Question Number: 23036

Law 5 - The Referee 3/29/2010

RE: Select Under 13

Eugene of Burnaby, British Columbia Canada asks...

Dear Ref,

What degree do you need to get to become a pro referee?

This is for a school project.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Eugene
Like any career there is a development path that referees must follow if they wish to progress in the game. All referees start off at the lowest level which means undertaking a basic referee training course, doing a written test and then doing games of a relatively easy nature such as underage etc. As the referee gains experience he/she undertakes further training, assessment plus ongoing test. Referees then depending on their performances advance from grade to grade. Some will reach the level that they are happy with and remain at that. Others want to get to the top level which means hardwork and dedication. Depending on ability that progression can be swift through the ranks. Other can take time due to a variety of reason including other committments etc.
Each National Body will manage the pathway up to National Referee level and then the progression is into the FIFA ranks. Each country as well will have a Referee School of Excellence or similar for those 'elite' referees that have the desire and the potenial to develop into the highest levels of the game. In Ireland this is outlined in a development plan and it can be viewed at

http://www.fai.ie/images/stories/pdf/Referees%20Development%20Plan.pdf

Answer provided by Referee Gene Nagy

Eugene, professional soccer referees do not hold a degree in refereeing. There are no professional referees in Canada but I believe in Italy there are referees whose sole income is from refereeing soccer.
The top level of refereeing soccer is the FIFA level. To get there you must have several qualities that only a few have.
You should visit bcsoccer.net where you can find the steps how BC refs are promoted through the ranks.
First of all you need to be 14 years old to take the entry level course for 11 aside soccer. However you could take the small sided referee course at age 12 which would give you a taste of 'man management'.