152 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018

REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES

PREAMBLE
Pursuant to The Football Association Rule J1(d), the Council is authorised to make regulations with
reference to Match Officials as they deem expedient. These ‘Regulations for the Registration and
Control of Referees’ (the “Regulations”) are the regulations made under that Rule.
Affiliated Associations are responsible for the administration of Referees registered with The
Association who reside in their area as determined by The Association. Service Associations have
administrative responsibility for Referees who are serving members of the Armed Forces.
Affiliated Associations shall appoint a Referees’ Committee to carry out its’ functions under these
Regulations.
These regulations fully embrace The Association’s Equality Policy, Safeguarding Children Policy and
Regulations and Safeguarding Adults at Risk Regulations.
For the purpose of these Regulations the terms used will be defined as follows:
Administer - to carry out the administrative procedures relating to the registration and control of
Referees as required or determined by The Association from time to time.
Affiliated Association - a County Football Association or Service Association.
Annual Review - the review by a Competition of its List of Match Officials entitled to be appointed
for a match in that Competition, to establish the suitability of each Referee to continue to be eligible
to be retained on that List. This will take place between the last day of the playing season and the
31st July each year. Such a review will take into consideration the Referee’s administration, fitness,
conduct and performance on the field of play as defined in these Regulations, as modified by any
written instructions to a Competition from the Association from time to time. The Competition must
provide reasons for the removal of a Match Official from their List to the Parent Association of the
Match Official.
Club Mark - a numerical indication of a Referee’s performance on the field of play, reported by
competing Clubs after a match, on a scale defined by The Association.
Contributory Leagues - those nominated divisions, within specific Leagues as determined and
considered by The Association, suitable for Level 3 Referees.
County Referee - a Referee who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of The Association, Affiliated
Association or Service Association, as required by these Regulations, the ability to officiate at Level
6 and above.
Examine - to supervise, in written and/or other form of examination, Trainee Referee candidates to
the requirements and standards determined by The Association from time to time.
FA Basic Referee Course (previously referred to as The Basic Referee Training Course) - a course of
instruction for 11-a-side football as determined by The Association leading to the examination of
Referee candidates.
FIFA List - those Referees and Assistant Referees, nominated by The Association and selected by
FIFA, eligible for appointment to international matches.
Futsal - the only form of small sided football approved by FIFA.
Futsal Observer - those individuals authorised by The Association to produce Observer reports at
levels determined by The Association in relation to futsal.
Junior County Referee - a Referee who has completed successfully the Basic Referee Training
Course, having reached the age of 16 years.
League - a Competition sanctioned under relevant Regulations by The Association or an Affiliated
Association.
Marking Season - except as otherwise determined by The Association, the marking season for
promotion/retention shall be from the 1st March until the last day of February in the following year.
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 153

National List - those Referees selected by The Association, eligible for appointment to games in the
Premier League, EFL and other matches as determined from time to time.
Observer report - written appraisal of a Referee’s performance on the field of play, carried out by an
Observer, or a Futsal Observer, on behalf of The Association, Affiliated Association or competition
and submitted to the appropriate body.
Observers - those individuals authorised by The Association to produce out Observer reports at
levels determined by The Association.
Panel List - those Referees selected by The Association, eligible for appointment to games within
specific Panel Leagues as determined by The Association, suitable for Level 2 Referees.
Parent Association - the Affiliated Association within whose boundaries a referee resides (except for
Service referees and the Amateur Football Alliance).
Playing Season - that period of the year when The Association permits football to be played.
Referee - a person registered as qualified under these Regulations who may be appointed as a
Match Official.
Registration Period - from 1 June in each year, (or the date of successful completion of the Basic
Referee Training Course if later) to the following 31 May.
Senior County Referee - a Referee who has demonstrated to the satisfaction of The Association,
Affiliated Association or Service Association, as required by these Regulations, the ability to officiate
at Level 5 and above.
Service Association - an Affiliated Association having responsibility for the administration of the
game as determined by The Association from time to time in or relating to Her Majesty’s Regular
Forces (the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force).
Specialist Assistant Referee - Referees who are permitted by The Association to officiate almost
exclusively as Assistant Referees.
Supply League - those nominated divisions, within specific Leagues as determined and considered
by The Association, suitable for Level 4 Referees.
The Association - means The Football Association.
Trainee Referee - a Referee candidate who is undergoing the FA Basic Referee Course, will
be recognised and classified as a Level 9 Referee and may be appointed as a Match Official in
accordance with these regulations.
Youth Referee - means a registered Referee who is aged 14 or 15.
For the purposes of these Regulations, The Association shall act through the Council, which shall
delegate such functions to the Referees’ Committee.
1. REGISTRATION
(a) No person shall be appointed as a Match Official in any Match or Competition under the
jurisdiction of The Association either directly or indirectly unless registered in accordance
with these Regulations.
A Competition may include in its regulations a provision by which a person who is not a
registered Match Official may carry out the duties of a Match Official in a specific Match but
only in circumstances where a registered Match Official cannot be appointed to or officiate
in that Match. In these circumstances the appointed unregistered and/or unqualified
Match Official will carry the same powers and duties of an appointed registered Match
Official for the purpose of that match.
(b) A Referee must be registered with The Association through the Affiliated Association
within the area in which the Referee resides, which will be deemed that referee’s Parent
Association (or County). The Parent Association for serving members of The Armed Forces
is the Affiliated Association of the service in which they serve; such referees may also
154 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018

