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Qualified Referees

We have, within our County, in excess of 1,400 registered referees (at 08th January 2008) who can officiate in matches organised by our local leagues.

Without these referees football would not be what it is today. It is with this in mind that Lancashire Football Association takes the training and also the support of our referees very seriously. Therefore, we would encourage any person who is interested in becoming a referee to contact us so that we can provide further information and guidance through those first steps and beyond.

All referees are classified as follows:


International (1)
Referees who are on the FIFA List of Referees.

Level 1
Referees selected by The Association to serve on the Referees panel of the National List (Premier and Football Leagues)

Level 2
Referees selected by The FA to serve on the Panel List (Blue Square Premier, Football League Reserve and Premier League Reserve Leagues).  In addition, Level 2 Referees will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Football League or Premier League.

Level 3
Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on the National List of Contributory Leagues (e.g. Blue Square North, Unibond League, North-West Counties League).  In addition, Level 3 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Panel Leagues, Football League or Premier League.

Level 4 
Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on a Supply League (e.g. Lancashire League, North West Counties Division 2 or West Lancashire League Premier Division.   In addition Level 4 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on the Contributory Leagues.

Level 5
Senior County referees. This classification includes referees who have served at a higher level. Where a referee has achieved a level higher than Level 5 and is then not retained, the referee is to be classified as a Level 5, with the option of further promotion in the normal way or until a status of non-active is declared by the individual.

Level 6
County referees (local football referee)

Level 7 
Junior referees not in Level 8 or below (local football referee)

Level 8 
Youth referee (under 16)

Level 9
Trainee Referee. These are referees who have completed the basic training course and passed the examinations who have yet to complete their 6-match record of achievement.

Level 10
Non-active Referees

For further information please contact either:

Referees Development Manager: Eddie Wolstenholme 
eddie.wolstenholme@lancashirefa.com
Tel: 01772 624000

Referees Development Officer: Dean Mohareb 
dean.mohareb@lancashirefa.com
Tel: 01772 624000