There are over 1,350 registered referees in the county, ranging from those just setting out in the game to individuals who have progressed to officiating in the FA Premier League and Football League. The Essex County FA support the development of match officials from initially booking onto courses, in gaining promotion and also via the form of mentoring and assessment through a referee’s career.
You can start to get involved from the age of just 14, with specific pathways in place within both the men’s and women’s game if you wish to move through the levels. You’ll get lots of helpful advice from the outset, including details about the Laws of the Game and guidelines on fitness and nutrition.
The Essex County FA also back the initiatives of the Essex County Referees Association. The ECRA provides assistance for officials and, with the aid of an incentive scheme run in conjunction with The FA, points can be obtained each time you referee a match or attend a meeting of the RA and seminars organised by the County Football Association. These points will enable you to purchase referee kit and supplies from the RA’s supplies department at a reduced cost or, in some cases, no cost at all.
Once you have gained experience of officiating, you may like to get involved in one of our mentoring schemes, where you can share information, ideas and advice with up-and-coming referees at society meetings, at grounds or even by telephone.
So, if you have a query about the Laws of the Game, want to know more about misconduct reporting or just wish to gather further information about becoming the man or woman in the middle, you’ve come to the right place!
Referees
