GRAVESEND

Kent Referees Association

Men and women take up Refereeing for many reasons. Some are frustrated footballers, some have come to the end of their playing careers and have decided to put something back into the game. Others start their Refereeing at quite a young age at school, whilst some wait until their forties to begin a career with the whistle. Some managers of teams of players of varying ages decide to start Refereeing due to the shortage of Referees and can also instruct their players in the Laws of the Game.

A very small number of these candidates who pass the Referees examination will go on to the very top of the Refereeing tree and reach Premier League, Football League, FIFA or International level. The majority will only be active on the local parks or schools football. All Referees, however, are professional in that they receive a fee, though some decide not to accept payment.(especially at schools or youth football level). However ALL show a professional attitude when carrying out their duties as a Referee.

There are many benefits of becoming a Referee and joining the National body of Referees, The Referees Association. Normally this is done via your local Branch or Society, such as Gravesend. These benefits include a low cost Insurance Policy, Supplies, Various Training and Information Publications and not least a Benevolent Fund for those members who are in need.

How then do you become a qualified Referee? Idealy you should be no younger than 16 years of age, though some 14 year olds have successfully qualified,.you should be reasonably fit. Contact your nearest Branch or Society Secretary, if you are not in the Gravesend area go to the R.A. WEB Page via the link on this WEB site for a list of all Branch/Society Secretaries. If you are in the Gravesend area contact us via our E-Mail address. Courses are run periodically throughout the year. The course takes 6 weeks, 2and a half hours per week, (7:30pm to 10:00pm) on a Thursday night. All aspects of the Laws of the Game are covered. At the end of this period there is a written examination followed the next week by an oral examination. Once you have passed you then become a class 3 Referee.

Once qualified progression is really on your own ability. If you have the ambition, dedication and the qualities necessary you are able to progress all the way to the top. The rewards are numerious for those dedicated and good enough.

If you are interested please E-Mail