Level 9: Trainee Referee. These are referees who have completed the basic training course and passed the examinations who have yet to complete their 6-match record of achievement.

Level 8: Youth referee (under 16)

Level 7: Junior referees not in Level 8 or below (local football referee)

Level 6: County referees (local football referee)

Level 5: Senior County referees. This classification includes referees who have served at a higher level. Where a referee has achieved a level higher than Level 5 and is then not retained, the referee is to be classified as a Level 5, with the option of further promotion in the normal way or until a status of non-active is declared by the individual.

Level 4: Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on a Supply League (e.g. Manchester League Premier Division.  In addition Level 4 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on the Contributory Leagues e.g. UniBond, North West Counties.

Level 3: Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on the National List of Contributory Leagues (e.g. Blue Square North, Unibond League, North-West Counties League). In addition, Level 3 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Panel Leagues, Football League or Premier League.

Level 2: Referees selected by The FA to serve on the Panel List (Blue Square Premier, Football League Reserve and Premier League Reserve Leagues). In addition, Level 2 Referees will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Football League or Premier League.

Level 1: Referees selected by The Football Association to serve on the Referees panel of the National List (Premier and Football Leagues)

International: Referees who are on the FIFA List of Referees.

Want to know more or have any questions?

Please contact Communications Officer Alex Rowen: alex.rowen@manchesterfa.com.