The next course will take place on consecutive Fridays with a break for Christmas and New Year from 17th November to 2nd February 2007 starting at 7.00 until 9:00pm at the Headquarters of the Worcestershire Football Association in Droitwich Spa.

The first three weeks are on basic Law, with an exam on the fourth week based on the multi-choice principle. They can proceed to the second part of the course provided they commence refereeing eleven-a-side matches. The second part of the course is based on the practicalities of refereeing with the use of video, and will commence after week 4. The last week of the course is another examination.

Successful candidates will receive a certificate and be registered as either a level 7 or level 8 referee.

The cost for the course is £30.00 for over 16, £10.00 for under-16. The full fee will be refunded when you have refereed 10 number eleven-a-side matches and attended a seminar. In addition there is a registration fee of £15.00 payable on passing the first examination and being registered as a level 9 trainee referee.

Additionally, if sixteen or over you will need to make a submission to the Criminal Records Bureau, costs associated with this item and the Children Protection Course will be notified prior to the commencement of the Course, currently £15.00 each.

When qualified they can then make themselves available to local leagues. There is no specified amount of time they need to commit to refereeing. How many games, and which days they choose to referee per month, will depend on personal circumstances.

For those that only want to referee Mini Soccer a course is planned at the same venue on Thursday and Friday 9th and 10th November 2006 starting at 7.00pm.
The cost for this course, is £15.00. A multi-choice examination will take place as the final session and successful candidates will be issued with a Certificate. Again you will be required to attend a Child Protection Course and if your age of sixteen or over make a submission to the Criminal Records Bureau, current costs as detailed above are £12.50 for CRB and £15.00 Child Protection.

To become a referee, candidates must be over 14 years.

It is an ideal opportunity for ex players who miss the involvement and still want to be on the park, enjoy active participation in the game, albeit in a different role.

It could also solve a problem for Christmas present suggestions. You could always ask Santa for Referees Kit and equipment!

For further information please contact Bill Allsopp WFA Referees' Co-ordinator 01299 826654 (evenings) or WFA HQ 01905 827137