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#Post#: 93502--------------------------------------------------
Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for 2025-26
DIR By: aaa
Date: July 18, 2025, 7:40 am
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Step 2
No more Observation - Meaning there is no more a merit table.
The FA have launched "Match Official Scout" so it is not about
making correct decisions, application of law correctly or being
accountable anymore, it is about being scouted for fitting the
profile to progress further.
Realistically, this is the highest level a Referee or Assistant
Referee could achieve unless they fit the profile for
Professional Game.
Step 3 to 6
New Observer form was launched, so all current Observers must
complete the a process to familiarise with the new form and FA's
expectation. The theme for this new form is Match Control.
Couple of years ago, the FA provided a directive to improve
playing time but this new form is all about managing the game,
therefore you should expect playing time to slow down
considerably. Referees' would now do everything to speak with
players, become players' best friend and make sure they tick all
the boxes especially when being observed. Its just a matter of
time before paying fans will get fed up.
#Post#: 93508--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: Leggy
Date: July 18, 2025, 12:30 pm
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I am a million miles (or 19 years) away from being involved at
this level but this sounds quite like the reason I chose to step
away (that and the fact that I appeared to have peaked some
years before!).
No observing (or assessing) at Step 2 suggests a very opaque
system that may not reward ability however measured.
Focusing on "managing the game" sends shivers (and not good
ones) down my spine. Any chance of just applying the laws with
consistency and humanity?
#Post#: 93510--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: Whistleblower
Date: July 18, 2025, 1:43 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: Leggy link ---
>
> I am a million miles (or 19 years) away from being involved at
this level but this sounds quite like the reason I chose to step
away (that and the fact that I appeared to have peaked some
years before!).
>
> No observing (or assessing) at Step 2 suggests a very opaque
system that may not reward ability however measured.
>
> Focusing on "managing the game" sends shivers (and not good
ones) down my spine. Any chance of just applying the laws with
consistency and humanity?
>
--- End Quote ---
When I read the original post on this thread I had to check the
calendar to make sure it wasn't the 1st April.
I enjoyed my officiating career enormously. I had the privilege
of refereeing a pretty reasonable standard of amateur football.
However, the whole concept of officiating nowadays seems quite
foreign to everything I was taught and practised. I certainly
never had the commitment or, being honest, the ability to get
anywhere near the top but sad to say I wouldn't even embark on a
refereeing career now. I believe I fostered a good rapport with
most players but when sanctions had to be applied I applied
them. Erosion of authority is endemic in our present society, it
is a shame the refereeing authorities have climbed on this
regrettable bandwagon.
#Post#: 93511--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: ARF
Date: July 18, 2025, 2:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: Whistleblower link ---
>
> When I read the original post on this thread I had to check
the calendar to make sure it wasn't the 1st April.
>
> I enjoyed my officiating career enormously. I had the
privilege of refereeing a pretty reasonable standard of amateur
football. However, the whole concept of officiating nowadays
seems quite foreign to everything I was taught and practised. I
certainly never had the commitment or, being honest, the ability
to get anywhere near the top but sad to say I wouldn't even
embark on a refereeing career now. I believe I fostered a good
rapport with most players but when sanctions had to be applied I
applied them. Erosion of authority is endemic in our present
society, it is a shame the refereeing authorities have climbed
on this regrettable bandwagon.
>
--- End Quote ---
The original post might as well have been have been written on
April 1st, given how off the mark it is. Referees will still
have to dish out necessary disciplinary sanctions, and will
still be marked up for doing so. However, the previous marking
scheme limited the marks of those who either did a good job of
preventative refereeing, or happened to be observed on a fixture
where nothing important occurred. The new form just gives a
slightly higher weighting to the match control section - which
is something required in every match, even if no KMIs happen.
#Post#: 93512--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: aaa
Date: July 18, 2025, 3:15 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I want to be wrong but time will tell. RTR Contributors will
report back as the season progress.
