New referee training and development initiative launched with FIFA

We have launched an innovative new training and development initiative for referee developers and instructors in England, in collaboration with FIFA. It is the first formal partnership of its kind aimed at enhancing our refereeing workforce across all levels of the game. 

Over 30 selected referee developers and instructors took part in the training and development course at St. George’s Park on 28-30 March, which included theoretical learning, practical training, and interactive Q&A sessions. Key topics included game management, positioning and movement, offside interpretation, and practical aspects of training for match officials.

The FIFA Instructor Course has been designed to enhance workforce capabilities and ensure consistent application of best practices across the national refereeing framework, with benefits extending to PGMOL, the FA and County FA network. 

Our Refereeing Strategy, To Grow, Guide & Govern, was launched in July 2023 and set out our plan to ensure world class referees are being developed through the pathway from grassroots to elite, so that the game is officiated at the highest possible standards and refereeing thrives both now, and in the future. 

One of our key strategy goals is to enhance referee performance and development, tripling online resources and training and doubling investment in our development system. Positive steps have been taken towards the reduction of time that it takes a match official to reach the professional game, with last year’s cohort achieving promotion 18 months quicker than their predecessors.

Nathan Magill, our head of referee development, said: “This new initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to enhancing modern refereeing standards, and it will help to transform our approach to referee training and development in England. Our collaboration with FIFA validates our investment into referee development, and it also paves the way for us to provide greater support for our referees, which we believe will have a positive impact across all levels of the game.”