Referee Assessors

Referee Pathway

Moving Along the Pathway

a clear path to progress to the professional game


The Referee Progression Pathway is open to all match officials within the Amateur FA. If you are looking to take the next step and achieve promotion to the next level, the details below will give you the help and knowledge to achieve this.

If you wish to be considered for promotion, you should first ensure that you would be able to meet the criteria laid down by The FA.

apply for promotion

Get in Touch

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.

MALE PATHWAY

FIFA – International Referee
Select Group 1 – Premier League Referee
Select Group 2 – Championship Referee
Level 1 – National List Referee
Level 2A – Step 1 Referee
Level 2B – Step 2 Referee
Level 3 – Step 3/4 Referee
Level 4 – Step 5/6 Referee
Level 5 – Senior County Referee
Level 6 – County Referee
Level 7 – Junior County Referee
Level Y2 – Youth Referee 2
Level Y1 – Youth Referee 1

WOMEN'S PATHWAY

FIFA – Women’s International Referee
Level 1W – Women’s Super League Referee
Level 2W – Women’s Championship Referee
Level 3W – Women’s National Referee
Level 4W – Women’s Regional Referee
Level Y2W – Women’s Youth Referee 2
Level Y1W – Women’s Youth Referee 1

 

Any youth referee wishing to progress to Youth Level 2 must achieve the following criteria:

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Referee 25 fixtures (U14 and below)
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Receive two visits from a County FA appointed Match Day Coach
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Complete two online development modules
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Complete and pass a Laws of the Game exam

 

 

Any level 7 referee wishing to progress to Level 6 must ensure they can achieve the following criteria:

-  
Referee at least 25 fixtures (these must be 9v9 or 11v11 with offsides in operation)
-  
Receive two visits from a County FA appointed Match Day Coach
-  Complete two online development modules
-  
Complete and pass a Laws of the Game exam

 

Any level 6 referee wishing to progress to Level 5 must ensure they can achieve the following criteria:

-  Referee at least 25 fixtures (these must be 11v11 at open-age level)
-  Act as Assistant Referee on at least 5 games (this must be at the highest level of County Football that is available)
-  Receive two visits from a County FA appointed Match Day Coach
-  Complete four online development modules
-  Attend a Face to Face In-Service Training Session
-  Complete and pass a Laws of the Game exam

 

 

Any level 5 referee wishing to progress to Level 4 must ensure they can achieve the following criteria:

-  Be a Level 5 referee by April of the season attempting the promotion. 
-  Have received 4 observations via the County FA during the period 1st August to 30th April
-  Achieved an average observation mark of 70
-  Referee a minimum of 15 open age matches
-  Complete a minimum of 10 Assistant Referee appointments
-  Successfully complete a fitness test during the period 1st June to 31st December. The fitness test will consist of the following:
-  17/22 interval run
-  2 x 50 meter sprints in under 7.5 seconds
-  Attend a Level 5-4 online Promotion Seminar hosted by The FA and pass a Laws of the Game Examination

 

Any level 4W referee wishing to progress to Level 3W must ensure they can achieve the following criteria:

-  Referee at least 20 fixtures (U16’s and above, 10 of which must be Women’s games)
-  Act as Assistant Referee on at least 3 games (this must be at the highest level of County Football that is available)
-  Have received 3 observations via the County FA during the period 1st August to 30th April
-  Complete and pass a Laws of the Game exam

 

Any level 3W referee that wishes to progress to level 2W should speak directly to the Referee Development Officer regarding the required promotion as outlined by the FA and the PGMOL on an annual basis. You can contact them using referees@amateur-fa.com

In addition to the above, all promotion applicants must:

-  Respond to all correspondence in writing efficiently, preferably by email
-  Maintain a record of all matches, whether as a referee or assistant referee
-  Be proficient in the completion of misconduct report writing through the FA Whole Game System and attend disciplinary hearings as required

If you are already on the promotion scheme, you should still apply for next season and the relevant action will then be taken once the outcome of your current promotion application is known. 

Should you have any questions relating to the promotion scheme, please feel free to contact referees@amateur-fa.com