The 2023/24 season saw Berks & Bucks FA deliver the highest number of referee courses in the Country, with courses held in all but one local authority within our region (see graphic for full details).

This is over double the 17 courses we held in the 2022/23 season, recognising the demand for referees and new courses, aided by the recruitment of a full time Referee Training Officer and our talented team of referee developers.

The 713 referees recruited on these courses was also a national high, exceeding the national FA target by almost 300%. The means that Berks & Bucks FA now have the third largest number of registered referees in the country, with 1666 (including trainees) registered at the end of the 2023/24 season. 

In terms of converting those referees from trainee referees to fully qualified Level Y1 or Level 7 referees (which requires referees to referee 5 games and report to us when they have done so) 41% of those that have attended a course have been converted from trainee to Level Y1 or 7. We also introduced our Referee Celebration evenings in the 2023/24 season, where referees who have achieved Level Y1 or 7 status are invited to a local RA to receive their certificate and badge, strengthening the links between County FA and local RA.  

If there are referees that believe they have completed their 5 games, but have not yet received their certificate, please upload details onto our 5 match form below and we will be in contact.
5 Match Form

We are also proud that we increased female attendance at courses from 42 in the 2022/23 season to 111 (13.75% of referees) in the 2023/24 season. We also increased diversity at our courses with 16.72% of those attending a referee course from an underrepresented background, beating our 15% target. A full breakdown can be seen via the infographic below. 

We are continuing this ambitious recruitment programme throughout the 2024/25 season, and if you are interested in becoming a referee, please complete our Fast-track email updates form, here.
Fast-track email updates

Please note, that to receive these updates, you will need to have completed the Referee pre course requirements, which are detailed at the top of the form. 

If you require any further information, please contact Referee Development Officer, Adam Parry via email.