Passed your course, got your kit, done a few games… and then thought "right, now what?" You're not alone. The FA has just launched a brand-new National Refereeing Curriculum, and it's aimed squarely at grassroots referees like you.
Here's what's been announced, what's in it, when it lands, and how to get the most out of it. No jargon, promise.
At a glance
The National Refereeing Curriculum in 30 seconds
- Launched by The FA on 9 October 2026, delivered through FA Learning.
- Four phases: Foundation, Perform, Compete and Excel.
- Online modules, face-to-face workshops and "Grassroots to Greatness" webinars.
- Foundation and Perform come first. Compete follows in November, Excel in December.
- The FA says referee registration fees are being reinvested into it.
What is the FA National Refereeing Curriculum?
In short, it's a single, joined-up education system for grassroots referees across England. The FA describes it as creating a unified education system across the whole grassroots game, with the same standard of delivery wherever you referee.
The idea is simple: the support you get after your initial course shouldn't depend on which corner of the country you blow your whistle in. Same pathway, same standard, whether you're refereeing in Cornwall or Cumbria.
The FA says the aim is to develop referees as knowledgeable, confident, robust and effective managers of the game. We'll be honest, "robust" made us smile. Anyone who's done a youth cup final with a packed touchline knows exactly why it's in there.
The four phases: Foundation, Perform, Compete, Excel
The curriculum supports referees through four phases, each tailored to the demands of refereeing at that level. The FA's launch announcement doesn't spell out exactly which referee levels sit in which phase, so we won't guess. Your County FA Referee Development Officer is the best person to ask where you fit.
What we do know is the timing. Foundation and Perform are being delivered first, with Compete following in November and Excel in December. So if you're further up the ladder, your bit is on its way.
What's in it?
Online modules
According to The FA, the online modules cover essential subjects at each stage, including:
- Match Control
- Handling Dissent
- Foul Recognition
- DOGSO (Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity)
- Tactical Fouls
- Emotional Control and Wellbeing
Look at that list again. Half of it isn't about the Laws at all. It's about managing people and managing yourself, and that's the stuff that decides whether a Sunday morning feels like a good game or a long one. Seeing wellbeing on there is a proper step in the right direction.
Face-to-face workshops
The online theory gets put into practice in face-to-face workshops. That's where you'll get to talk things through with other refs and tutors, which is often where the penny drops.
"Grassroots to Greatness" webinars
The FA is also running "Grassroots to Greatness" webinars focused on the new curriculum, with expert guest speakers, as ongoing development (CPD) for match officials.
Support for County FAs
County FAs are getting extra resources to support referee development and education locally, so expect your county to start talking about this too.
Who's paying for it?
This is one of the better bits. The FA says referee and match official registration fees will be reinvested into the new curriculum. The announcement came from Marc Birkett, The FA's Senior Referee Manager for Grassroots Referee Development, who said the decision followed consultation with the referee workforce, which found a more structured and accessible development journey was needed. So if you've ever wondered where your registration fee goes, at least some of the answer is now "back into you".
Your to-do list this week
Get yourself curriculum-ready
- Check you can log in to FA Learning. Better to sort a forgotten password now than the night before a workshop.
- Email your Referee Development Officer. Ask which phase you're in and when your county's workshops are running.
- Pick your weak spot. Be honest. Is it dissent? Foul recognition? Your own nerves? Start with that module.
- Take one thing into your next game. One focus per match beats ten good intentions.
- Write it down afterwards. Two lines on what went well and one thing to work on. Future you will thank you.
Where we fit in
We've been kitting out referees since 1985 and we're still run by referees, so anything that keeps more refs learning, enjoying it and sticking at it gets a big thumbs up from us.
The curriculum is The FA's. But if you want more alongside it, our free monthly A&H Mastermind sessions bring top officials and experts live on Microsoft Teams, at every level from first season to the professional game. And if you're brand new and not sure who to ask about any of this, our help & support page points you to your County FA, our Facebook community and the Referees' Association.
FAQs
What is the FA National Refereeing Curriculum?
A new referee development curriculum from The FA, launched in October 2026 and delivered through FA Learning. It gives grassroots referees in England one structured development pathway through four phases: Foundation, Perform, Compete and Excel.
When does it start?
The FA says Foundation and Perform are being delivered first, with Compete following in November and Excel in December.
Does it cost extra?
The FA says referee registration fees are being reinvested into the curriculum. The launch announcement doesn't mention any extra charge, but check with your County FA for local workshops.
What topics does it cover?
The FA lists Match Control, Handling Dissent, Foul Recognition, DOGSO, Tactical Fouls, and Emotional Control and Wellbeing among the online module subjects.
And while you're waiting for your phase to open, keep the Laws ticking over with our free Sunday quiz. Five questions, one brew, every week.
Or have a nosey round the REF HUB →
#WeAreReferees