If you would like to consider becoming a referee, you need to be able to answer "yes" to the following questions:

1. Are you at least 14 years of age?

2. Are you reasonably fit?

3. Is your eyesight O. K.? (with spectacles or contact lenses if worn)

Find the number of your local County Football Association from their web-site, find when the next courses are. (There is a link to Birmingham County F.A. on the "Links" page of this website). Or call Birmingham County FA (Dave Shelton Referees Secretary) 0121 357 4278. Or, easier than that, send an email to us at Sutton Coldfield and District Referees Association.

Upon completion of the course, you will be introduced to the local Appointments Secretaries, who will explain to you how the leagues appoint match officials and how to tell them when you would like matches.

At this stage you will also be welcomed by the local branch of the Referees' Association, who meet regularly and who will offer you advice and guidance in your early days as you "find your feet". They will arrange mentor support for you, explain how to buy kit, etc., and most importantly you will meet fellow referees and learn quickly what a supportive bunch they are!

We hope you will join a local course soon - you'll enjoy it!!