#Post#: 93513--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: Blind Referee
Date: July 19, 2025, 12:47 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Two things stand out here :
1) Who is doing the scouting - biggest issue with the assessment
scheme was the assessors, most could tell you what, in their
opinion you had done wrong, but couldn’t tell you how to improve
- scouting most likely will be the same current coaching scheme
at all levels isn’t fit for purpose and doesn’t work - this will
just be an extension of this - look at the number of coaches we
have working for PGMOL - some of the names on there will make
you shudder
2) No merit list means they can promote who they want, not
necessarily the best / best performing referees - makes it
incredibly unfair if your face doesn’t fit, or you don’t fit a
profile of what they want - already seeing this to a certain
extent with the pathways promotions and talent pools ( which
seem to be based upon anything but talent )
Dark, worrying times with a further decline in standards
#Post#: 93515--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: aaa
Date: July 19, 2025, 4:07 am
---------------------------------------------------------
From credible sources
18th Jun
Season 2025/26 - New Scouting & Coaching Model – Impact on
Observer Scheme
As some of you will be aware, towards the end of last season a
new Scouting role was trialled across a number Step 2 and
Women’s National League fixtures. Following the success of this
trial, the FA Referees’ Committee has approved the introduction
of a new Scouting & Coaching model to appraise performance for
Step 2 and Women’s National League match officials across
2025/26.
Further details of this new approach will be communicated over
the summer but one aspect of the scheme is that observers will
not be appointed to matches across Step 2 and the Women’s
National League.
This forms part of our wider strategy to ensure development
across the FA refereeing system is holistic, aligned to the
modern refereeing, and focused on preparing our officials for
the demands of the professional game.
This is a significant change. We fully recognise that
transitions like this are never easy – especially when the
observer role has been a valued and embedded part of our
operating model for so long. We are hugely grateful for your
time, dedication, and expertise. That said, we’re confident that
this new direction will lead to a more dynamic and tailored
development environment, providing match officials with support
and feedback that reflects their in-game performance and
potential for growth.
We also want to be clear: this isn’t the end of your involvement
in FA refereeing—quite the opposite. Across the observer
workforce there are skills that will be invaluable for the
development of match officials and we would love for you to
support refereeing in a new way. We will therefore shortly
open a process for existing S2 and WNL observers to explore new
roles critical to our future success
These opportunities include:
Applying to become a Level 2 or WNL Scout
Applying to become a referee coach
We are also delighted to note that a significant number of Step
2 observers have already signed up to complete the Step 3-6
observer accreditation process for the coming season.
We’ll share further details shortly on how to express interest
and what support will be available to help those wishing to take
that next step into scouting or coaching.
In the meantime, we want to thank you personally for your
ongoing commitment and professionalism. Your contribution has
helped lay the foundations for this next phase – and we want you
to continue shaping what comes next.
12th Jul
Dear all,
We’re pleased to announce that applications are now open for the
role of Match Official Scout – Refereeing, supporting referee
identification and progression from the semi-professional game
into the professional ranks.
This is a key consultancy role within the FA Refereeing team,
and part of our continued commitment to a more objective,
development-driven pathway.
Apply
here:
HTML https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/match-official-scout--refereeing-consultancy-0925-home-based-/2635/description/<br
/>- Match Official Scout – Refereeing (Step 2 & WNL)
About the Role
The Match Official Talent Scout will work across the Women’s
National League (Division 1 & Premier) and the National League
(North & South) to identify referees with the potential to
transition into the professional game. Through in-person and
online observation, scouts will assess performances based on the
FA Refereeing DNA, with a focus on long-term growth rather than
isolated results.
What You’ll Do
* Observe and assess referees in the WNL and National League
North/South.
* Evaluate holistic performance using FA Refereeing DNA
criteria.
* Identify growth potential and developmental needs.
* Produce evidence-based scouting reports with clear, actionable
insights.
* Work collaboratively with National Referee Talent Managers and
National Referee Managers to support aligned decisions.
* Maintain the highest standards of health, safety, wellbeing,
and safeguarding in all activity.
Additional roles for specialist Assistant Referee scout will be
released later next week.
18th Jul
Dear all,
We’re pleased to let you know that we’ve launched two new roles
today to further strengthen our support for referees and our
approach to talent identification. These are in addition to the
opportunities shared over the weekend. Please circulate this
information within your networks.
Match Official Scout – Assistant Refereeing
This new consultancy position is focused on anonymously
observing and appraising assistant referees in the Women’s
National League (Division 1 and Premier) and the National League
Men’s System (National League North and South), both in-person
and online. The main responsibilities include:
* Talent Scouting: Assessing the development potential of
assistant referees and their capacity to progress towards the
professional game.
* Performance Assessment: Evaluating tactical awareness,
decision-making, physical readiness, and psychological
resilience.
* Collaboration: Working with National Talent Managers and
National Referee Managers to ensure consistency across all
scouting activity.
* Reporting: Preparing evidence-based reports on referees’
strengths, areas for growth, and readiness for progression or
reclassification.
