The Rotherham & District Sunday League (RDSL) is encouraging more people to pick up the whistle and kick off their referee journey in Rotherham with the introduction of a reimbursement grant to partially cover course costs.

Aspiring referees will be reimbursed £100 by the League once they have completed the online learning on the Laws of the Game, attended The FA Referee Course and officiated at least five RDSL fixtures.

The next FA Referee Course in Rotherham takes place on Wednesday 15th November (6-9pm) and Sunday 19th November (9am – 5pm) at Wickersley School & Sports College.

More information can be found here.

About the course
This adult only course is for people aged 18 and over and is designed to equip new referees with the key skills and knowledge they will need to be able to referee adult football matches safely and effectively. 

Qualifying as a referee is a great way to stay in the game following injury or retirement, keep fit and healthy, and earn money.

Find out more about the FA Referee course by clicking here.

Why should I referee in the RDSL?
Here’s what some current referees had to say about officiating in the RDSL:

“The league is quick to reach out to referees when they hear of any potential disciplinary issues that have risen at a particular game. They will call and message me to check the facts, never question my version of events and make sure I’m supported.”

“I have refereed in the Rotherham Sunday League for over 30 years. I do so simply because I enjoy it. I feel that when I was progressing, refereeing at this level helped me in various aspects of refereeing, especially man management.”

“Without referees, we wouldn’t have a game and the vast majority of players & club officials recognise this and treat me well and with respect.”

“I got into refereeing at the age of 34, as my Sunday league playing days were clearly numbered. Having played open age Sunday league from the age of 17 until 34, I felt obliged to continue to contribute to something that had given me a sense of fulfilment and enjoyment for almost 20 years prior.”

How do I sign up?
Sign up for the below referee course by clicking the link below.

Book your place

Location: Wickersley School & Sports College, Bawtry Road, Wickersley, Rotherham S66 1JL
Dates: Wednesday 15th November (6pm-9pm) and Sunday 19th November (9am-5pm).

For more information on referee courses and available grants, please contact support@sheffieldfa.com