Step 3 & 4 Referee Support Officer - Consultant

The Refereeing team is seeking consultants to provide operational, developmental, and practical support to Step 3 and 4 referees within a defined region of the National League System. The role is designed to enhance referee performance, education, and retention in line with The FA Refereeing Strategy. There are three roles aligned to the Northern Premier League, the Southern League, and the Isthmian League.

• Complete one scheduled engagement meeting or call per month with the allocated league and provide a brief record of the main referee-related themes arising.
• Deliver or co-deliver a minimum of two specific club or league engagement activities during the contracted period, which may include Laws of the Game education, discussion of key match incidents, referee and club engagement sessions, technical-area or participant behaviour education
• Referee development presentations, and structured forums for referees and club or league representatives.
• Attend additional league, club, or stakeholder meetings only where the specific activity has been agreed in advance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for approximately 120 referees within the assigned region.
• Plan and deliver training, education, and development programmes aligned to The FA's frameworks.
• Conduct match day coaching and provide timely, constructive feedback to referees.
• Identify referees with promotion potential and support their progress.
• Deliver regular monthly updates and communications to referees to sustain engagement and provide bespoke support to referees requiring performance improvement.
• Assist in the delivery of seasonal events, including assessments, inductions, and regional support sessions, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of referee interactions, feedback, and development activity.
• Collaborate with the National Referee Manager to ensure consistent delivery of national objectives across all regions, execute additional tasks as required to meet The FA's changing priorities, and comply with all company policies and procedures to maintain the highest standards of health, safety And wellbeing.

• Experience as a referee, observer, developer, or mentor within the National League System.
• Passion for referee development and a strong understanding of The FA Refereeing Strategy.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage own schedule.
• Willingness and ability to travel within the assigned region and nationally when required.
• Technological competence (e.g., Zoom, MS Teams, MOAS).
• Complete a DBS check at the level required for the role, in line with legislation and government guidance.

• Previous involvement in referee education or talent identification.
• Experience in delivering CPD or development content.
• Familiarity with Step 5 and 6 leagues within the relevant region.

• Opportunities to develop and grow in the role.
• Top-of-the-range facilities across two core business locations.
• Unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, the home of English football.
• World-class Elite Performance Centre, St.
• George's Park in Staffordshire.

The Football Association is committed to ensuring everyone can flourish in their roles and offers top-of-the-range facilities across two core business locations, including unique office spaces under the arch of the iconic Wembley National Stadium, the home of English football, and a world-class Elite Performance Centre, St. George's Park in Staffordshire. It is a diverse workplace, aspiring to represent football across the country, and actively promotes inclusion and diversity, encouraging people to be the best version of themselves at work. The FA welcomes applications from everyone and is proud to be an equal opportunities employer.