Referee Progression Pathway
A PATH TO THE PROFESSIONAL GAME
THE NEXT CHALLENGE
Referees at grassroots level can apply for promotion at any time of the year (please contact us for dates for the higher levels). So, if you are looking to move up the ladder of officialdom, the details below might help you.
If you wish to be considered for promotion, you should first ensure that you would be able to meet the criteria laid down by The FA. Browse this page to help you decide...
Male Pathway
Level Y1 to Y2 (Ages 14 - 15 Only)
- Referee a minimum of 20 matches (Under 14s and below)
- Have received two matchday coaching reports
- Have completed two development modules
- Successfully pass a 'Laws of the Game' examination
Level 7 to 6
- Referee a minimum of 25 matches, in which a minimum of ten matches must be open-age matches
- Complete a minimum of five assistant referee appointments
- Have received two matchday coaching reports
- Have completed two development modules
- Successfully pass a 'Laws of the Game' examination
Level 6 to 5
- Referee a minimum of 25 open-age matches
- Complete a minimum of five assistant referee appointments
- Have received two matchday coaching reports
- Have completed three development modules
- Successfully pass a 'Laws of the Game' examination
Level 5 to 4
- Referee a minimum of 15 open-age matches
- Complete a minimum of 15 open-age assistant referee appointments
- Have received four observations via the County FA for each season, achieving an average observation mark of 71
- Successfully complete a fitness test in June, July and/or August of each season. The fitness test will consist of the following: 17/22 interval runs and two 40m sprints under 6.2 seconds. You will have a maximum of two attempts to pass the fitness test
- Attend a Level 5 to 4 face-to-face promotion seminar, hosted by The FA
- Have completed five development modules
- Successfully pass three 'Laws of the Game' examinations
Please Note: All games at Levels 7-5 must be 9v9 or 11v11 football with offside in operation.
female pathway
Level 4W-3W
- Referee a minimum of 20 matches, in which a minimum of 15 matches must be within Tiers 5 to 6 of the FA Women's Football Pyramid and/or The FA Women's National League Reserve Divisions
- Complete a minimum of three assistant referee appointments
- Have received four observations via the County FA each season, achieving an average observation mark of 71
- Have completed five development modules
- Successfully pass three 'Laws of the Game' examinations
In addition to the above, all Progression Pathway Referees must:
- Be registered for the current season in which they are looking to enter the Referee Progression Pathway
- Respond to all correspondence efficiently by email
- Maintain a record of all matches, where as a referee and assistant referee
- Be prepared, and regularly available, to referee Saturday, Sunday and midweek matches
For further details around the Referee Progression Pathway, please get in touch with the Referees Department.