register as an Associate Referee with the Affiliated Association in whose area they reside.
A Referee will be required to pay the standard national registration fee to be determined
annually by The Association. Registration will run from the date of registration until the
following 31 May. A Referee may become an Associate Referee with another Affiliated
Association but will not be required to pay a further fee.
The Memorandum attached to these regulations details the responsibilities of Affiliated
Associations in respect of Referees administered by them.
(c) In cases where the boundaries of Affiliated Associations overlap, the Affiliated Associations
concerned must mutually agree responsibility of the training and examination of Trainee
Referees. Once the FA Basic Referee Course has been completed, the registration of the
Referee must then be transferred to the Affiliated Association of the area in which the
Referee resides. A Referee who changes residence from one administrative area to another
will be required to be released by the original Association before being registered with
their new Association for administrative purposes but will not be required to pay a further
registration fee for that season.
(d) Referees shall not be registered with The Association until they are able to satisfy the
Affiliated Association of their date of birth. A Trainee Referee must be 14 years of age or
older at the time of registration.
(e) A Referee who has failed to register as a Referee with The Association for between two
and five seasons shall not be re-registered until they have successfully undertaken and
completed the FA Basic Referee Course written examination. The Affiliated Association
may then register the Referee at their former Level (up to Senior County Referee) once
they are satisfied with his/her competence. A Referee who has not been registered for
more than five seasons must attend and successfully complete the FA Basic Referee Course
at which point they will be registered as a Junior County Referee.
(f) A Referee’s registration may be cancelled or suspended by the Affiliated Association in
consultation with The Association where the Referee has not acted in the best interests
of the game. The Association may take any action it deems appropriate. Applications for
the re-instatement of a Referee who has previously been disqualified under this Regulation
must be referred to The Association.
2. REFEREE RECRUITMENT, TRAINING AND EXAMINATION
(a) The Association and Affiliated Associations shall be responsible for the recruitment, training
and examination of Referees.
(b) The requirements and standards for Referee training and examination shall be agreed by
The Association.
(c) Initial Referee training course fees shall be set by The Association for:
- FA Basic Referee Course
- Futsal
- Small Sided Football
- Mini Soccer
- Disability Football
(d) FA Basic Referee Course - A candidate will undergo training and evaluation, including
practical and written assessments as determined by The Association.
(e) All other formats of initial Referee training will be examined at the end of the period
of training.
(f) The minimum age a candidate may be presented for initial examination of the FA Basic
Referee Course and all other forms of refereeing will be 14 years.
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(g) Candidates who do not reach the standard required by The Association in the initial
examination may be re-examined at a time appropriate to the needs of the individual as
determined by The Association and/or the Affiliated Associations.
3. CLASSIFICATION
(a) On behalf of The Association, each Affiliated Association must classify Referees
administered by their Association. The classification period runs from 1 June in each year,
or the date of successful completion of the initial examination, to the following 31 May.
As at 1 June in each year every Referee is to be classified as follows;
International FIFA List Referee
Level 1 Select Group or National List Referee
Level 2a Panel Select List Referee
Level 2b Panel List Referee
Level 3 Contributory League Referee
Level 4 Supply League Referee*
Level 5 Senior County Referee. This classification includes Referees who have
served at a higher Level.* *
Level 6 County Referee
Level 7 Junior County Referee (16 years of age or over)
Level Y Youth Referee (14 or 15 years of age)
Level T Trainee Referee
Level D Referee Workforce (an active Referee officiating in 6 or fewer matches a
season)
- Tutor
- Observer
- Mentor
- Coach
*Any such referee registered with the Guernsey FA, Jersey FA and the Isle of Man
FA and officiating on those islands may be classified as Level 4i according to criteria
approved by The Association.
** Where a Referee has achieved a Level higher than Level 5 and is not retained,
the Referee will usually be reclassified as a Level 5 Referee, with the option of
further promotion in the normal way or until a status of non-active is declared by
the individual.
The Association may designate Referees as Specialist Assistant Referees who will
officiate almost exclusively as Assistant Referees according to guidelines determined
from time to time.
A Referee may be registered as one or more of the following specialist categories; such
registration may be in addition to a Level 1 to 10 registration.
MSR - Mini Soccer Referee
SS - Small Sided Referee
International - FIFA List Referee
WFR1 - Premier League and Super League Women’s Football Referee
WFR2 - Combination Women’s Football Referee
WFR3 - Regional Premier Division Women’s Football Referee
WFR4 - Regional League Women’s Football Referee
WFR5 - County League Women’s Football Referee
WFR6 - Girls and County League Women’s Football Referee
WFR7 - Trainee Women’s Football Referee
156 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018

