Progression Pathway
A route to the top that YOU control...
Everyone has ambitions and dreams and referees are no different...
For some this ambition will require promotion through the refereeing ranks via The FA Referee Progression Pathway.
The Referee Progression Pathway creates more progression opportunities for more officials across the grassroots game (Level 5-7 & Level Y).
The priorities of the Referee Progression Pathway focus on:
- Giving referees greater control over their own progression.
- Providing a route for expedited progression for those able to provide more commitment.
- Instilling a developmental philosophy into grassroots refereeing.
- Motivating and incentivising refereeing through structural change.
- Re-energising and diversifying the referee development workforce across the grassroots game.
- Removing some of the key barriers to progress.
This methodology replaces the annual promotion process based on formal assessments with progression based on:
- Number of appointments.
- Completion of free online referee development modules.
- Support and advice from a Match Day Coach.
- Successful completion of a Laws of the Game exam.
- Attendance at face-to-face training (Level 6-5 only).
PATHWAYs
Note: All games at Levels 7-5 must be 9v9 or 11v11 football with offside in operation.
- Games as a Referee: 20 (under-14s and below)
- Matchday Coaching Reports: Two
- Online Development Modules: Two
- Laws of the Game Test: Yes
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- Games as a Referee: All games contribute towards youth requirement for Level 7-6
- Matchday Coaching Reports: Two
- Laws of the Game Test: Yes
- Games as a Referee: 25 (youth/adult, with a minimum of ten games in adult football)
- Matchday Coaching Reports: Two
- Online Development Modules: Two
- Laws of the Game Test: Yes
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- Games as a Referee: 25 (youth/adult, with a minimum of 15 games in adult football)
- Games as an Assistant Referee: Five
- Matchday Coaching Reports: Two
- Online Development Modules: Four (specifically for Level 6 officials)
- Face-to-Face In-Service Training: One
- Laws of the Game Test: Yes
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- Be a Level 5 Referee as of the 30 April of each season
- Referee a minimum of 15 open-age matches
- Complete a minimum of ten open-age assistant referee appointments
- Have received four observations via the County FA during the period 1 August to 30 April of each season achieving an average observation mark of 70
- Successfully complete a fitness test during the period of the 1 June to 31 December of each season. The fitness test will consist of the following: 17/22 interval run and x2 50m sprints under 7.5 seconds
- Successfully pass a laws of the game examination
- Attend a Level 5-4 online promotion seminar hosted by The FA
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- Games as a Referee: 20 (Under 16s and above, with a minimum of ten games in women's football)
- Games as an Assistant Referee: Three
- Observations: Three
- Laws of the Game Test: Yes
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In addition to the above, all referee progression scheme referees must:
- Be registered for the current season in which they are looking to enter the referee progression scheme.
- Respond to all correspondence efficiently by email.
- Maintain a record of all matches, where as a referee or assistant referee.
- Be prepared, and regularly available, to referee Saturday, Sunday and midweek matches.
All referee progression scheme referees may enter the referee progression scheme at any point during the season (excluding Level 5 to 4 referee progression scheme).
How to Apply
To apply for promotion please contact our refereeing team via the details in the Get In Touch box below.