existing FA account or create a new account. Please ensure that the information on the account is accurate to the learner.
 
You must have completed the relevant Online Safeguarding training. Please see the details of which course to access below. 

Learners who are 14/15 years old - Complete free 1 hour Safeguarding For All (valid for two years)

All other learners who are 16+ - Complete the Online Safeguarding Children Course (£30) (valid for two years with continual free recertification) 

If you plan on officiating in youth football (and are aged 16+) you will require an in date FA DBS.
 
All learners (and parents/guardians of under 18 learners) must also read the 'Course Guide' which you will find below.

All learners who are under the age of 18 must complete and submit a parental consent form at the time of booking.

All learners must book on to the course using their own FAN number and details. 

AVAILABLE COURSE DATES

Rossington Main FC, Oxford Street, Doncaster, DN11 0TE

Session 1:  Wednesday 11th October, 18:00-21:00
Session 2:  Sunday 15th October, 9:00-17:00

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULL

SGP Westfield, Moss Way, Sheffield, S20 8FA

Session 1:  Wednesday 8th November, 18:00-21:00
Session 2:  Sunday 12th November, 14:00-18:00
Session 3:  Sunday 19th November, 14:00-18:00

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Barnsley College, Honeywell Lane, Barnsley, S75 1BP 

Session 1:  Wednesday 29th November, 18:00-21:00
Session 2:  Saturday 2nd December, 13:00-17:00
Session 3:  Saturday 9th December, 13:00-17:00

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

SGP Thorncliffe, Pack Horse Lane, Sheffield, S35 3HY

Session 1:  Monday 6th December, 18:00-21:00
Session 2:  Sunday 10th December, 09:00-17:00

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

useful links

THE NEXT STEPS AFTER ATTENDING A COURSe

REF
Support is available for you after your course to help you progress from a Trainee Referee to a fully qualified referee.  Further information is available to support you with the following; 

- Completing your first five games
- Requesting your Referee ID Card (required if you plan to officiate youth football)
- Identifying suitable games for you to officiate (information about all of our affiliated competitions)
- Attending a Referee Review Session
- Becoming fully qualified

find out more