Be a Referee!
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Referees are a crucial part of the game. Curious to learn more about what it's like to be one?
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UEFA's "Be a Referee!" campaign wants to inspire young people to become a match official. The campaign is part of a wider UEFA programme to support member national associations in their activities to recruit new referees.
UEFA chief refereeing officer Roberto Rosetti:
"With the number of matches increasing we currently need around 277,000 officials in European football, but we are lacking almost 40,000 referees in order to have enough for the running of the game at grassroots level. This is why UEFA has decided to invest in a programme which supports the national associations in recruiting and retaining young referees. It is essential for the lifeblood of European football."
What qualifications do I need to become a referee?
Are you interested in becoming a referee? Refereeing offers many opportunities and is a great way to be involved in football.
In 2023, UEFA launched "Be a Referee!", which aims to increase knowledge about refereeing, highlight the importance of referees for the game and inspire young people start a career as a match official. Our target is to register around 40,000 new referees per season.
Referees need to have a good understanding of the game of football. It is also important to have a strong sense of fairness, impartiality, and the ability to make quick decisions under pressure.
Refereeing can help develop various skills such as leadership, communication, and decision-making. It also offers opportunities for personal growth and involvement in the sport. Other benefits can include improved fitness and physical stamina, and the opportunity to become part of a local or national network of qualified officials.
Three steps to follow to become a referee
1. Get in touch with your country's football governing body or national referee association to inquire about their referee training programmes and requirements. They will provide you with the necessary information on how to become a referee.
2. Attend a referee training course: Each national association has a different process, but once you have contacted yours, they will guide you through the process of attending a referee training course. These courses are designed to teach you the rules and regulations of the game, as well as the mechanics and techniques of refereeing. Some might require you to pass an exam, or require a certain number of hours of study and practice.
3. Gain practical experience: To further develop your skills as a referee, it is important to gain experience by officiating matches at various levels, such as youth or grassroots football games.
How do I become a referee in my country?
The pathway into refereeing varies depending on your national association. Click on your country to find out more and take your first steps into the game!
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
England
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Northern Ireland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Türkiye
Ukraine
Wales
