How to Become a Referee: Requirements, Courses and Pathway Explained

What does it actually take to become the person responsible for controlling a football match?

It is often associated with experience, authority and years within the game. In reality, the pathway into officiating is far more accessible. Anyone aged fourteen or over, with a reasonable level of fitness, can begin the process of becoming a Football Association (FA) referee.

The structure is designed to be progressive. You start at grassroots level, develop your understanding of the game in real conditions and gradually move through the levels as your confidence and decision making improve. The pathway is not about rushing to the top. It is built on repetition, experience and the ability to apply the Laws of the Game under pressure.

• The minimum age to become a referee in England is 14 years old, making it one of the most accessible entry points into football. (The Football Association)
• The FA Referee Course includes 5 online modules, taking approximately 90 minutes total to complete. (The Football Association Referee Course Guide)
• Practical training is typically delivered over 1 day and 1 evening, combining classroom learning with on-pitch scenarios. (County Football Association Course Structure)
• To qualify, new referees must officiate 5 matches under observation by a mentor. (The Football Association)
• There are 9 levels in the English refereeing pyramid, from Level 9 (Trainee) to Level 1 (Premier League and EFL referees). (The Football Association Referee Pathway)
• Referees often spend around 1 year at each level before progressing, depending on performance and assessments. (FA Referee Development Model)
• In England, there are approximately 37,000 active referees officiating matches each season. (The Football Association)
• In 2024, over 3,000 female referees qualified, reflecting a growing focus on diversity in officiating. (The Football Association Diversity & Inclusion Report)
• In the same year, 2,000+ referees from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds entered officiating. (The Football Association)
• Grassroots referees typically earn between £20 and £40 per match, depending on age and level. (County FA Fee Guidelines)
• The FA Referee Course costs approximately £135, with safeguarding training adding around £40. (The Football Association)
• During a match, referees can cover 6 to 8 miles in 90 minutes, highlighting the physical demands of the role. (Sports Science Research in Football Officiating)
• Referees at higher levels train regularly and are employed full-time by organisations such as PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). (PGMOL)
• Assistant referee pathways typically open from Level 5 or Level 6, after officiating open-age football. (The Football Association)
• FA Cup and grassroots structures mean referees can officiate multiple matches per week, especially during peak periods of the season. (County FA Scheduling Data)

Getting Started

The starting point sits with your local County Football Association (CFA).

Each CFA is responsible for referee development in its region. They outline the qualification process and guide new referees through the early stages. From there, you enrol on an FA Referee Course, which introduces both the theory and practice of officiating.

The course centres on the Laws of the Game, set by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Learning these laws is essential, but refereeing is not simply about memorising rules. It is about applying them in real time, often in fast-moving and emotionally charged situations.

The course reflects this balance. Five online modules provide the theoretical foundation, covering areas such as communication, offside, decision-making and managing set-pieces. These take around ninety minutes to complete.

This is followed by face-to-face training, usually delivered across one day and one evening. Here, classroom discussion is combined with practical work on the pitch. Scenarios are recreated, positioning is tested and communication is practised in a more realistic environment.

Assessment runs throughout. Written elements test understanding of the laws, while practical assessments focus on how those laws are applied during play.

From Theory to the Pitch

To become a certified referee, you must officiate five matches following the course. These games are observed by a referee mentor, who assesses how effectively you apply what you have learned.

This stage often proves the most important. It exposes the gap between understanding a rule and applying it in real time. Players appeal, the game moves quickly and decisions must be made instantly.

These early matches develop confidence and control. They also highlight areas for improvement. Over time, decisions become clearer and communication becomes more natural.

Once these matches are completed successfully, you are awarded your FA Referee Badge and certification.

Who Can Become a Referee?

One of the defining features of refereeing is its accessibility. There is no requirement to have played football at a high level. Previous experience is not needed. The only formal requirements are age and fitness.

The FA has also made a conscious effort to broaden participation. Recent strategies have focused on increasing diversity within refereeing. This has led to more women entering the profession and a rise in referees from under-represented backgrounds.

In 2024 alone, more than 3,000 female referees qualified, alongside over 2,000 officials from Black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds. The pathway is not only open in theory. It is actively being expanded.

Progression Through the Game

Refereeing follows a clearly defined progression system. New referees begin at trainee level and typically officiate youth or grassroots matches. From there, they move through county leagues and supply leagues before reaching semi-professional and professional levels.

At the top of the structure sits Level 1, where referees officiate in the English Football League and the Premier League.

Progression is gradual. Referees often spend around a year at each level, building experience and demonstrating consistency. Advancement depends not only on knowledge of the game, but on decision-making, communication and the ability to manage players effectively.

