FAQs

Anyone with a love of football. If you want to reach the top the younger you are the better but former players can continue to remain within the game and retain their involvement.

You must be 16 to start refereeing in Scotland.

There will be a local referee association in your area. Contact the secretary on the Referee Associations page and he will provide you with all the information you require such as the dates, time and venue of the next Course of instruction. This course may be short (4 to 6 weeks) or long (10 to 12 weeks) to suit local circumstances.

No, but we are extremely keen to welcome female recruits who will be able to officiate in both men’s and womenís leagues.

A charge of approximately £20 to £25 is made to cover local costs including various training materials. However, in some areas, Local Councils provide support and there may be no charge.

Yes. This part of your training ensures that you have a good understanding of the Laws of the Game. Thereafter you learn the practical aspects of being a referee.how to signal, take up correct positioning and so on.

As soon as you receive your certificate you will become a member of your local referee association. Senior, experienced referees will then advise you what leagues are suitable, arrange to get you started and make sure you are given total support in the early stages of your career.

Obviously you need to have ability but you will also require to be fit, enthusiastic, willing to learn and be part of the refereeing network in your area. You will start off in youth leagues, progress through the ranks until you are ready to be accepted on to the SFA Senior List as an Assistant Referee. The rest is up to you.