West Riding County FA recognises the vitally important role the referee plays in the grassroots game. From local park football on a Sunday morning to the FA Cup Final, football needs referees.
Over the last few years, West Riding FA has seen a steady rise in the number of people recognising that a qualified referee on a game of football increases the enjoyment and development for all involved.
The Referee Development Team within the County have a vast amount of experience from grassroots football to the professional game. Each member of the team is dedicated to supporting and developing new referees within the County through their wealth of knowledge as qualified referees, tutors, mentors and assessors. Importantly, the focus is not just about recruiting new referees, it’s also about supporting and developing the skills of those who have already qualified, irrespective of their Level in the game. Despite The Football Association estimating that in some areas of the country 20 per cent of games are played without a qualified match official, West Riding FA are proud that in most of our open age competitions we now have coverage of 90% or more, with nearly 1,200 men, women, boys and girls taking charge of our County’s games. However our vision is to have a qualified referee on every football game in the County by 2019…you could be part of that vision!!
Anyone over the age of 14 can become a referee. The game doesn’t just need young referees, ex players with a wealth of experience at various levels make excellent referees, some of whom have started in their late 30’s and now officiate in the professional game, a level they may never have achieved as a player….it’s never too late to get into refereeing and what a great way to stay fit! Irrespective of your age or ability and experience at playing football, if you have a passion for the game and can successfully complete the Basic Refereeing Course you can become a referee. Once qualified, it’s entirely up to you how far you would like to progress, be it local Sunday league, small sided football or through the levels into the semi professional and professional game.
For more information
If you’re looking for more information about refereeing, but not sure which course is best suited to your needs, go to the ‘Which course do I need?’ page.
Alternatively, contact our Referees Department on 0113 2821222 (option 3) or alternatively e-mail one of the staff:
