The Football Association estimates that in some areas of the country, 20 per cent of games are played without a qualified match official. Their goal is to recruit 10,000 referees a year to ensure that, in future, every game has a qualified official who is receiving regular training and support from an FA mentor programme and helpline.
The first stage involved in becoming a referee is to make contact with Roger Goodwin, GFA Referee Development Officer to discuss your aspirations. After this you will be invited to apply to attend a basic Referees Course run by the GFA. On successfully passing the course exam at the end of the course, you will become a qualified referee.
Roger can be contacted at the GFA on 01454 615888 or by roger.goodwin@gloucestershirefa.com.