FURF - International FIFA Futsal Referee

FUR1 - National Futsal Referee
FUR2 - Regional Futsal Referee
FUR3 - Senior County Futsal Referee
FUR4 - County Futsal Referee
FUR5 - Junior County Futsal Referee
FUR6 - Youth Futsal Referee
FUR7 - Trainee Futsal Referee
(b) When a Referee changes residence from one Affiliated Association to another, the
classification Level will be accepted by the Affiliated Association into whose area the
Referee has moved.
(c) A Referee moving to England from another country must provide proof of their current
Referee status from their National Association. The Association will determine their
classification Level.
(d) Trainee Referees undertaking the FA Basic Referee Course must be registered as Level 9
by the end of module 3. A Level 9 Referee will automatically become a Level 7 Referee (16
years of age or over) or Level 8 (14 or 15 years of age) upon successful completion of the
FA Basic Referee Course.
(e) A Level 8 Referee will automatically become a Level 7 Referee on reaching the age of 16
(f) FIFA nominations:
Nominations will be approved annually by The Association’s Referees’ Committee
Priority will be given to developing English officials who show the potential to officiate at
future major international finals and tournaments
A FIFA official who ceases to be on the FIFA list will not be considered for future nomination
although consideration may be given in exceptional circumstance to an official who
resigned from the FIFA list for significant personal reasons
The following factors will be taken into consideration for each potential nominee:
• Domestic performances
• International performances
• Potential to officiate in future major international tournaments with special
consideration being given to UEFA EURO Championships and FIFA World Cups
• Fitness and body composition
• Availability
• Ambassadorial qualities
• Organisation and attitude (including feedback, reporting, self-analysis etc...)
Consideration will be given to operational requirements and the strategic planning of the
overall makeup of the English FIFA lists
4. PROMOTION
In addition to specific criteria outlined below, candidates for promotion may be required to
undertake all or some of the following:
• Physical fitness test(s).
• Laws of the Game test(s).
• Competition rule and regulations test(s).
• Interview.
Account may also be taken of administration and availability.
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 157

Men
(a) Selection and promotion within Levels 4 to International will be determined as follows:
International Level Annual nomination by The Association to FIFA, selected from
those eligible Referees as at the date of nomination determined
by FIFA.
Level 1 Referees who have been promoted from Level 2 for outstanding
ability as determined by The Association.
Level 2 Referees who have been promoted from Level 3 for outstanding
ability as determined by The Association.
Level 3 Referees who have been promoted from Level 4 for outstanding
ability as determined by The Association.
Level 4 Referees who have been promoted from Level 5 for outstanding
ability as determined by The Association following nomination
by the Affiliated Association to act as an Assistant Referee on
the National Contributory Leagues and as a Referee on a Supply
League.
Referees will be required to complete successfully an annual fitness test and other criteria
as determined by The Association prior to having their classification confirmed. On initial
selection for promotion to a higher Level, Referees may be required to attend an interview
to ascertain their suitability against criteria determined by The Association. The Association
will determine the acceptable number of matches required for consideration to be selected
for Levels 4 and above.
(b) Selection and promotion within Levels 7 to 5 will be determined as follows:
Referees must apply for promotion in writing to their Parent Association no later than
1 March preceding the season in which promotion is sought. Referees considered for
promotion in the preceding season, but not successful, will automatically be included in the
promotion scheme for the following season unless they indicate otherwise, in writing, to
their Parent Association.
The Parent Association may charge promotion candidates an administration fee (the
maximum sum to be determined from time to time by The Association); the administration
fee will be refunded to candidates who complete the promotion process, regardless of
whether or not they are promoted.
(c) The Parent Association may charge promotion candidates an administration fee (the sum
to be determined from time to time by The Association); the administration fee will be
refunded to a candidate who completes the promotion process, regardless of whether or
not they are promoted.
The responsibility of promoting Referees within Levels 7 to 5 rests with the Referee’s Parent
Association. All selections to Level 5 must be made by 25 March each year and selections
to Level 6 by 30 April each year.
Levels 5 and 6
Promotion from Level 6 to Level 5 and Level 7 to Level 6 shall be based on a Referee’s
practical performance on the field of play and other criteria as follows:
- Observer reports by Observers on a minimum of three games.
- Club marks from competitions over the age of 16 years over a minimum of 20 games
(a minimum of 70% must be in open age competitions) officiated in as a Referee in the
marking season.
- A Level 6 Referee wishing to be considered for future promotion to Level 4 must
complete at least 5 games as an Assistant Referee.
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- Attending at least one promotion in-service training event.

