If you wish to become a Level 6 referee you must serve at least one season at Level 7 before being eligible for promotion. Promotion is decided through assessment, attendance at further training events, successful completion of a test on the Laws of the game and a satisfactory average mark achieved in at least 20 matches of open age competitive football during the marking period. Other factors including administration and availability are also taken into account.
The same criteria apply for promotion to Level 5 with an expected higher level of competency demonstrated within the assessment process. Your personal administration with acceptance of appointments and closing dates when you are not available also assume a much higher importance. You also need to complete 5 appointments as a neutral assistant referee in order to gain promotion.
Level 5 referees may then be eligible for promotion to more senior competitions. This would involve being a:
Referee in a 'Supply' League and being an Assistant Referee on the 'Contributory' Leagues - Level 4,
Referee on the 'Contributory' Leagues - Level 3.
Referee on the 'Panel' Leagues - Level 2 and being an Assistant Referee on the National or Premier Leagues
Referee on the 'National' list of Referees - Level 1
The final promotion would be on to the International List (FIFA). England currently have 7 FIFA Referees (As of 01 January 2010).
To be promoted to and remain at these levels a fitness test must be passed before each season commences.
The standard fitness test (up to Level 4) involves:
Two runs of 50m each in less than 7.5 seconds
A minimum distance run of at least 2,500m in 12 minutes of continuous running.
The minimum age to be registered as a referee is 14. Junior Referees aged 14-15 may only officiate in competitions where the players are aged 15 or under.
The MFA Promotion Seminar will be held at the County HQ during the summer of 2010 – dates will be advised nearer the time.
Referees Development Officer: Peter Roberts
peter.roberts@manchesterfa.com
0161 604 7619