Anyone aged 14 or over can become a referee. There is no upper age limit but candidates need to be able to fully participate in practical sessions. Until you reach the age of 16, you will only be able to referee games involving children at least 1 year younger than yourself.

To book onto one of our FA Referee Courses first choose which course is most suitable for you. Then click on the booking link, if you have an FA FAN number then complete the registration process, if you do not have a FAN number then please click on the “Don’t have a FAN number?” link in order to obtain one - then proceed as normal to complete the booking process.

The FA Referee Course fee is £120.00. The fee is the same for all ages (14yrs+).

• The services of FA Referee Tutors
• A copy of the latest Laws of the Game
• An interactive DVD on the Laws of the Game
• A pre-course study programme
• FA Safeguarding Children training
• FA 'Respect' training
• FA registration fee for one season
• A referee whistle
• A set of red/yellow cards & holder
• A list of League contacts (for information only)
• Initial five 11v11 or 9v9 games
• A certificate of qualification following the successful passing of a final examination on the Laws of the Game
• FA Referee badge
• The services of FA Referee Mentors for on-going support throughout development period

We strongly recommend that parents of all candidates attend the initial session to gain a full understanding of the commitment required to complete the course.

All referees have to undertake FA Safeguarding Children training before they will be able to register with The FA as a referee. This will need to be completed prior to attending the first full day of the course as it is a prerequisite of attending. Certification will last for 3 years with the cost of this being included in the course fee. This will be discussed further at the initial taster introduction evening. Referees 14 & 15 years of age will need to complete a short online training module, referees 16yrs and older will be given the available dates of full Safeguarding workshops at the initial taster introduction evening.

All referees aged 16 years or over who wish to officiate in youth football must undertake an FA CRC enhanced check. This is a simple on-line process which will be fully explained to you during the course. Certification last for 3 years. More details will be provided during the initial taster introduction evening.

Successful completion of all six units of The FA Referee Course sees the candidate move from FA Trainee Referee to FA Youth Referee (if aged 14 or 15) or FA Level 7 referee (if/when aged 16 or over).

Appointment of these first five games is crucial to the course and for your self-development as a referee. These will be communicated to you during the course itself.

Yes you will need to re-register with North Riding County FA each season. This is an on-line process and currently costs £20 (about one match fee).

North Riding County FA provide a strong support network for newly qualified referees. In addition to being mentored early-on, you will be invited to attend development sessions with relevant advice available. You can also contact the Referee Development Team at any time should you have any issues or questions.

North Riding County FAis keen to see and help its referees develop and progress to achieve their full potential and as such, have a structured promotion pathway for referees. The basic requirement is that you must have refereed a minimum of 20 games prior to seeking to be promoted.