The Football Association estimates that in some areas of the country, 20 per cent of games are played without a qualified match official. Their goal is to recruit 10,000 referees a year to ensure that, in future, every game has a qualified official who is receiving regular training and support from an FA mentor programme and helpline.
The first stage involved in becoming a referee is to make contact with us to discuss your aspirations and the second stage is to attend a basic Referees Course and pass the exam at the end of the course.
Please click on the links to the right to view available referee courses and costs. If you would like to attend a referee training course please complete the questionnaire before returning it to us as this will helps us with the organisation of courses relevant to you.
Please contact Sean Dipple Herefordshire FA Referee Development Officer with regard to referee development on 01432 352309 email seandipple2000@yahoo.co.uk
BECOMING AN FA REGISTERED REFEREE
If you would like to consider becoming a referee, you need to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
1. Are you at least 14 years of age?
2. Are you reasonably fit?
If you are able to answer "yes" to all of those questions then please download course forms on links or contact the Herefordshire Football Association. Sean Dipple, Referee Development Officer; seandipple2000@yahoo.co.uk
state your full name, address, phone number and email address.
Procedure for Basic Training.
Prospective candidates will contact their County Football Association to register their interest in becoming a referee (see above). They will be provided with details of local courses, dates and venues, and will receive a registration form and a request for payment for completion and return.
1. Pre-Course Study.
On confirmation of registration, training venue and dates for the Basic Referee' Course will be provided. Candidates will be expected to complete a Pre-Course Study. More details on the first stages involved in becoming a referee, can be found on the following FA web site: http://www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/Referee/
It is essential that the Pre-Course Study syllabus is completed by each candidate BEFORE attending Module One as this will prepare the candidate for the instruction to follow and the initial assessment of knowledge. Depending on prior knowledge of the Laws of Association Football, it is anticipated that approximately 12 hours of study will be required for this study period.
Once the pre-course requirements have been dealt with, the candidate will attend the Course and move through the modules as described below:
2. Module One: 'Knowledge of the Laws'.
The first evening will be an evening to inform the candidates about the course and course structure, introduce candidates to the support mechanisms available to referees. Provide an understanding of how refereeing is undertaken. A DVD promoting the benefits and opportunities of refereeing will be shown and undertake the 'Assessment of Knowledge' paper.
3. Module Two: (Minimum 15 hours - 6 evenings) 'Application of the Laws'.
Module 2 will relate theory to practice, and involves on-field interactive activities (if available, if not video clips), and self-evaluation techniques. At some time between Modules 2 and 3, Child Protection training will be provided, and candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Form.
4. Module Three (1.5 Hours - one evening), 'Examination'.
Depending on whether the candidates training was predominantly theoretical (classroom based) or practical (on the field of play), the exam process will consist of two elements from the three listed below. The third element will become an assessment throughout the course.
* Written element - application of law (all candidates) AND
* Either a Theory examination via video analysis using DVD or CD Rom (theoretical course) OR
* Practical on field assessment in line with new practical course (practical course)
Candidates will also be expected to successfully complete a misconduct form, based on a match incident from the theory exam DVD.
5. Module Four 'Probation Period' (approximately 6 weeks).
During the probation period, Trainee Referees must referee six times x 11 v 11 matches, utilizing a mentor style appraisal, supported by either a Referee Coach, Assessor or Instructor. Assistance will be given in choosing appropriate games for this module.
6. Module Five (2 Hours - 1 evening). In-Service Training.
The Trainee Referees will have to attend In-Service Training on subjects incorporating; application of Law, recognition of offences, body language and communication, management of people and situations, fitness awareness, warmup/cool-down techniques, programmes to meet individual needs and encouraging training togetherness/bonding.
On successful completion of the 5 Basic Referee Training Modules, the referee will receive an FA Certificate of Qualification, and progress from a Level 9 (Trainee Referee), to either a Level 8 (Youth Referee) or a Level 7 (Junior Referee), depending on the age of the candidate thus becoming an FA Registered (and qualified) Referee.