How do I become a referee?

For people with whistle - the way to become a referee

Our senior manager and former referee (15 years of experience as a football referee in the 2nd league, assistant referee 1st Bundesliga), Winfried Baaser, knows how much commitment is necessary in the life of a referee and how strong one can come out of it. Growing from one's own challenge is a lasting good feeling, which leaves a positive mark for a lifetime. In today's jargon, he would describe this feeling like this: megacool! This experience full of impressive moments, sometimes stormy and hectic, always under power and full commitment of endurance and concentration - this is the passion that he passes on to all of us in the team and that you will have as a referee.

Are you interested in training to become a referee?

Then you've probably already asked yourself these questions:

1. In which sport do I want to become a referee?
2. How old do I have to be at least to become a referee?
3. Where do I have to register for the referee training?
4. How long and extensive is the training to become a referee?
5. When will I be used in games?
6. What are my opportunities for promotion?
7. Where can I go to put my plan into action?

We have some important answers, tips and suggestions for you below. You will also find important contact links where you can turn to.

1. in which sport do I want to become a referee?

Clearly: FOOTBALL

This is already your first right decision! If you have decided to become a soccer referee, then you can inform yourself here in advance. We have also compiled contact information for you. There you will learn more about referee training.

How old do I have to be at least?

Minimum age: 12 years

The referee regulations of the German Football Association (DFB) recommend a minimum age of 12 years. Individual state associations deviate from this. In the Lower Saxony Football Association, the minimum age is 14.

What else is there to consider?

What you should bring with you:

• You are a member of a soccer club
• You are absolutely interested in the sport of soccer and its rules and regulations
• You are willing to manage at least 20 games per season
• You regularly participate in further education (8-12 days per year)

4. how extensive is the training?

This is what awaits you, or more precisely, what is expected of you::

• the training to become a soccer referee includes about 20 to 50 hours of lessons
• depending on where you do your training course, the period lasts from one week to six weeks

Overall, it depends on the individual state associations and can vary accordingly.

At the end of the referee training is of course a written and practical exam:

• written answering of rule questions
• physical test (e.g. 1300-meter run in six minutes).
  Don't worry - you can do it!

5. how does it work with the games?

After the exam, it's time to go:

• Your match assignment starts first of all in the basic classes - depending on your age, you are in the junior or even already in the senior range
• In the initial phase, you will receive support from experienced referee colleagues. This often happens in so-called "tandem models" or "mentor programs". There you will receive tips and tricks at the beginning, so that you feel more and more confident and can improve your performance.

What opportunities do I have for advancement?

You are under observation ;-)

Everybody starts small - also as a soccer referee. For a promotion as a referee you first have to prove your skills. Because between theory and practice, the main thing is to gain experience.

Whether you can be appointed as a referee in a higher class is determined by the so-called "referee observers". If you have talent and show good performance over a longer period of time, you have good chances for your promotion:

• if you are eligible, you will usually referee one division higher per season
• from the divisions of the regional associations you need one year per division in principle
• for the promotion to the Bundesliga you need at least 6 to 8 years of experience.

7. where do i turn to become a soccer referee?

The first contacts:

• the local club
• the local referee group
• the responsible committees of the districts and counties or
• the responsible DFB regional associations on site

In the following overview you will find the responsible contact persons of the regional associations. There you can find out more about referee training, referee candidate courses, referee equipment, further training and courses for soccer referees and, and, and.

You can use the e-mail addresses to contact them directly.

The team of referees DE wishes you success on your way to become a football referee.

Contact persons of the national associations for soccer referees