Young referees listen to coach

Referee Workforce

PASS ON YOUR KNOWLEDGE

The Referee workforce is a vital part of the Amateur FA Referee Department, and those individuals that form part of the workforce, help guide and support referees in their aims of further progression and other training and development.

Below are some of these roles and further information on what they entail.

If you would like further information on any of the roles, or information on becoming part of the workforce please contact the referee department using the details in the contact box.

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Visit our HELPDESK to find answers to our frequently answered questions, including safeguarding contact details.

If your query cannot be answered, please submit a ticket.

You can also visit the FA Grassroots Technology Forum for help with FA IT systems.

Referee Appointments Officer

The appointments officer is responsible for carrying out the match official appointments for the Amateur FA County Cup competitions, and other County FA appointments that fall within their remit.

Referee Mentor

A referee mentor is usually appointed in the early stages of a referee’s journey, and is a peer who is more senior. They are there to provide support, guidance and advice to those who need it.

Referee Observer

An observer is a more formal approach to referee progression and cross references referee performance against bespoke match competencies based on the level the referee is operating at.

Referee Match Day Coach

A match day coach is a member of the Referee Workforce who will support the referee to improve their performance and develop as an individual. Match day coaches will be allocated to referees who opt into the referee progression pathway.

Referee Tutor

Referee developers deliver the educational and practical applications of the referee’s course.

Referee Coach

A coach who is allocated to a referee that has been identified as having the potential and the opportunity to progress to the elite levels of the game. The coach works on a frequent, intense and focused basis to ensure that the referee becomes the best that they can be at the level they are operating at, whilst preparing them for some of the challenges ahead. This style of coaching is over a prolonged period and allows the coach and referee to form a professional bond of trust in order to work towards short, medium and long-term career ambitions and goals. FA CORE performance coaches will regularly watch the referee perform throughout the season and offer thoughts, views and possible solutions which are geared at improving on-field performance.