Referees
At the Heart of Every Match
keeping local matches flowing
Training, Support and Continual Guidance
Christmas and New Year Refereeing Contacts
Please note, from Tuesday 24th December 2024 until Thursday 2nd January 2025, all referees can E-Mail referees@essexfa.com with any refereeing queries, as this inbox will be monitored intermittently over the festive period.
If you have any misconduct (i.e. cautions, send-offs and/or extraordinary incidents) to report, please submit this through the FA Whole Game System via this link. If you’re unable to report this through the Whole Game System, please E-Mail your misconduct to discipline@essexfa.com with ‘Misconduct Report’ as the subject of the E-Mail.
At the heart of every match is a dedicated referee, whose challenge is to ensure the laws of the game are adhered to in the interests of fairness and safety so everyone participating enjoys a positive football experience.
Good referees are confident and decisive, with patience and an ability to communicate in an effective manner, making decisions and explaining to the players what’s happening next, when appropriate.
A sense of humour is also a great advantage! Refereeing offers a constructive path into the game for anyone who’d prefer not to play, but loves to be involved. We develop and support new and existing referees to guarantee the game is safe and pleasurable for all.
You can take our courses or attend one of our ‘Get into Refereeing’ Taster Workshops to find out more and see if refereeing is for you. If it is, there are league recruitment schemes we can introduce you to and we’ll keep you in touch with existing referees who can offer the benefits of their experiences, including how to report misconduct effectively.
Keen to develop your skills and style further? There are many examples of Essex referees who have been promoted to the higher levels. We can point you towards your local society, give you fitness tips and providing training opportunities and appoint a mentor to guide you. Where else can you find such an achievable route into the professional game?
A helping Hand
Refereeing Support
Our referees are recruited, trained and examined to enable a smooth grassroots operation. As they gain experience further opportunities are provided to aid their development and progression. Appointments are made to adult and youth County Cup ties, together with games in certain FA competitions.
Become a Referee
Thinking of becoming a referee?
- Refereeing is a great way to be involved in football
- There are opportunities for everyone
- Remain active in the game following injury or retirement
- Make new and lasting friends within the game
- Play a huge role in ensuring the players enjoy their matchday experience
international football association board
laws of the game
The universality of the laws of the game means football is essentially the same in every part of the world and at every level. As well as creating a fair and safe environment in which the game is played, the laws also promote participation and enjoyment.
Revisions are made to the laws each year so they’re more appropriate to the game. This season, changes include updates to the laws on: The Field of Play; The Ball; The Players’ Equipment; Determining the Outcome of a Match; Offside; Fouls and Misconduct; The Penalty Kick.
National Referee Strategy
The FA National Referee Strategy and DNA
Get Into Refereeing
Make a Difference to the Game
Development and Courses
Further Your Knowledge
Support
Backing to Assist Your Progress
Rules And Regulations
Ensuring Safety and Fair Play
Associations and Societies
Referee Support All Over the County
Laws of the Game
Referee Kit Online Store
