Annual registration as an FA Referee requires 3 things: Payment of the registration fee, a valid Criminal Records Check (DBS), and valid Safeguarding training.
Registration
You will need your FAN number and to go to the following link and login: www.wholegame.thefa.com.
Once you have logged on to your dashboard you’ll see the Registration icon on the left, simply click that and work through the short process.
It is also important to remember that you must register with the County FA in addition to any forms that any of the local leagues will ask you to complete.
Registration is £20, payment will be processed online and only take a few moments to complete. You will then receive your registration number for the new season.
Criminal Record Check (DBS)
Who needs a DBS?
Current legislation states anyone 16 or older who undertakes any unsupervised roles with children. For referees this means any referee aged 16 or older who referees youth football (Under 18’s and below).
Why do I need a DBS?
It is football’s responsibility to ensure that children and vulnerable adults are protected and allowed to enjoy football in a safe environment. We therefore need to be confident we can say the following:
• We follow the correct procedures when recruiting people to work with children
• All relevant people have been checked (DBS)
What happens if I don’t get a DBS?
Simply, you will be breaking the Law and committing a criminal Offence. You would not be able to register and leagues would not be able to appoint you to Youth football.
How long does a DBS last?
Your DBS will last for 3 years.
What if I already have a DBS through work or other organisation?
The FA DBS is workforce specific (i.e. for working with children), therefore generally any other DBS you may hold from elsewhere will not meet the relevant criteria. You need to apply for the FA DBS.
How much will my DBS cost?
The cost of your DBS will depend on your level and role within the referee workforce:
• Level 4 – Level 10 referees, and assessors, tutors, mentors and coaches – £10 (Volunteers)
*IMPORTANT* How do I apply for a DBS?
• First you must complete an online application by going to the following link:
www.onlinedisclosures.co.uk
Select REGISTER from login screen and enter the details provided by your County FA.
Safeguarding
In addition to holding a DBS it is important that each referee has completed safeguarding training. Should you need to update your training then the following links should be followed:
Over 16’s
eventspace.thefa.com
Under 16’s
learning.thefa.com using FAN number to log in – then complete course via learning.thefa.com