A total of 22 aspiring referees attended Northamptonshire FA’s Basic Referee Course at Embankment Sports and Athletics Arena in Peterborough last week (12-16 February), with all candidates passing the final assessment.

The predominantly practical-based course, which was held over three days, focussed on teaching the referees how to effectively apply the laws of the game in match-based scenarios. After registration and some pre-course activities, the participants were handed theoretical information on the laws of the game before enjoying some practical work on how these laws are implemented.

Positioning, movement and management strategies, as well as guidance on reporting misconduct, were all taught before the candidates underwent their final assessments.

Luke Scott, Northamptonshire FA Referee Development Officer, said: “The referees really enjoy our courses. The majority of the candidates we get on the course are under the age of 18, and that age group in particular prefer a practical approach to learning, especially in a footballing environment.

“This course challenges them physically as well as mentally, but it is ultimately a very rewarding experience for them all. After completing the course the referees must oversee five games of 9 or 11-a-side football before discussing their progress at a call-back evening with the County FA. They’re then required to sit a Laws of the Game exam which, once passed, will certify them as a fully qualified referee.

“But our referee offering doesn’t stop there. We offer the candidates two years worth of on-going support through our Centre of Refereeing Excellence (CORE) Academy. As part of the Academy we allocate referees to Northampton Town Academy fixtures, which gives them a chance to operate in a safe environment with referee coaches on hand to offer advice.”

Hollie Lewis, who attended the course, added: “It was a great course. I liked taking part in the flagging session and having the opportunity to practice refereeing with others. Even though I was the only girl on the course everybody made me feel welcome."

To find out more about refereeing in Northamptonshire and to get yourself involved, please CLICK HERE or contact Luke Scott via Luke.Scott@NorthamptonshireFA.com or 01604 678401.