Following the latest information provided by the Government regarding the roadmap out of lockdown, Cumberland FA are currently planning activity which includes the delivery of FA Referee Courses.

Due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic we are unable to confirm dates at this stage, but in mid-May we plan to release further updates regarding dates and booking links. 

In order to support us with our delivery plans, we are asking anyone interested in becoming a Referee in Cumberland to complete the short online form (below). The preferred course format and desired location will allow us to plan courses in the areas of demand when it is safe to do so.

Register Your Interest

In preparation for these courses restarting, prospective candidates can now complete The FA’s new online guide to the Laws of the Game, which must be completed prior to attending the face-to-face learning courses later this year.  

Access the online Laws of the Game

Whatever your role in football, the guide will help improve your understanding of the Laws of the Game (and the variations for youth football) and is available free of charge.

There are five sections (modules) to work through and it will take approximately 90 minutes to complete. Videos are used throughout to demonstrate how the Law should be applied and there are activities to reinforce all the key points.  There are some questions at the end of each module, all of which must be answered correctly to successfully complete the learning.

Scott Taylor, Referee Development Officer at Cumberland FA, said: “Over the past 18 months or so many people have already registered their interest in taking the FA Referee Course and it’s fantastic to see such an appetite for learning within the county; however, as I’m sure you can understand given the current restrictions, we’re unable to commit to any dates at this stage.

We hope to be delivering referee courses again soon, but dates are yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, these new online Laws of the Game modules are a fantastic resource for those waiting to take their course or existing referees who simply wish to top up their knowledge before we return to playing, so I strongly encourage all to visit the link and get started.”

MODULES

Module 1 (‘Before the Match’) covers the referee’s pre-match responsibilities, including ensuring players’ kit is safe, how to carry out the coin toss and what a referee needs to take to a match with them.

Module 2 (‘Signals and Communication’) contains short video clips (GIFs) which show every signal the referee and assistant referee might give during a match.

Module 3 (‘Getting it Right’) deals with foul challenges, violent conduct, handball, unsporting behaviour, DOGSO offences and advantage. It uses video clips from football at different levels to show how the referee should manage common scenarios.

Module 4 (‘Offside’) also uses video clips, this time to demonstrate what is and isn’t offside and how the referee should manage offside offences. The clips, like those used in the ‘Getting it Right’ module, are voiced over to explain the decisions the referees make.

Module 5 (‘Managing Restarts and Set-Pieces’) covers restarts and set-pieces, including goal kicks, corner kicks, throw-ins, free kicks and penalty kicks. It uses both video and illustrations to clarify what players must do at each restart and set-piece and explains what the referee should do if players don’t comply with the Law.

Get Started on the online Laws of the Game

Support

If you are experiencing issues or problems with the FA Number (FAN) for Under 16s who are trying to do the new online FA Guide to Laws of the Game course, please check the below FA link for some support:

Refereeing : FA Support Portal (thefa.com)

If you have any queries about Refereeing in Cumberland, please email us on RefSupport@CumberlandFA.com