So
you want to be a referee ?So
you want to be a referee ?If you are interested in becoming a football referee, here are some answers to questions that you may be asking yourself.
? Am I old enough or young enough to be a referee.
If you are 14 or over the answer is YES, there is no upper age limit to becoming a referee.
? Can girls referee.
YES, they can referee both men's and ladies' football. Ladies have in recent years become more involved in all aspects of football. This includes officiating at all levels including the Premier League line.
? I still play football - can I referee.
YES, but it may become difficult to do both if you intend to progress to a reasonably high level.
? Do I have to register with anybody before I start.
Yes, in order to referee you must register with Lancashire County Football Association as a probationer referee.
? Where do I find the rules.
When you register with Lancashire F. A .you will be sent an information pack which includes 'The Laws of the Game'. These are also available from Bolton Referee Society.
? What kit / equipment do I need.
Full kit and equipment is available through Bolton Referee Society. However we suggest that for your first few games you wear a combination of either tracksuit or shorts and a dark shirt, socks and suitable footwear. You will also need a watch, whistle, notebook, pencils, red and yellow cards.
? What will it cost me to start.
You will need to pay a registration fee to the County (Lancashire) F.A. (£7.00), which includes the cost of the starter pack. We also recommend that you join Bolton Referee Society as a probationer (approximately £10). If you wanted to purchase a full referee's kit, the cost would start from approximately £36.
? Do I get paid for refereeing.
Yes, a match fee and expenses is paid for each game. The amount you receive at the start will depend on which league you referee. Match fees are generally around £15.
? Where do I get help and advice from when I start refereeing.
There is a wealth of experience within Bolton Referee Society with the ability to provide help and guidance in any matters arising from your refereeing. The society also provides instructors for the training classes held locally where the laws of the game are taught in more depth.
? How quickly can I start to referee.
You can start to referee as soon as you have registered with Lancashire Football Association and made contact with one of the local leagues. However we strongly suggest that you familiarise yourself with the laws of Association Football before your first game.
? What age group would I referee.
Association Football is played by all ages from 9 upwards. Referees are needed at all ages and all levels. Your initial starting age group would depend on your own age, ability and/or preference, however you will not be allowed to referee adult football until you reach the age of 16.
? Are there any exams.
Yes , unfortunately there are a couple of exams. An initial exam to obtain first qualification as a level 7 referee. There is also an exam to obtain level 5 status.
? How do I progress.
Having obtained level 7 status, further progression through level 6 to level 5 status depends on ability shown as a referee on the field of play in open age football in your local leagues. This is measured by club marks and independent assessments from qualified assessors.
? When would I referee in the Premier League.
Once you have obtained level 5, depending on your age and ability you could progress through various levels of football as follows;
Supply Leagues e.g. West Lancashire League, Lancashire Amateur League.
Contributory Leagues e.g. North West Counties League or Northern Premier League
Panel Leagues e.g. Football Conference
Football League i.e Div 1,2,3
Premier League.
Time would be spent as an assistant referee in each league before you are appointed to its referees list.
It is possible to get from being an initial level 7 referee to Premier League in approximately 6 years.
If you live in the Bolton area and you are still interested in becoming a referee and joining our society then please contact our recruitment officer Jim Waring on telephone number 01204 306280
