Football referee
Referee, match official, assistant referee
Referees control matches, apply the Laws of the Game and make sure games are played safely and fairly.
Typical fee (a match)
£25£90
StarterExperienced
Starter £25 to experienced £90
You could work
evenings and weekendsregularly
How to become a football referee
You can get into this job through:
Courses, badges and licences
Football’s governing bodies run courses that are recognised across the game.
You can train as a referee from the age of 14 by taking the FA’s Referee Course through your county FA. It includes online learning, practical sessions and refereeing your first matches.
Other routes
Referees move up through levels by being assessed in matches. The best progress to the National List and to the Professional Game Match Officials (PGMOL), where some referees are full time.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- a full knowledge of the Laws of the Game
- confidence and decision-making under pressure
- good fitness
- excellent communication and people management
Restrictions and requirements
You’ll usually need to:
- pass the FA’s Referee Course
- pass fitness tests at higher levels
- pass background checks (DBS) to referee some youth matches
What you’ll do
Day-to-day tasks
In your day-to-day tasks you could:
- referee or run the line at matches
- check the pitch, players’ equipment and team sheets
- manage players’ behaviour and issue cautions
- report incidents to the county FA
- train to stay fit and review your matches
Working environment
You’ll work outdoors in all weathers at grounds of every level, mostly at weekends and on weekday evenings.
Career path and progression
Most referees officiate part time alongside another job and are paid a fee for each match. You could progress through the levels to semi-professional and professional football, become a VAR, or move into referee coaching and assessing.
Current opportunities
1 live football referee job on Softfootball right now.
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Salaries and hours are typical figures for the UK and vary by club, league, location and experience. Last updated November 14, 2026.