The pathway itself is structured across defined levels:

Level 1 – National List (English Football League and Premier League)
Level 2a – Panel Select (National League Premier)
Level 2b – Panel (National League North and South)
Level 3 – Contributory (Contributory Leagues)
Level 4 – Supply (Supply Leagues)
Level 5 – Senior County (County Leagues)
Level 6 – County (County Leagues)
Level 7 – Junior (Amateur Leagues)
Level 8 – Youth (Junior Referee under age 16)
Level 9 – Trainee

Each step represents an increase in the level of competition, as well as the expectations placed on the referee.

Support in the Early Stages

Many County FAs assign mentors to newly qualified officials. These mentors provide feedback and guidance, helping referees adjust to the realities of match control.

Observation is also an important part of development. Watching experienced referees manage games provides insight that is difficult to replicate in training. Positioning, communication and decision-making become clearer when seen in live situations.

Some professional clubs now offer shadowing opportunities, allowing referees to observe pre-match preparation and post-match analysis. This reflects a wider effort within the sport to not only recruit referees, but to retain them.

Starting Young

The minimum age for entry is fourteen. Referees who qualify between fourteen and fifteen are classed as youth referees. They typically officiate grassroots matches involving younger players.

At this level, refereeing is as much about management as it is about rule enforcement. Maintaining control, ensuring safety and applying the Laws of the Game consistently are central responsibilities.

This stage forms the foundation for future progression.

Earnings and Opportunities

Earnings in refereeing increase with experience and level. At grassroots level, youth referees can earn between £20 and £40 per match. As referees progress, match fees rise accordingly.

At semi-professional level, referees may receive a base income alongside match payments. At the highest level, Premier League referees earn significant salaries, with additional match fees on top.

Referees who reach international level can earn further income through FIFA competitions.

Only a small proportion reach these levels, but the pathway remains open to those who progress consistently.

Becoming an Assistant Referee

Progression also opens up opportunities beyond the central referee role.

Once referees reach Level 5 or 6, they can begin to qualify as assistant referees. By this stage, they will have officiated a number of open-age matches and demonstrated both competence and fitness.

The role requires a different set of skills, including positioning along the touchline and assisting with key decisions such as offside. It offers another route for development within the officiating pathway.

Costs and Commitment

In 2025, the FA Referee Course costs around £135. Safeguarding training, which is required, adds a further £40. Some County FAs also charge a small annual registration fee.

As referees progress, additional courses, seminars and assessments may be required. Certification also needs to be renewed periodically.

These costs are part of the pathway, alongside the time commitment required to train, officiate and develop.

The Reality of the Role

Refereeing places both physical and mental demands on those who take it on.

During a ninety-minute match, a referee may cover six to eight miles. Maintaining fitness is essential to keep up with play and make accurate decisions.

The mental side is equally demanding. Decisions must be made quickly and communicated clearly. Referees must remain calm even in high-pressure situations where players and supporters react strongly.

Confidence and consistency are essential. Uncertainty can lead to a loss of control, while clear and decisive officiating helps maintain the flow of the game.

Referees also operate under scrutiny. At higher levels, decisions are analysed closely by media and supporters. Managing this environment requires resilience and professionalism.

Is It a Full-Time Career?

At the highest level, refereeing becomes a full-time profession.

Premier League referees are employed by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). They train regularly, analyse performances and prepare for matches as part of a structured working week.

Most referees, however, combine officiating with other careers.

Across England, around 37,000 referees officiate matches each year. Many cover multiple games each week, particularly during busy periods of the season.

While not always full-time, refereeing can require a significant time commitment.

A Different Way to Experience the Game

Refereeing offers a perspective on football that is very different from playing.

It places you at the centre of the match, responsible for how the game is controlled and experienced. Every decision shapes the flow of play.

The pathway requires patience, resilience and the ability to learn from experience. Progression is gradual and based on consistent performance.

For those who commit to it, refereeing provides a clear route into the game and the opportunity to be involved at every level, from grassroots football to the professional stage.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What qualifications do I need to become a referee?
You must complete an FA Referee Course through your local County FA. This includes online learning, practical training and assessments. You then officiate five matches under observation. The only entry requirements are being at least 14 years old and having a reasonable level of fitness.

How much does a referee get paid?
Earnings depend on level. Grassroots referees typically earn £20–£40 per match. Pay increases as referees progress, with higher fees at semi-professional level and significant salaries plus match fees at Premier League level.

Do refs get paid salary?
Most referees are paid per match rather than a salary. However, at the highest level, such as the Premier League, referees are employed full-time and receive a salary alongside match fees.

How much does a 14 year old referee get paid in the UK?
A 14-year-old referee, classed as a youth referee, typically earns between £20 and £40 per match when officiating grassroots games involving younger players.