Steve Martin completes coin toss before game

Referees & Match Officials

EVER TRIED PLAYING A GAME OF FOOTBALL WITHOUT A REFEREE?

It's Difficult, Right...?

Referees play a crucial role in helping football take place. From local grassroots football played in a park on a Sunday morning right through to the FA Cup Final at Wembley, every football match needs a referee.

That's why here at Staffordshire FA we are dedicated to producing, supporting and developing a highly motivated and immense talented network of FA qualified referees.

We work hard to provide a wide range of opportunities and support to the 800+ registered referees officiating across the county already, and encourage those looking to get into refereeing for the first time.

DEVELOPMENT & COURSES

Staffordshire FA want to support all referees to progress their skills to their full potential.

We offer development opportunities for officials at all stages of their journey; from those looking to become qualified referees to those climbing the promotion ladder.

If you're just getting into refereeing, the FA Referee Course is the starting block for your refereeing career. In addition, CPD Workshops and Development Groups are on hand to support your development. Newly qualified referees are encouraged to become a member of your local Referee Association as well as applying to become part of our Mentor Programme and Referee Academy. Promising officials are also supported via our Junior and Senior CORE groups, as well as being offered the opportunity to progress via our Promotion Scheme.

Helping you through your career

Refereeing Support

Our referees are recruited, trained and examined to enable a smooth grassroots operation.  As they gain experience further opportunities are provided to aid their development and progression. Appointments are made to adult and youth County Cup ties, together with games in certain FA competitions.