Premier League Learning News
Scholars gain insight into world of refereeing
Premier League scholars are given an insight into the world of refereeing through an intensive practical course of instruction that, upon successful completion, could lead to the award of the basic referee qualification.
Candidates who attend for the minimum specific duration and successfully complete the two examinations by achieving the required level of competence, are registered as level 7 referees.
Sessions cover such subjects as:
• The role of the referee
• Knowledge of laws
• Report writing
• Cautions and dismissals
• Review of practical sessions
The examination requires participation in both written and oral papers, while the pass mark is 80 per cent.
Janie Frampton (pictured), Regional Referees’ Manager for the South, an experienced educator both in coaching and educating, advises that there are five key mental qualities expected of the ideal match official:
• Calm under pressure
• In control of emotions
• Confident
• Mentally alert
• Positive
“The good match official does not try to avoid pressure – he or she accepts that it is part of the game at all levels. I tell people to be confident that they have the skills to deal with situations – pressure is not a threat but a challenge to be welcomed.”
Food for thought as scholars prepare to gain an appreciation of what goes into the task of refereeing.