- Successful completion of a written examination as determined by The Association.
Level 7 - Reclassification from Level Y and T
(d) At an interim meeting at the end of September County Associations may:
- Identify Level 7 Referees who are showing promise and consider them for accelerated
promotion from Level 7 to 5 in one season providing they meet the criteria as
determined above
- To gather supporting evidence for this “accelerated promotion” the Affiliated
Association should provide the Referee with more challenging matches eg higher
division matches in local leagues, games in later rounds of County Competitions.
Referees being considered for this promotion would require an additional 20 games
and a further three Observer reports at the higher Level of challenge. The Referee
must attend an in-service training event for Level 6 to 5 and take the appropriate
examination as determined in the criteria set by The Association.
- Review for promotion to Level 6 or 5 a Referee who was ineligible for consideration in
the annual promotion meeting because of shortage of games. Referees who meet the
criteria may be promoted to Level 6 or Level 5 with effect from 1 October.
(e) A Level 7 Referee must officiate as a Referee in a minimum of 20 games in one registration
period before applying for promotion. No Affiliated Association may impose any other
qualification periods which cause delayed passage through the promotion pyramid.
Women
(f) Promotion through the Women’s Pyramid of Football will follow the criteria above,
excepting that Referees choosing the women’s pathway cannot automatically cross over
to the same Men’s classification Level as this pathway is for the development of female
Referees only.
As at 1 June in each year Referee is to be classified as follows;
International FIFA List Referee -
Level 1 Premier League and Super League Referee
Level 2 Combination Referee
Level 3 Regional Premier Division Referee
Level 4 Regional League Referee
Level 5 County League Referee
Level 6 Youth Referee (14 or 15 years of age)
Level 7 Trainee Women’s Football Referee
International Level - annual nomination by The Association to FIFA, selected from those
eligible Referees as at the date of nomination determined by FIFA. Nominees must operate
regularly at the highest level of the national women’s competition.
Level 1 Referees who have been promoted from Level 2 for outstanding ability as
determined by The Association.
Level 2 Referees who have been promoted from Level 3 for outstanding ability as
determined by The Association.
Promotion to Level 1 and Level 2 will be based on a Referee’s practical performance on the
field of play by considering the criteria determined as follows:
- Observer reports by Observers on a minimum of three games.
- Club marks from competitions over the age of 16 years over a minimum of 20 games
(a minimum of 70% must be in women’s competitions) officiated in as a Referee in the
marking season.
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 159

- Attending at least one promotion in-service training event.

- Successful completion of a written examination as determined by The Association.
- Successful completion of a fitness test as determined by The Association.
Referees will be required to complete successfully an annual fitness test and other criteria
as determined by The Association prior to having their classification confirmed. On initial
selection for promotion to a higher Level, Referees may be required to attend an interview
to ascertain their suitability against criteria determined by The Association. The Association
will determine the acceptable number of matches required for consideration to be selected
for Levels 2 and above.
Levels 3, 4 and 5
Promotion from Level 4 to Level 3, Level 5 to Level 4, Level 6 to Level 5 shall be based on a
Referee’s practical performance on the field of play by considering the criteria determined
as follows:
- Observer reports by Observers on a minimum of three games.
- Club marks from competitions over the age of 16 years over a minimum of 20 games
(a minimum of 70% must be in women’s competitions) officiated in as a Referee in the
marking season.
- A Level 3 Referee wishing to be considered for future promotion to Level 2 must
complete at least 5 games as an Assistant Referee.
- Attendance at at least one in-service training event
- Successful completion of a written examination as determined by The Association.
Trainee Referees undertaking the FA Basic Referee Course must be registered as Level 7
by the end of module 3. A Level 7 Referee will automatically become a Level 5 Referee (16
years of age or over) or Level 6 (14 or 15 years of age) upon successful completion of the FA
Basic Referee Course
A Level 6 Referee will automatically become a Level 5 Referee on reaching the age of 16.
Futsal
International Level - annual nomination by The Association to FIFA, selected from those
eligible Futsal Referees as at the date of nomination determined by FIFA. Nominees must
operate regularly on the Futsal National League competition.
Level 1 - Promotion from Level 2 to 1 shall be based on the following criteria:
- Successfully complete a fitness test as determined by The Association.
- Have a minimum of two years’ experience as a Level 2 Futsal Referee.
- Observer reports by Futsal Observers on a minimum of five games during the season.
- Refereed a minimum of ten matches during the season.
Level 2 - Promotion from Level 3 to 2 shall be based on the following criteria:
- Successfully complete a fitness test as determined by The Association.
- Have a minimum of one year’s experience as a Level 3 Futsal Referee.
- Observer reports by Futsal Observers on a minimum of four games during the season.
- Refereed a minimum of eight matches during the season.
Level 3 - Promotion from Level 4 to 3 shall be based on the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of one year’s experience as a Level 4 Futsal Referee.
- Observer reports by Futsal Observers on a minimum of three games during the season.
- Refereed a minimum of six matches during the season.
Level 4 - Promotion from Level 5 to 4 shall be based on the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of one year’s experience as a Level 5 Futsal Referee.
- Observer reports by Futsal Observers on a minimum of two games during the season.
- Refereed a minimum of four matches during the season.
160 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018

