The Football Association (FA) has unveiled an ambitious strategy for grassroots refereeing that is set to redefine the future of officiating in England. This three-year plan, titled ‘To Grow, Guide and Govern.’, is designed to usher in a new era in football refereeing, from grassroots to elite.
The strategy’s first major focus is on enhancing the appeal of refereeing as a career. The FA has committed to reducing the time it takes to reach top officiating levels by half and plans to introduce a more streamlined admin system, simplifying processes for referees.
In a move to improve the overall experience for referees, the FA will be implementing new reward systems and trialling body cams at the grassroots level. This initiative could prove pivotal in improving the standards of conduct and respect in the game.
An admirable part of the strategy is the FA’s strong commitment to inclusivity. Plans are in place to increase the number of referees from under-represented communities and female referees by an impressive 50%, reflecting a positive shift towards a more diverse refereeing landscape.
The FA also intends to significantly boost referee performance and development, with plans to triple online resources and training, and double the investment in the referee development system.
Starting from the 2023-24 season, the FA will enforce point deductions for teams that repeatedly engage in serious misconduct, signaling a firm commitment to the safety and enjoyment of referees at all levels.
Commenting on this groundbreaking strategy, a representative from the Bootle Referees’ Association stated:
“We wholeheartedly welcome the implementation of the FA’s new strategy. The push towards making refereeing an appealing career choice, the steps to enhance referee experiences, the drive for inclusivity, and the increased focus on referee development align with our aspirations at Bootle Referees’ Society. We are eager to witness the positive impacts of these initiatives on grassroots refereeing.”
With this progressive strategy, it’s indeed a promising period ahead for referees and football enthusiasts alike. We can all look forward to a future where football is officiated at the highest possible standards, led by a diverse and skilled set of referees.
You can view the whole FA Strategy document on the FA website.