If you fancy being the man or woman in the middle we've got all the information you need to get started.
Referees perform a vital role in the game at all levels and demand for their services is on the increase.
The Football Association estimates that in some areas of the country 20% of games are played without a qualified match official.
You could help to bridge that gap if you can answer 'yes' to the following three questions:
- Are at least 14 years old?
- Are you reasonably fit?
- Is your eyesight OK? (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn)
Want to find out more? Read on for our guide to becoming a football referee.
BASIC REFEREES COURSE
The first step on your road to refereeing is to register with your local County Football Association. Once you've done that, you'll need to attend a Basic Referee's Course. This consists of:
- Around nine classroom-based training sessions, usually held in the evening
- Two examinations - one written and one oral
- Tuition and examinations are free, but there is a small fee for registering with the County FA
On passing this exam, you will become a Level Eight referee if you are less than 16 years of age, or a Level Seven referee if you are over 16.
This qualifies you to referee local amateur ("parks") football.
THE NEXT STEPS
After at least one year at level Seven, referees are eligible for promotion to Level Six.
This is usually decided through assessment, attendance at further training, successful completion of a test on the laws of the game and a satisfactory average mark over 20 completed matches.
The same criteria apply for promotion to Level 5.
Level Five onwards is your gateway to officiating at senior level. Here's how it goes from there:
- Level Four - Refereeing in a senior amateur league at county level, and being an assistant referee at...
- Level Three - Semi-Professional (or contributory) league level
- Level Two - Nationwide Conference and FA Premier Reserve League level (also known as Panel League)
- Level One - Top of the domestic tree - Level One refs are on the National List of Referees
The final promotion is to the International List, where the FA currently has 10 referees.