Level 9 to Level 8/7 (local level football)
A Level 9 Referee will automatically become a Level 7 Referee (16 years of age or over) or Level 8 (14 or 15 years of age) upon successful completion of the Referee Course (having refereed a minimum of 5 matches and successfully completed the exam and call-back event). A Level 8 Referee will automatically become a Level 7 Referee on reaching the age of 16.
Level 7 to 6 & Level 6 to 5 (local and county level football)
Promotion from Level 7 to Level 6, and Level 6 to Level 5, shall be based on a Referee’s practical performance on the field of play, attendance at a promotion seminar and successful completion of a written exam.
Level 5 to Level 4
For eligibility for promotion to Level 4 a Referee must also:
• Receive a minimum of five assessments during the promotion season.
• Meet specific criteria as set by The FA.
• Have passed a fitness test.
Level 4 and Above (semi-professional and professional level football)
Once at Level 4, a referee will be regularly assessed and may be considered for promotion by the Association. They will act as an Assistant Referee on the National Contributory Leagues and as a Referee on a Supply League.
A Level 3 referee is allowed to Referee at Contributory League Level and act as an Assistant Referee at Panel League Level, such as the Football Conference.
A Level 2 referee is allowed to Referee at Panel League Level, and may be an Assistant Referee on the National List (operating in The Football League and even the Premier League).
A Level 1 referee is eligible to be a Referee for The Football League and, if invited, may even be added to the “Select Group”, the panel of Referees on the Premier League. The final promotion for a referee on the Premier League list is to be added to the FIFA Panel of referees, covering International matches
For further advice on the promotion process please contact Chris Broadhurst (chris_broadhurst@lineone.net).