The Football Association’s National Referee Development Programme forms a major part of The FA’s initiative to recruit, retain and develop referees involved in 11-a-side football.
The programme, which was launched in 2011, is committed to training, retaining and developing enthusiastic and committed referees with support and coaching in a safe and constructive learning environment. The fundamental goal is to enable individuals to flourish in refereeing.
We believe that, whatever your age and current experience in refereeing grassroots football, this programme has something to offer, from new trainee referees looking forward to their first six games to those who have reached Level 5 or 4 and are looking to progress further.
For further information, take a look at the NRDP brochure download and programme steps chart below.
Stages of the National Referee Development Programme
• Basic Referee Training Course
Modules 1 – 3 successfully completed and RA Membership offered.
• National Referee Development Programme
(For Module 4 - First 6 games)
• Stage 1: Entry to the Programme
RDO/CTO & Referee Tutor to allocate Level 9 referee to Partner League/Club to complete initial 6 games and allocate mentor.
Stage 1 completed when referee completes Module 5 and is reclassified to Level 8 or 7.
• Stage 2: Support and Retention
RDO/CTO oversees placement of Level 8 or 7 referees with Partner League(s) or Partner Club and reaffirms mentor allocation. Mentor to establish goals / targets for referee.
Referees will stay in Stage 2 for a maximum of 1 playing season, however referees can be accelerated to Stage 3 if identified as having potential to progress more quickly.
• Stage 3: Development & Progression
Referee invited to join County FA Referee Academy/School of Excellence or similar set up. RDO oversees/co-ordinates and ensures that all referees are allocated a Coach. This stage supports referees to reach Level 5/4.
• Stage 4: Further Development & Progression
Referees who display exceptional potential during Stage 3 will be nominated for and be part of a Regional Development Group and may attend the Young Referees Conference (if aged 18-25) exchange programmes etc. They will have reached Level 4 or be an exceptional Level 5.
