Referees

keeping local matches flowing

Training, Support and Continual Guidance

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?