Referee Diversity Programme

Referee Diversity Programme

The Football Association of Wales are committed to ensuring football is for EVERYONE and its workforce is representative of Welsh society.

To achieve key objectives outlined in our PAWB Equality Diversity and Inclusion Strategy the FAW has established the Referee Diversity Programme to provide the opportunity for underrepresented groups to become qualified referees.

About the Referee Award

Become a fully qualified referee by taking this course, written by experts at the FAW. Work your way through the 17 Laws of the Game by watching real-life scenarios, answering quizzes and taking part in discussions. After you’ve completed the 5 sections you’ll be given the opportunity to showcase your knowledge by taking part in an exam. Once you’ve passed that you’ll be invited to a final face-to-face session, here you’ll meet your local area refereeing representatives and your mentor to have the chance to ask any pressing questions. You’ll need to attend this session to qualify as a referee so attendance is key.

Why Become a Referee?

If you love football and want to be a major part of the game in Wales why not become a referee? Not only do you get the best seat in the house and get to give back to the game but you could also earn money too! These courses, written by experts at the Football Association of Wales, will upskill you in all areas of the laws of the game ensuring that you are fully supported along the way.

About the Course

  • Online course – complete in your own time & pace.
  • Attend a final face-to-face session.
  • Female-specific course available.
  • Covers a range of scenarios based on adult football.
  • Certificate on completion.
  • Full online support.
  • No previous experience is needed.
  • Approx 10hrs of content.
  • Full referee kit included.
  • Fully qualified as a referee, to officiate at any age group in Wales.
  • Earn match fees.

Eligibility

Candidates will only be accepted onto the Referee Diversity Programme if they meet the set criteria.

To be eligible to apply you must either:

  • Identify as a woman.
  • Be from/part of an ethnic group who do not identify as White British/English/Welsh/Scottish/ Northern Irish.
  • Be an asylum seeker or refugee.

Register

To register your interest in the programme please send an email to PAWB@faw.Cymru confirming:

  • Your Name.
  • Area of residence.
  • Eligibility criteria.

Contact & Support

If you have any questions about becoming a referee or the course please contact: referees@faw.cymru