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.
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:
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.
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.
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.