There are so many great reasons to be a member of The Referees' Association. With a wide variety of exclusive discounts, local and national events, welfare support, legal representation, insurance as well as training through our membership portal - there are plenty of reasons to be part of The Referees' Association.

Welfare

The Referees’ Association puts your welfare high on our list of priorities. We believe that every referee should be able to go out and do what they love without fear of abuse.
We have a dedicated in-house welfare team ready to help you with any issues you may have both on and off the pitch.

Representation

Being charged by The FA or being invited to an FA Hearing can be a daunting experience. 
The Referees’ Association can help you through the charge, and help appeal it if appropriate, as well as help represent you at your hearing.

Alongside support you'll benefit from discounts with our various partners

Attend events to develop your refereeing and celebrate success

The Referees’ Association holds two annual events, these being the Eve of Final Rally and The RA Development Weekend

Eve of Final Rally

The Eve of Final Rally is an event steeped in history. Join the FA Cup Final match officials the night before their big day for an evening of development and celebration. 

The RA Development Weekend

The RA Development Weekend is a must-not-miss summer event packed full of practical and technical training sessions with some of the best match officials in the country. Learn from the best, meet new people and improve your refereeing.

Insurance

Spencer Hayes offer insurance for a wide of things, including physiotherapy, dental (following an assault), gadget cover, personal accident insurance and much much more!

To find out more about what they offer, visit their RA micro-site here.

Local Support


As a member of The Referees' Association, you have access to over 180 branches for you to visit and learn from.

By attending any of our branches, you will receive training and development via monthly or bi-monthly meetings which often include guest speakers!

You will also have the opportunity to network and meet fellow referees in your local area who you are likely to work with during your refereeing career.

Each branch also has a mentor coordinator, meaning if you would like someone to come out and watch you, no matter your level, and offer development advice it can be arranged for you. Sometimes having a friendly face on the touchline is all you need in refereeing.

Benevolent Fund

In 1914, as the Referees’ union set up a benevolent fund for members of the union who were fighting in World War 1, the union encouraged members who remained at home to give-up 50% of their match fee. 
 
The fund is now over a hundred years old and today the fund is active in helping members their hour of need, providing financial support to members and their families.
 
If you need urgent help, a simple application form can found in the member's area and we will submit to the trustees.

National Young Referee Development Team


 
The National Young Referee Development Team (NYRDT) are a group of 11 young people who aim to be a voice for young referees, support new referees and assist referee development with the support of The Referees’ Association and The Football Association.

You can contact The National Young Referee Development Team here.

Exclusive Training Portal

Take advantage of the exclusive training resources in our members portal with a wide variety of clips and quizzes to test your knowledge and develop you as a referee.
There are also training modules to equip you with transferable skills in areas such as marketing and accounting.
The portal will also be the home of all your monthly newsletters

Click 'Login' in the top right to access!

Making good referees great

To grow, enchance and maintain high standards

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Our Partnerships

Partnerships are often formed between individuals, agencies or organisations with a shared interest to address specific issues. Our evidence reveals that our members young and old often require mental, emotional, financial, medical help, support and guidance. The Referees’ Association champion the work of those agencies that provide this support in times of need. Should you require support please contact the relevant agency below or the RA Head Office.
Learn more

Join the Referees Association

The National RA recommends that prospective members should join through their local LRA, the easiest way being to attend one of the many local association meetings that take place across the country on a regular (usually monthly) basis. Find your nearest branch now.

Alternatively, online membership is now available for any referee who wishes to take up central membership. The National RA will then allocate you a local branch. Join now.