National Refereeing Strategy Referee Safeguarding Get into Refereeing Development & Courses Refereeing Support Initiatives / Programmes Referee Awards
Action shot of the 2017 Manchester Premier Cup Final at Boundary Park between FC United of Manchester and Stalybridge Celtic.

Rules & Regulations

Referees play an integral part in ensuring football remains fair, safe and inclusive for all. Here you will find the resources you need, including laws of the game, match-day guidance and information on safeguarding.

Manchester FA Referee, Joe Cunningham signalling a decision in the U13 2017 County Cup Final at Ewen Fields.

Match Day Guidance

When it comes to Match Day, the referee has a number of duties and factors to consider other than the 90 minutes from kick off to full time.
Manchester FA Referee, Paul Bentley running down the line at Ewen Fields.

Other Guidance

General guidance for match officials including report writing, misconduct and social media guidance.
Safeguarding and Welfare

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY!

Whatever your involvement in football, you have a responsibility to make our game as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

This is particularly true if your role as a referee involves officiating matches where children and young people under the age of 18 are playing. It also applies if as you are officiating alongside under-18 referees and assistant referees.

Find out how The FA and CFAs manages safeguarding nationally and locally. You’ll also find detailed information on the game’s safeguarding strategy, and how it applies to you.

Click Here

Chris Kavanagh, Manchester FA's first Premier League Referee!

Laws of the Game

Stay up-to-date on IFAB, the independent guardian of our game.
A generic coach and welfare image from St. George's Park.

Disclosure and Barring service

Keep up to date with our local safeguarding activities. You’ll find details of forthcoming safeguarding training courses and workshops, how to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) if you need one – and lots of other relevant information.