Lincolnshire FA is delighted to announce an upcoming Female-Only FA Referee Course, providing an exciting opportunity for women and girls aged 14 and over to take their first steps into refereeing.

This course is designed to equip new referees with the key skills and knowledge required to officiate grassroots football matches safely and effectively. Whether you’re looking to get involved in mini soccer, 9v9, or 11v11 football, this course is the perfect way to start your refereeing journey in a supportive, all-female environment.

📅 Course Details

📍 Venue: Ruston Sports & Social Club, Newark Road, Lincoln, LN6 8RN

Cost: £110

🗓️ Session 1: Thursday 13th March 2025 | ⏰ 6pm - 9pm (Theory & Practical)
🗓️ Session 2: Sunday 16th March 2025 | ⏰ 9am - 5pm (Theory & Practical)

Register Your Place Here

📖 What’s Involved in the FA Referee Course?

💻 Online Learning (Complete Before Attending)

Before attending the face-to-face sessions, participants must complete five online learning modules on the Laws of the Game. These modules include:

✅ Before the Match – Pre-game preparation and responsibilities
✅ Signals and Communication – How to interact with players and assistants
✅ ‘Getting it Right’ – Understanding common match scenarios
✅ Offside – Key rules and decision-making techniques
✅ Managing Restarts and Set-Pieces – Ensuring smooth gameplay

📲 Access the online learning here

👩‍⚖️ Face-to-Face Training

The practical training sessions combine classroom-based learning with on-the-pitch scenarios, helping referees develop confidence in decision-making, communication, and match management.

📝 Topics Covered in the Classroom:

⚡ Fun and interactive quizzes
⚡ How to build relationships with players and coaches
⚡ Recognising fouls and handling inappropriate behaviour
⚡ Offside rule application
⚡ Managing challenging situations

⚽ On-the-Pitch Practical Training:

📢 Communicating decisions confidently
🟡 Cautioning and sending-off procedures
⚽ Managing key match situations (kick-offs, free kicks, penalties, throw-ins, etc.)
👀 Positioning and movement during open play
🚩 Assistant refereeing basics

🎓 Qualifying as a Referee

To fully qualify, candidates must officiate five matches after completing the course. Once completed, referees will receive:

🏅 An FA Referee Certificate
🎖️ An FA Referee Badge

Lincolnshire FA will provide ongoing support throughout these initial matches and beyond, helping new referees develop their skills and progress in their refereeing careers.

💬 Why Take Part?

• Be part of a growing female referee community 👩‍⚖️
• Earn money while staying involved in football 💷
• Gain valuable leadership and decision-making skills 🎓
• Help support and develop grassroots football ⚽
• Potential pathways into higher-level officiating 🏆

Cancellation Policy:

• 28+ days before course – Full refund
• 27-14 days before course – 25% charge + admin fee
• 13-7 days before course – 50% charge + admin fee
• 6 days or less before course – No refund

Transfers to Another Course:

• 28-14 days before course – No charge
• 13-7 days before course – 10% admin fee
• Less than 6 days before course – No transfer available

Consideration will be given for exceptional circumstances (medical reasons, etc.), with supporting documentation required.

📢 Register Today!

If you're passionate about football and want to make a difference on the pitch, this is your chance! Join our Female-Only FA Referee Course and start your journey in refereeing today.

Register Your Place Here

For more information, contact:
📧 Stuart.Houlton@lincolnshirefa.com

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