Level 5 - Reclassification from Level 6 Youth Futsal Referee upon reaching the age of 16.
A Level 7 Futsal Trainee Referee will automatically become a Level 5 Referee (16 years of
age or over) or Level 6 (14 or 15 years of age) upon successful completion of the Futsal
Referee Training Course.
5. COMPETITIONS
(a) Affiliated Associations must advise successful candidates of the result of the initial
examination, in writing, as well as providing them with details of local competitions on
which they are eligible to officiate.
(b) Referees under the age of 16 are only eligible to officiate in competitions where the players’
age band is at least one year younger than the age of the Referee. e.g. a 15 year old referee
may only referee in competitions where the age banding is 14 or younger. This also applies
to those mentioned in regulation 1(a) regarding unregistered and or unqualified Referees.
(c) Referees under the age of 16 must not participate either as a Referee or Assistant Referee
in any open age competition. This also applies to those mentioned in regulation 1(a)
regarding unregistered and/or unqualified Referees.
(d) The Association will advise Affiliated Associations annually of those Competitions, and the
recognised Leagues and divisions, which have been granted Supply League status.
(e) A Competition acting alone may not suspend a Match Official from its List at any time during
the playing season (such power resting solely with The Association, Affiliated Association
or Service Association as appropriate under Regulation 7 below).
A Competition can only remove a Match Official from its List during the season with
the written approval and permission of the Association or the Parent Association of the
Match Official.
A Competition may remove a Match Official from its List as part of the Annual Review and
must provide reasons for the removal to the Parent Association of the Match Official.
(f) The practical performance on the field of play of Match Officials officiating at Supply
Leagues and above shall be appraised and reviewed during and at the end of each marking
season.
Competitions at Supply Leagues and above are responsible for informing Referees of their
performance at regular intervals during the season.
Competitions shall provide annually to The Association or Affiliated Association as
appropriate a List of the Match Officials they have appointed with the Marks and Observer
reports obtained in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 12 of these Regulations.
All affiliated football clubs are to mark Referees on a scale of 1-100. An example of the
marking Guide and form to be used in Supply Leagues is shown at Appendix A. Similarly an
example of a marking guide and form for all other affiliated football is shown at Appendix B.
(g) A Match Official may appeal to the relevant Affiliated or Service Association, or where
appropriate The Association, against a decision of a Competition to remove or suspend the
Match Official from its List.
(h) A Competition shall not have the power to act in relation to the Registration of a Referee.
Any allegation of behaviour alleged to constitute a breach under Regulation 7 (a)( i) or (ii)
below must be reported to The Association, Affiliated Association or Service Association in
accordance with Regulation 7 (c) below.
(i) Match Officials’ Fees and Expenses are set or approved by Affiliated Associations. Match
Officials officiating in competitions at Supply League and above may not receive any other
financial reward or incentive based on their on field of play performances from any Affiliated
Association or Competition, other than the set fees and expenses.
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 161

(j) A Competition may add a new referee to its List for a period not exceeding 6 months, on a
probationary basis. By the end of this period of time, the Competition must either confirm
the referee as an addition to its List or inform the Parent Association of the Match Official
that it will no longer offer them appointments.
6. TRAINING
(a) The Association shall identify the training requirements of Referees at all levels and be
responsible for accrediting courses of instruction to meet those requirements.
(b) Referees will be required to attend accredited training at intervals determined by The
Association. Only training delivered by accredited or approved Referee tutors will be valid.
(c) Training may be delivered, at the appropriate levels, in conjunction with Affiliated
Associations, Match Officials’ associations or the Referees’ Association by Referee tutors
accredited or approved by The Association.
7. CONDUCT OF REFEREES
(a) The Association, Affiliated Association or Service Association, as appropriate, shall have the
power to act at any time in relation to the registration of a Referee who has:
(i) less than proficiently applied the Laws of the Game; or
(ii) committed a technical irregularity; or
(iii) proved to have been concerned as an agent for a Club or a Player in the transfer or
attempted transfer and/or engagement of a Player; or
(iv) wilfully mis-stated his/her age, or, date of birth; or
(v) as a player, violated the Laws of the Game to such a degree that a Regulatory
Commission or a Disciplinary Committee subsequently imposes a penalty of
suspension from playing; or
(vi) been found to have committed an act of Misconduct (as defined in and) pursuant
to the Rules of The Association or an Affiliated Association or Service Association;
or
(vii) a Football Banning Order imposed on him or her; or
(viii) has not acted in the best interests of the game.
(b) Only The Association, Affiliated Association or Service Association may act in relation to
the Registration of a Referee. Such action may only be taken by its Referees’ Committee.
Where an alleged breach of Regulation 7(a) is committed by a Referee whilst acting as a
Match Official in any capacity (on or off the field) the matter will be dealt with by a Referees’
Committee or Commission thereof except where a charge is brought under FA Rule E. A
Regulation 7(a) breach can only be subject to a charge under FA Rule E if brought by, or
after consultation with, The Association. Where a charge is raised under FA Rule E, and
in all other circumstances, the Referee will be dealt with by a Disciplinary or Regulatory
Commission as any other Participant.
(c) Any behaviour alleged to constitute a breach under 7(a) (i) or (ii) above must have been
notified to, or otherwise come to the attention of The Association, Affiliated Association
or Service Association within 14 days of the relevant incident(s) for such to be acted upon
under 7(a).
(d) A technical irregularity under 7 (a)(ii) above shall be any failure by a Referee to meet any
requirement imposed on, or notified to, a Referee by The Association, Affiliated or Service
Association as appropriate from time to time.
A “technical irregularity” includes, but is not in any way limited to, any failure to comply with
administrative requirements imposed on a Referee such as the requirements to file reports,
answer correspondence, attend match venues or disciplinary or regulatory hearings at a
particular time, etc or any breach of Regulation 10 or 13.
162 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018

