Referees
Where possible, we aim to provide referees to all competitive matches. To make this possible we operate a panel of qualified referees who are registered with an appropriate County Football Association and appointed by our Club Referee Secretary, in co-operation with any relevant league officers.
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The majority of referees for younger age groups are drawn from our own members who have undertaken FA Referee Training. Older age groups are officiated by a small panel of qualified and registered adult referees. To apply to join this panel click here.
Guidance for Referees
FYFC appoint to our matches from a panel of referees appointed by our Club Referee Secretary. As an affiliated club our policies and procedures are informed by the Football Association:
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​​​Eligibility
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Only referees with up-to-date registration with a recognised Football Association will be considered.
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All referees must have completed relevant Football Association Safeguarding Training.
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Under 16 Years Old - Safeguarding For All
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Over 16 Years Old - Safeguarding Children
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All referees over the age of 16 will be required to undergo a 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check (DBS). To apply for a DBS contact our Club Welfare Officer using cwo@fyfc.org.uk
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As a youth football club, we may prioritise referees in the early stages of their refereeing career.
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Referees under the age of 16 may only referee games two school years below their age. They may not referee a match in which a sibling is playing.
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Where an unqualified referee is required to referee a match they may not not be under the age of 16 under any circumstances. Unqualified referees do not qualify for a match fee.
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Our Commitment to Our Referees
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The safety and well-being of our referees is of upmost importance to us. Team managers will actively seek to ensure their safety but if a referee has any concerns these can be raised with the Team Manager or any other uniformed member of the club. You can contact our club Welfare Officer using cwo@fyfc.org.uk
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We will inform referees of the details of matches not less than 48 hours prior to kick off; and notify them of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
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We will support referee development by only offering constructive feedback on performance.
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We will prepare pitches in line with RESPECT guidelines (RESPECT barriers etc).
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We will offer payment prior to matches in cash (unless alternative arrangements are agreed prior to the match).
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We will endeavour to allocate games fairly and in line with our equality and diversity policy.
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What We Ask from Our Referees
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Keep regular communication with the appointment secretary ensuring your availability is well-communicated.
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Promptly respond to communications from managers.
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Notify us of illness or injury at the earliest opportunity to allow for replacement.
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Make all reports as required by the leagues and County Football Associations.
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All games MUST be logged on the Whole Game System.​
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Maintain Whole Game System account with up-to-date certification.
Guidance for Coaches
Managers and coaches of teams are responsible for the officials for all home games. This includes the following:​
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Responsibility for the safeguarding and well-being for any referee under the age of 18. Report any concerns immediately to the Club Welfare Officer (cwo@fyfc.org.uk). In an emergency call 999.
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Responsibility to act within the Club Code of Conduct at all times and encourage others to do so.
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Responsibility for notifying the referee of the date, time and location of the match, not later than 48 hours prior to kick-off.
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Responsibility for notifying the referee of any changes or cancellations at the earliest opportunity (failure to do so will result in the match fee being charged).
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Responsibility for ensuring the pitches are set up in line with laws of the game and RESPECT expectations:
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RESPECT barriers must be installed for all competitive matches on the opposite side from the coaches,
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Maintain a technical area on the opposite sides of the pitch from the coaching teams,
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Respond and correct any safety issues identified by referee.
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Responsibility for paying the referee in cash prior to kick-off, unless otherwise agreed in advance (see pay rates below)
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Responsibility for introducing the referee to the manager of the opposition prior to the match.
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Responsibility for ensuring RESPECT procedures are followed throughout.
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Responsibility for being aware of the respective policies of any league in which their team plays.
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Responsibility for making any appropriate reports and co-operate with investigations by any of the following:
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Club Welfare Officer,
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Respective League Welfare Officers,
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Surrey County Football Association,
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Surrey Police. ​
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If no appointed referee is available or the referee is a no-show, the home manager may appoint a referee. The referee may not be under the age of 16 in any circumstances.