Officiating · The FA and national associations
Referee Course & Referee Grades
The entry course for referees, followed by a ladder of grades through observation and fitness. Top grades lead to professional leagues and international lists.
Course in weeks, then promotion over yearstypical duration
3stages
7careers that list it
Home-marketreach
How much does it matter?
It is a gate in the 6 roles marked Required below, and strongly preferred in 1 more.
Typical entry: Minimum age and a fitness test for higher levels.
Stages and topics
- Entry referee course: Laws of the Game, Positioning and signals, Handling players, Match reports
- Local and regional grades: Mentored matches, Observer assessments, Law exams, Fitness tests
- National and professional lists: Selection panels, Video review training, Professional match assessments, International list eligibility
Outlines are simplified. Confirm the current structure, eligibility and fees with the awarding body.
Sectors it supports
Careers that list it, by how much it matters
Required
- Youth Referee
- Grassroots Referee
- Semi-Professional / National-List Referee
- Professional Referee
- Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Official
- Referee Assessor / Observer
Strongly preferred
Recognition by region
| Region | Recognition |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Strong |
| Spain | Strong |
| Germany | Strong |
| Italy | Strong |
| France | Strong |
| United States & Canada | Strong |
| Brazil | Strong |
| Saudi Arabia & the Gulf | Limited |
| India | Limited |
| Nigeria & West Africa | Limited |
Recognition ratings are a general guide. Employers and regulators set their own requirements.