(e) Where a Referee is alleged to have breached 7(a) (i) – (viii) above, the Referees’ Committee
shall advise the Referee, in writing, of the relevant allegation(s) and supporting facts and
state that the matter will be considered by the Committee or a duly appointed Commission
thereof.
The Referee shall respond within 14 days and may either:
(i) deny the allegation(s), setting out a statement of his case; or
(ii) request a personal hearing, in which case a fee of £25 must accompany the
request; or
(iii) admit the allegation(s). A Referee who admits the allegation(s) may set out
any submissions which he wishes the Referees’ Committee to consider when
considering what, if any, action to take. The Referee may also request a personal
hearing as above.
In considering any allegation at a personal hearing, a Referees’ Committee or Commission
thereof, may adopt such procedures as it considers appropriate and expedient for the
determination of the matter brought before it; and shall not be bound by any enactment of
rule or law relating to the admissibility of evidence in proceedings before a court of law.
Guide to Procedures at Personal Hearings
The following may be used as a guide to the procedures to be followed at a personal
hearing, unless the Referees’ Committee or Commission consider it appropriate to amend
them:
(a) The allegation(s) will be read out to the Referee, who will be asked if the
allegation(s) are admitted or denied.
(b) Evidence in support of the allegation(s) to be called.
(c) Evidence in response to the allegation(s) to be submitted by the Referee, who may,
with the permission of the Referees’ Committee or Commission, be accompanied
by a representative. (Any such representative shall not be permitted to give
evidence as a witness).
(d) The Referees’ Committee or Commission and the Referee (as appropriate) shall
be entitled to ask questions of any witness giving evidence in support of the
allegation(s). The Referees’ Committee or Commission shall be entitled to ask
questions of the Referee, who may give evidence in defence of the allegation(s).
The Referees’ Committee or Commission may draw such inferences as it considers
appropriate from the failure of the Referee to give evidence or answer a question.
(e) In the event of evidence submitted in answer to the allegation(s) disclosing a point
which the Referees’ Committee or Commission considers was not covered in the
evidence of, or not put to, any witness in support of the allegation(s), the Referees’
Committee or Commission may recall and ask questions of such witness. The
Referee or relevant representative may also ask questions.
(f) After the evidence has been completed to the satisfaction of the Referees’
Committee or Commission, the Referee or representative shall be entitled to
make submissions based upon the evidence, but this may not include reference
to facts not disclosed in the evidence presented to the Referees’ Committee or
Commission. At the conclusion of the submissions all persons shall withdraw whilst
the Referees’ Committee or Commission considers the evidence and submissions
presented to it and determines whether the allegation(s) has been proved or not.
After reaching a decision, the Referees’ Committee or Commission shall recall the
Referee and any representative, and announce whether the allegation(s) have
proved or not proved. The decision shall be subsequently confirmed in writing. As
an alternative the Referees’ Committee or Commission may, where it considers it
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 163

