FA Grassroots Referees

Make a difference to the game

Get into refereeing

Reasons to Referee

More and more and more people of all ages, genders, races and abilities are getting into refereeing.

For current and potential officials, refereeing is a great way to: 

  • Give something back to the game you love
  • Remain involved in the game after injury or retirement
  • Play a vital role in ensuring players enjoy the game
  • Increase participation in the sport
  • Make new and lasting friends

get into refereeing
Sian Massey-Ellis
Initial Training

The FA Basic Referee Course

If you want to qualify as a football referee you will need to do the basic FA referee training course.

The FA basic referee training course provides candidates with an understanding of the ‘Laws of the Game’ and provides them with the practical skills to be a match official.

Once you have passed the course and registered as a referee with Durham FA you will have a qualification recognised throughout England.

durham fa centre of refereeing excellence

The aim of the Durham FA Centre of Refereeing Excellence is to assist in the development, training and coaching of referees who have potential to progress to senior referee status within the County. It is designed to deliver specific and relevant training to ambitious, dedicated and talented referees.

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The FA Respect

Respect

The FA's Respect programme provides a series of tools for leagues, clubs, coaches, players and parents from grassroots to elite football - to help ensure a safe, positive environment in which to play the game.