The Referee Progression Pathway will create more progression opportunities for more o cials across the grassroots game (Level 5-7 & Level Y). The priorities of this change will focus on:

• Giving referees greater control over their own progression.
• Providing a route for expedited progression for those able to provide more commitment.
• Instilling a developmental philosophy into grassroots refereeing.
• Motivating and incentivising refereeing through structural change.
• Re-energising and diversifying the referee development workforce across the grassroots game.
• Removing some of the key barriers to progress.

How?

The new methodology will replace the annual promotion process based on formal assessments with progression based on:

• Number of appointments.
• Completion of free online referee development modules.
• Support and advice from a Match Day Coach.
• Successful completion of a Laws of the Game exam.
• Attendance at face-to-face training (Level 6-5 only).

Expected Benefits

• Increased coverage – as quarterly promotions will be linked to the completion of appointments; referees will be incentivised to cover more games.
• Developmental culture – move from “fault-finding” to a collegiate model+ free online content.
• Increase number of promotion candidates - incentivise progression based on achievable and attainable routes with opportunities offered at several stages during the season.
• Refresh the referee development workforce – attract more people into supporting other referees.
• Referees with potential – increasing the numbers in the pathway increases access to a development to increase standards.
• Progression alongside other roles within football – the model will allow officials to progress at their own pace (e.g. academy players to progress alongside playing commitments) or attract those when finished playing.
• Club marks no longer required - this will remove a potential area of concern/ unfairness and significantly reduce an administrative burden for clubs, leagues and County FAs.