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Rules and Regulations

Referees play an integral part in ensuring football remains fair, safe and inclusive for all.

Here you will find the resources you need, including laws of the game, matchday guidance and information on safeguarding.

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Match day guidance

When it comes to Match Day, the referee has a number of duties and factors to consider other than the 90 minutes from kick off to full time.
Four Referees walking to collect medals.

laws of the game

Stay up-to-date on the laws of the game, set by the international Football Associations Board.
Referees smiling after a match

other guidance

General guidance for match officials including report writing, misconduct and social media guidance
Group of Referees

Disclosure And Barring service

Keep up to date with our local safeguarding activities. You’ll find details of forthcoming safeguarding training courses and workshops, how to obtain a disclosure and barring service Check (DBS) if you need one – and lots of other relevant information.
Wildcats Playing

SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY

Whatever your involvement in football, you have a responsibility to make our game as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone.

This is particularly true if your role as a referee involves officiating matches where children and young people under the age of 18 are playing. It also applies if as you are officiating alongside under-18 referees and assistant referees.

Find out how The FA and CFAs manages safeguarding nationally and locally. You’ll also find detailed information on the game’s safeguarding strategy, and how it applies to you.

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