appropriate, not announce its decision at the meeting but inform the Referee that
such a decision will be communicated in writing.
(g) Where the Referees’ Committee or Commission find the allegation(s) proved,
it shall have the power to act in relation to the Registration of the Referee as it
considers appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to, censure, a period of
remedial training, suspension or removal of Registration.
(h) A Referee may be dealt with in the normal course as a participant for any
alleged Misconduct (i.e. by a Regulatory Commission or another Disciplinary
Commission as appropriate), in addition to having issues relating to the
Registration as a Referee considered by The Association, Affiliated Association
or Service Association through its Referees’ Committee in relation to the same
behaviour. In such cases, a charge of Misconduct shall be considered before
any matter relating to the issue of Registration is dealt with by the Referees’
Committee under Regulation 7 (a)(vi).
Action in respect of the Registration of Match Officials appointed to Competitions
of The Association and other Competitions including Contributory League Level
and above in the Order of Precedence (Section 9) will be considered by the
appropriate committee of The Association.
(i) In circumstances where it is considered appropriate, the Referees’ Committee
may order that the Registration of a Referee be suspended with immediate effect,
pending determination of a charge of Misconduct or pending the determination
of a charge under 7(a)(i) or (ii) above and in the latter case the reason for
such suspension is to be notified to the Referee in writing and reported to the
Commission hearing any resultant charge.
8. APPEALS AGAINST DECISIONS OF A REFEREES’ COMMITTEE OR COMMISSION THEREOF
(a) Where The Association or an Affiliated or Service Association, through its Referees’
Committee, makes an order in relation to the registration or classification of a Referee there
shall be a right of appeal by the Referee against the decision.
Where the order is made under Regulation 7, the appeal procedure is outlined below. In all
other cases the appeal shall follow the procedure determined by the appropriate body i.e.
The Association, Affiliated Association or appointing authority.
(b) (i) Notice of an appeal against a decision of a Referees’ Committee or Commission
thereof made under Regulation 7 must be lodged with The Association or
appropriate Affiliated Association within 14 days of notification of the decision
appealed against, accompanied by a fee as determined by The Association.
(ii) An Appeal shall be considered by an “Appeals Panel” comprising Members of
the Council of The Association or appropriate Affiliated Association established
specifically to deal with appeals from decisions under Regulation 7, none of whom
shall have been party to the original decision. A decision of the Appeals Panel shall
be final and binding.
(iii) The Notice of Appeal must:
(1) identify the specific decision(s) being appealed
(2) set out the grounds of appeal; and
(3) set out a statement of the facts upon which the appeal is based.
(iv) The grounds of appeal shall be that the body whose decision is appealed against:
(1) misinterpreted or failed to comply with any rules or regulations relevant
to its decision; and/or
(2) came to a decision to which no reasonable such body could have arrived
at; and/or
(3) made an order, which is excessive.
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(v) The Appeals Panel may adopt such procedures as it considers appropriate and
expedient for the just determination of an appeal brought before it, and shall not
be bound by any enactment or rule of law relating to the admissibility of evidence
in proceedings before a court of law.
The following is set out as a guide to the conduct of a hearing before the Appeals
Panel:
(1) The Appellant to address the Appeals Panel, summarising its case;
(2) The Respondent to address the Appeals Panel, summarising its case;
(3) The Appeals Panel may put questions to the parties at any stage;
(4) The Respondent to make closing submissions;
(5) The Appellant to make closing submissions;
(6) The Appellant and the Respondent to withdraw whilst the Appeals Panel
considers the submissions and determines the matter.
(7) The Appellant and the Respondent to be recalled and the decision and
any orders consequential to it announced to both parties. Alternatively,
where it considers it appropriate, the Appeals Panel may decide not to
announce its decision, but make it known at a later date, in writing. In
any event, the Appeals Panel shall publicise a written statement of its
decision (see 8(b)(ix) below).
(vi) The Appeals Panel shall proceed in the absence of any party, unless it is satisfied
that there are reasonable grounds for the failure of the party to attend, and shall
do so in such manner as it considers appropriate.
(vii) A decision of the Appeals Panel shall be final and binding and there shall be no
right of further challenge.
(viii) The Appeals Panel shall have power to:
(1) allow or dismiss the appeal; or
(2) remit the matter for re-hearing by the Referees’ Committee; or
(3) exercise any power which the body against whose decision the appeal
was made could have exercised; or
(4) make any further or other order considered appropriate, either generally,
or for the purpose of giving effect to its decision. Any fee may be returned
or forfeited, in whole or in part, at the discretion of the Appeals Panel,
who shall also have the power to determine by whom the costs of the
appeal shall be borne.
(ix) As soon as practicable after the hearing, the Appeals Panel shall publish a written
statement of its decision, which shall state:
(1) the names of the parties, the decision(s) appealed against and the
grounds of appeal;
(2) whether or not the appeal is allowed; and
(3) the order(s) of the Appeals Panel.
The written statement shall be signed and dated by the chairman of the Appeals
Panel and be the conclusive record of the decision.
9. APPOINTMENTS
(a) Registered Referees shall not officiate in any Competition, which is not sanctioned, or
match in which unaffiliated clubs compete.
(b) The “Order of Precedence” of appointments, whether as a Referee or Assistant Referee
shall be as follows:
(1) The FA Challenge Cup Competition;
(2) The Premier League;
(3) EFL;
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(4) The FA Challenge Trophy Competition;

