Football refereeing in England

English football referees officiate matches in English football. The referees officiate matches that range from local football to Premier League matches. There are currently eleven different levels of referees that correspond to the ability, age and activity of the official. For a referee to move from one level to the next, both theoretical and physical assessments are taken.

Training

Anyone over the age of 14 who is reasonably fit can train to be a referee. The course is split into 5 key modules, all of which must be completed to a satisfactory level before a referee is considered qualified. The first module concentrates on the laws of association football and this is closely followed by a second module on the application of the laws. Candidates must then complete the third module which is a ninety minute theoretical examination based on the first two modules. If this is completed successfully, the aspiring referee moves onto the fourth module. The fourth module is a probationary period in which the training referee must complete six matches as a referee whilst being watched by a mentor (either an instructor or an assessor). These matches must be completed to a standard that is acceptable to the mentor. The final module consists of the candidate attending one two-hour training session run by their local football association. cite web | url=http://www.berks-bucksfa.com/referees/training/ | title=Becoming an FA registered referee | author=The Football Association | date=2007-10-10 | publisher=Berks and Bucks Football Association | accessdate=2007-11-20 ]

Levels

English football referees are categorized into 11 distinct levels depending on their ability, age and activity level. A level 10 referee is inactive and may have refereed at any other level prior to their self proclaimed inactivity. Level 9 referees are currently trainee referees, and are undertaking the basic training course that all referees must pass. As part of the course, trainee referees must officiate games and they do so at this level. Upon successful completion of the course, a referee will move up to either level 8 or level 7 depending on their age. If the referee is 16 or under then they become a level 8 referee, if they are over 16 then they automatically become a level 7 referee. After completing promotion criteria as a level 7 referee, they may move up to level 6. Level 8, 7 and 6 referees are only qualified to officiate games (both as referee and linesman) in local league matches. Referees promoted to level 5 are automatically promoted to level 4 if they are invited by The FA to act on the contributorary list of assistant referees and pass a County FA fitness test. Level 5 referees are able to referee in supply league matches (e.g. the Spartan League). Level 4 referees also referee supply league matches, but also take on the role of assistant referees in contributory league matches (e.g. the Isthmian League and the Northern Premier League). Referees promoted to level 3 continue in in contributory leagues but move up to full referees. They also act as assistant referees in panel leagues (Conference National, Conference North and Conference South). Promotion to level two allows referees to referee panel league matches and act as assistant in the Football League. Level one referees officiate Football League matches and the only further opportunity to promotion is to international level. International level referees appear on FIFA list of referees. They officiate in the Premier League and international matches. cite web | url=http://www.berks-bucksfa.com/referees/promotion/ | title=Referee Progression - Promotion | author=The Football Association | date=2004-08-23 | publisher=Berks & Bucks Football Association | accessdate=2007-11-20 ] cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/get_involved/4660333.stm | title=Want to be a football referee? | author=BBC | date=2007-11-20 | publisher=The BBC | accessdate=2007-11-20 ]

Promotion

For a qualified referee to be promoted from level 7 to levels 6 through 4 they are assessed locally by their local football association. To be considered for promotion, a referee must referee 20 games over one season, and three of these games must be assessed by a qualified assessor. The referee must also attend training conferences and complete a written exam. Should all these assessments be completed successfully and to the required standard, the referee is promoted to the next level. For a referee to be promoted from level 5 to level 4 they must complete a fitness test set out by the FA. Promotion from level 4 to level 1 is based upon marks awarded by assessors of matches they officiate in and written examinations which they participate in. Individual league committees meet to discuss who is recommended for promotion at the end of each season.cite web | url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/RulesAndRegulations/Regulations/Postings/2003/11/RefereesRegulations.htm | title=Referees' Regulations | author=The Football Association | date=2003-06-11 | publisher=The Football Association | accessdate=2007-11-20 ]

References

See also

*Association football
*Referee (football)

External links

* [http://www.thefa.com The Football Association]
* [http://www.footballreferee.org/ The Referees' Association]