SO YOU WANT TO BECOME A REFEREE

To become a Referee, you can take a course of instruction with North Middlesex Referees' Society where you will be prepared by F. A Licensed Referee Instructors for a straightforward examination set by The Football Association.  Courses were previously arranged independently by North Middlesex Referees Society; however, all referee training is now centrally co-ordinated by Middlesex County FA.

Successful candidates qualify as Level 7 referees, the first rung of the ladder that can lead to the very top of the profession.  Those referees who qualify aged 16 or under qualify as level 8 (Youth) referees.

Daytime courses can be arranged for schools and colleges on their own premises.

New regulations provide conditions for playing football by children between the ages of seven and ten years (mini-soccer).   A two and a half hour course can also be provided for schools, clubs and team organisers interested in refereeing mini-soccer matches.   The aim of this course is to offer sufficient knowledge for candidates to successfully referee these games where registered referees are not available.   Parents of players should also be encouraged to attend such a course as many problems from this source are often caused through ignorance of the Laws.

If you would like to consider becoming a referee, you need to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:
1. Are you at least 14 years of age?
2. Are you reasonably fit?
3. Is your eyesight O. K.? (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn)

If you are able to answer "yes" to all of those questions then please contact Ricky Deller Middlesex County FA on 020 8515 1921 or e-mail ricky.deller@middlesexfa.com.

Procedure for Basic Training as from 1 July 2007.
Prospective candidates will contact their County Football Association to register their interest in becoming a referee (see above). They will be provided with details of local courses, dates and venues, and will receive a registration form, a questionnaire and a request for payment for completion and return.
1. Pre-Course Requirements and Pre-Course Study
On confirmation of registration, training venue and dates for the Basic Referees' Course will be provided. A current copy of the Laws of Association Football (LOAF) will also be sent, and candidates will be expected to complete a Pre Course Study. More details on the first stages involved in becoming a referee, can be found on the following FA web site: http://www.thefa.com/GrassrootsNew/Referee/
It is essential that the Pre-Course Study syllabus is completed by each candidate BEFORE attending Module One as this will prepare the candidate for the instruction to follow and the initial assessment of knowledge. Depending on prior knowledge of the Laws of Association Football, it is anticipated that approximately 12 hours of study will be required for this study period.
Once the pre-course requirements have been dealt with, the candidate will attend the Course Induction over two evenings, and move through the modules as described below:
2. Module One (5 Hours – 2 evening sessions) 'Knowledge of the Laws'.
The first evening will be an induction evening to inform the candidates about the course and course structure, introduce candidates to the support mechanisms available to referees. Provide an understanding of how refereeing is undertaken and preparation for the assessment on the second evening. On the second evening, the initial assessment paper will be undertaken, a DVD promoting the benefits and opportunities of refereeing will be shown, and a 'Knowledge of the Laws' certificate presented to those who pass their Module One ‘Assessment of Knowledge’ paper. Candidates, who do not wish to take up active refereeing, will be able to exit the course, and those who wish to progress further, will move onto Module Two.
3. Module Two (Minimum 15 hours – 6 evenings) 'Application of the Laws'.
Module 2 will relate theory to practice, and involves on-field interactive activities (if available, if not video clips), and self-evaluation techniques. At some time between Modules 2 and 3, Child Protection training will be provided, and candidates will be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure Form.
4. Module Three (1.5 Hours – one evening), 'Examination’.
Depending on whether the candidates' training was predominantly theoretical (classroom based) or practical (on the field of play), the exam process will consist of two elements from the three listed below. The third element will become an assessment throughout the course.
    Written element – application of law (all candidates) AND
    Either a Theory examination via video analysis using DVD or CD Rom (theoretical course) OR
    Practical on field assessment in line with new practical course (practical course)
Candidates will also be expected to successfully complete a misconduct form, based on a match incident from the theory exam DVD.
5. Module Four 'Probation Period' (approximately 6 weeks).
During the probation period, Trainee Referees must referee six times x 11 v 11 matches, utilizing a mentor style appraisal, supported by either a Referee Coach, Assessor or Instructor. They will also be involved with Self-evaluation of their own performance, performance evaluation of others, and video analysis. Assistance will be given in choosing appropriate games for this module.
It is anticipated that all candidates who undertake the 6 trial matches will be paid by the League or Competition a standard match fee (typically £20 to £30 = 6 x average £25 = £150) thus the successful candidate will not only receive high quality training but will potentially make a net profit of approximately £70 to £140!
6. Module Five  (2 Hours – 1 evening). In-Service Training.
The Trainee Referees will have to attend In-Service Training on subjects incorporating; application of Law, recognition of offences, body language and communication, management of people and situations, fitness awareness, warm-up / cool-down techniques, programmes to meet individual needs and encouraging training togetherness / bonding.
On successful completion of the 5 Basic Referee Training Modules, the referee will receive an FA Certificate of Qualification, and progress from a Level 9 (Trainee Referee), to either a Level 8 (Youth Referee) or a Level 7 (Junior Referee), depending on the age of the candidate thus becoming an FA Registered (and qualified) Referee.
The approximate cycle is shown below assuming a normal delivery course. 

Note: Assume one week per game for Module 4
6. Cost of Training
The breakdown of the minimum costs for a new referee taking the basic training course are shown below:

These costs are variable dependant on the age of the new recruit and whether they must undertake mandatory Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks and Child Protection Training.
Candidate who complete the entire course (Modules 1 to 5 inclusive) will be reimbursed, on application, their course fee (i.e. £20 or £30) by the Football Association.
You will be introduced to the local Appointments Secretaries, who will explain to you how the leagues appoint match officials and how to tell them when you would like matches. They'll be delighted to meet you, as all Appointments Secretaries need the help of new Referees throughout the season.
At this stage you will also be welcomed by the local branch of the Referees' Association, who meet regularly and who will offer you advice and guidance in your early days as you "find your feet". They will arrange mentor support for you, explain how to buy kit, etc., and most importantly you will meet fellow Referees and learn quickly what a supportive bunch they are!