(5) The FA Challenge Vase Competition;
(6) Affiliated Association Cup Competitions*
(7) The Panel Leagues;
(8) The FA Youth, FA County Youth Challenge Cup Competitions and FA Women’s Cup
4th round and above.
(9) Contributory Leagues (recognised divisions only), National League Systems Cup
and FA Sunday Cup
(10) FA Women’s Super League and Cup
(11) Supply Leagues (marking divisions only)
(12) FA Women’s Premier League and Cup
(13) Senior County Leagues
(14) Intermediate County League
(15) FA Women’s Cup prior to 4th round
(16) Women’s Combination League and Cup
(17) Women’s Regional League and Cup
(18) County Junior Leagues
(19) County Women’s Leagues and Cup
(20) All other competitions, including Youth Competitions
*Affiliated Association appointments only take precedence over Panel Leagues, The FA
Youth and FA County Youth Challenge Cup Competitions, Contributory League and Supply
League appointments. If the appointment is in the Affiliated Association’s nominated
Senior Cup Competition or in the Semi-final and/or Final of any other Affiliated Association
Competition whether the appointment is as a Referee or an Assistant Referee.
**Fourth Officials where appointed do not form part of the Order of Precedence and usually
do not take precedence over an active appointment.
(c) Referees must attend personal hearings when required to do so. At Contributory Level or
above Match Officials’ appointments already received, take precedence over requests to
attend personal hearings. On receipt of notification of a personal hearing Referees must
close the date with all appropriate competitions.
(d) Where release from an appointment is required to enable a Referee to take a more senior
appointment at least four days’ notice must be given to the relevant Affiliated Association
or competition by the association or competition requesting the release. Where fewer than
four days’ notice is given, The Association or Competition must obtain permission from the
Affiliated Association or Competition for the Referee to be released.
(e) Once The Association or an Affiliated Association has appointed a Match Official if,
subsequently, the match is postponed, abandoned or results in a draw and the rearranged
fixture is then scheduled to take place less than four complete days from the date of the
original match, The Association or Affiliated Association appointment will take priority over
any other appointment already accepted by the Referee from a competition lower in the
order of precedence, unless The Association or Affiliated Association waive their right to the
services of the match official so appointed.
(f) “Fourth Officials” are appointed to certain rounds of FA Competitions, Premier League
and EFL matches and associated Competitions, and the Panel Competitions. The duties
and responsibilities of the Fourth Official are detailed in the Laws of the Game and in the
Competition Rules. Such appointments form part of the Order of Precedence within the
Competitions listed above.
(g) Reserve Assistant Referees may only be appointed in FA, Premier League and EFL
Competitions, with the approval of The Association. They have no duties other than to
replace an official who is unable to officiate.
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10. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

A Referee shall at all times act impartially. Where a Referee believes that there is a material
interest conflicting with the duties and obligations of a Match Official and any appointment,
then the Referee shall decline to act or officiate and declare it to the appointing authority
(whose decision in relation to any dispute or difference in such matters shall be final and
binding).
11. REFEREES’ UNIFORMS
(a) (i) All Match Officials in Competitions under the jurisdiction of The Association and
Affiliated Associations must wear uniforms comprising a plain shirt which shall
be almost entirely black with a white or black collar and black shorts. Socks will
be black; the sock top will be black, white or the colour of the shirt or its collar.
Affiliated Associations may give permission for Referees to wear non-black shirts
in a Competition which the Affiliated Association organises and/or sanctions. The
shirt(s) must be almost entirely of a single colour. Where a Competition appoints
neutral assistant referees, only one non-black coloured shirt is permitted; the
colour must be designated and competition rules must ensure that the match
officials can wear black or the designated colour without clashing with the Players.
(ii) Referees’ uniforms must not carry any form of advertising.
(b) Headgear may be worn in extreme weather conditions. It must be plain black and not
restrict the vision of the Match Official.
(c) The following Competitions may be exempt from (a) above, on application to The
Association subject to the conditions below:
• FA Women’s Super League and Premier League
• The Premier League
• EFL
• Competitions of Panel and Contributory League Status
Application must be submitted annually prior to 1 May for the following season. Approval
will be considered only for shirts that are almost entirely of a single colour and where the
competition confirms to The Association that all Match Officials will be provided with shirts,
shorts and socks free of charge.
(d) Match Officials officiating in FA Competition matches are required to wear the FIFA or
Football Association badge (where awarded) or the badge of their Affiliated Association.
No other competition badge should be worn.
(e) Advertising and branding on Match Officials’ uniforms (where permitted in accordance with
sub-paragraph 11(c) above) must be in accordance with The Association’s Regulations
relating to advertising on the clothing of Players, Club Officials and Match Officials.
12. RETURNS
(a) Annually, in accordance with the instructions of The Association issued from time to time,
competitions shall provide to The Association or appropriate Affiliated Association lists of
Match Officials used. Such lists shall include the marks awarded by clubs, and Observer
reports where appropriate, during the specified period, together with any other information
required.
(b) Not later than the date decided by The Association, Affiliated Associations shall nominate
suitable Referees for consideration by The Association for selection to the Contributory
League Assistant Referees List.
(c) Competitions that are required to administer fitness tests must submit the results to The
Association and the Referee’s Parent Affiliated Association.
 REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND CONTROL OF REFEREES 2017-2018 167

13. CODES OF CONDUCT

Match Officials shall be bound by Codes of Conduct such as are instructed by The
Association from time to time (Appendix C).
14. REPORTING MISCONDUCT
(a) Referees must submit full details on all matters of misconduct, sendings off and cautions
only to the appropriate Association or Affiliated Association responsible for administering
misconduct and not to any other organisation or Competition.
(b) Referees may include on the normal Competition match report forms the names and club
details of those personnel reported for misconduct but must not include any details of the
incident and for all on-field offences they can only report the name of the player/players
cautioned/sent off, the club, the time of offence and the relevant FA offence code.
(c) Should any match official be approached to supply any details, they should immediately
report the matter to the Association or Affiliated Association.