In this article you will...

• Understand the changing room protocol for match officials.
• Be provided with some top tips to ensure your whole team feel comfortable on match day.

Referees are often faced with the assumption that it's ok for refereeing colleagues to share the same changing rooms. Whilst this can be acceptable in many cases it's recognised there are situations when this is simply not appropriate or suitable.

If for any reason, you would prefer not to share a changing room, please let the referee appointments secretary and/or the host club know in advance. This will provide a better opportunity for the host club to find you an individual changing room.

Adult Referees

• Adults must not get changed with under 18s or be in the changing room whilst they are changing.
• It's the responsibility of the adult referee to confirm the changing process; allowing the under 18 to change on their own and then switch with any adults or vice-versa.
• If you're unsure of the age of a fellow referee, feel confident to ask their age to ensure the young person feels supported and comfortable as part of the team.
• If before match day you are aware of an under 18 in your team, please ask the host club if they can provide a separate changing room if possible.

Under 18 Referees

• You must not get changed with adults (anyone 18-years-of-age or older) or be in the changing room whilst someone else is getting changed. Refereeing colleagues and host clubs will have been told this - perhaps they have not realised you are under 18.
• If necessary, please remind the referee or other referee (s) that you need to get changed on your own and then leave so the can get changed. Please let your league or referee appointment secretary, County FA or referee mentor know so this is not repeated in the future.
• Some clubs may be able to provide you a separate changing room to change on your own or if possible, arrive at the game in match kit so you don't need to change.
• If you have a concern about the behaviour of another adult or young person towards you please tell an adult you trust this could be your parent/carer, referee mentor or County FA.

Supporting different genders/ gender identity

• You must not be getting changed with officials of a different gender/ gender identity or be in the changing room whilst they are getting changed.
• Be confident to confirm the changing process, agreeing who will get changed and who will be outside the changing room. Once all officials are changed and if comfortable to do so, the changing room can be shared as standard pre-match protocol.

To reiterate, ensuring you feel comfortable and safe when changing is paramount. If for any reason, you would prefer not to share a changing room, please do let the other match officials or club know so that alternative options can be explored.