Full details and application information are available here:
HTML https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/match-official-scout--refereeing-consultancy-0925-home-based-/2635/description/<br
/>- Match Official Scout – Assistant Refereeing
Step 5 & 6 Referee Support Consultant
We’re also launching three regional consultant roles to support
referees at Steps 5 & 6:
* South & West: Hellenic League, SW Pool, Midland Pool, Wessex
League (base ideally South, Southwest, or Midlands).
* South & East: Eastern Counties League, Spartan South Midlands,
SCEFL, South Combination, Essex Senior League, Combined Counties
League (base ideally Southeast, London, Essex, Kent, East
Anglia).
* North & Midlands: Northeast Pool, North Midlands Pool,
Yorkshire Pool, United Counties League (base ideally Yorkshire,
East Midlands, Northeast or nearby).
The main responsibilities for these roles include:
* Acting as the primary point of contact for around 400 referees
in the assigned region.
* Planning and delivering training, education, and development
aligned to FA frameworks.
* Providing match day coaching and timely feedback.
* Identifying and supporting referees with promotion potential.
* Maintaining regular engagement and communication with
referees.
* Offering bespoke support where performance improvement is
needed.
* Supporting seasonal events, assessments, and regional
sessions.
* Keeping accurate records of all referee interactions and
development activity.
* Working with the National Referee Manager – Step 5/6 to
deliver national objectives consistently.
Full details and application information are available here:
HTML https://careers.thefa.com/jobs/vacancy/step-5--6-referee-support-consultancy-hb0258-home-based-/2649/description/<br
/>- Step 5 & 6 Referee Support Consultant
If you know anyone who would be interested, or if these roles
are relevant to your own contacts, please do share the links and
encourage applications.
Make of that what you will!
#Post#: 93538--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: Ref Watcher
Date: July 21, 2025, 5:23 am
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: aaa link ---
>
> Step 3 to 6
>
> Couple of years ago, the FA provided a directive to improve
playing time but this new form is all about managing the game,
therefore you should expect playing time to slow down
considerably. Referees' would now do everything to speak with
players, become players' best friend and make sure they tick all
the boxes especially when being observed.
>
--- End Quote ---
Not when I am observing they won't. Slowing the game down
unnecessarily is just as likely to hack off everyone and as
failing to get involved when required. You will get as much
credit for that from me as you would for a 70 yard sprint in the
85th minute after meandering about aimlessly for the rest of the
game. Referee the game, don't tick boxes.
#Post#: 93545--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: Blind Referee
Date: July 21, 2025, 12:19 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
--- Quote from: Ref Watcher link ---
>
> [quote author=aaa link=topic=7098.msg93502#msg93502
date=1752842408]
> Step 3 to 6
>
> Couple of years ago, the FA provided a directive to improve
playing time but this new form is all about managing the game,
therefore you should expect playing time to slow down
considerably. Referees' would now do everything to speak with
players, become players' best friend and make sure they tick all
the boxes especially when being observed.
>
--- End Quote ---
Not when I am observing they won't. Slowing the game down
unnecessarily is just as likely to hack off everyone and as
failing to get involved when required. You will get as much
credit for that from me as you would for a 70 yard sprint in the
85th minute after meandering about aimlessly for the rest of the
game. Referee the game, don't tick boxes.
[/quote]
Good for you - glad there are still some assessors / observers /
whatever, about that still understand the game and understand
the game is not all about the referee - people actually pay to
watch the football
I went to a game several years back ( friend was playing ) -
there was a CORE coach from Burton watching the game (someone I
knew from my active days ) - referee had a very difficult
evening - missed several clear offences of SFP, wound up
everyone and made what could have been a straight forward game
very challenging
Bumped into said CORE coach after the game who asked me what I
thought - told him probably wasn’t the referees finest evenings
work and had lots to work on - he then proceeded to show me his
tick spreadsheet with all the “good” things the referee had
apparently done - things like you have mentioned above - the
showy sprint after 85 minutes, the stopping off a corner to
randomly speak to 2 players and the like
Refereeing has never been a tick box, paint by numbers game -
it’s about understanding the game and the players, and adopting
a style which suits - the latest fad and directional change by
the FA is another nail in the coffin for refereeing and the
paying public
#Post#: 93547--------------------------------------------------
Re: Significant Changes to Step 2 – 6 Match Officials for
2025-26
DIR By: TA_Ref
Date: July 21, 2025, 1:58 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
I thought it was common sense that when a set of rules or laws
are written, they are there to be obeyed and to be applied by
those in charge.
It seems as if this common knowledge has been forgotten
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