Before booking your place on a course

Before attending the face-to-face training, all learners must complete online learning on the Laws of the Game and online safeguarding training. If you are aged 16 or over and intend to referee junior football (U18), you will need to obtain an FA DBS.

Important information: If your child is under 18, they must have a parent/guardian linked FAN (FA Number) before they can access the steps below. CLICK HERE for guidance. 

Please ensure that the online learning is completed on the child fan account and not the parent/guardian fan.

Please follow the steps below to gain access to a course:

Step 1

Complete Online Laws of the Game

Step 2

Safeguarding 

The 'Safeguarding for All' is the minimum requirement. However, we recommend if you are over 16 you complete the Safeguarding Children Course.  

Both courses are available at this link.

Step 3

If you are aged 16 and over, you will be required to obtain an FA DBS*

You must have begun your DBS application prior to the start date of the course you intend to complete.

*Not a requirement if refereeing adult football only.

Obtain FA DBS

You can proceed with your course booking once the above steps are completed. Please note that we reserve the right to cancel your course booking if the above steps have not been met.

Please refer to our FAQs for support.