The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) have recently launched a groundbreaking initiative aimed at providing former players with a pathway into the world of refereeing. This scheme offers 10-12 former players the opportunity to transition into refereeing roles, with the potential to officiate games at the highest levels of English football in a shorter timeframe.
An initial pilot scheme received overwhelming interest from former players, with 120 individuals expressing their desire to explore a career in refereeing. Chris Birchall, a former professional footballer who played for clubs such as Port Vale and Coventry City, took up the opportunity and officiated his first qualification game at the age of 39. Following the success of the pilot scheme, a select group of former players will be invited to apply for the new three-year refereeing scholarship program.
The “player to match official” program is part of the Elite Referee Development Plan, which is fully funded and supported by the Premier League. This program aims to revamp the landscape of refereeing in English football by providing opportunities for individuals with the potential to excel as match officials. Participants in the program will have the chance to officiate games at various levels, with the possibility of refereeing matches across England’s professional leagues upon successful completion of the three-year program.
Chief refereeing officer Howard Webb emphasized the importance of diversifying the pool of officials in English football. The program is designed to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and areas of the game who may not have traditionally considered refereeing as a career path. By collaborating with the PFA, the program aims to create a supportive and encouraging environment for former players to enhance their skills and qualities as match officials.
Participants in the program will embark on a referee course later this summer, which will include both technical and practical training components. They will be required to commit to two days a week on a paid basis, where they will receive comprehensive training to prepare them for the demands of officiating professional football matches. The program seeks to provide a structured and supportive pathway for former players to transition into refereeing roles and contribute to the development of the sport.
The initiative launched by PGMOL and PFA represents a significant step towards promoting diversity and talent development in the world of refereeing. By offering former players a pathway to become match officials, English football is poised to benefit from a more diverse and skilled pool of referees in the years to come. This program not only creates new career opportunities for former players but also elevates the standards of officiating in professional football.
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