Have you ever been handed a whilstle or flag just before kick off time and told there is no one else so can you ref todays game or run the line?

Those words usual produce a feeling of dread, but not anymore!

Oxfordshire FA is running a Club Referees workshop on Friday 8 October at Oxford City FC from 7pm – 9.30pm.

The workshop is informal and designed for those who do not wish to undertake a full referees’ course at this stage but wish to gain enough information and confidence to be able to assist with their teams in an official role, when asked to do so.

This is a free two-and-a-half hour workshop will be a mixture of both practical (not overly physical) and classroom-based activities that will develop your knowledge to confidently be able to referee 11v11, 9v9 football or mini soccer as well taking on the role assistant referee (or lino).

Before attending the workshop, candidates are asked to complete the free online Laws of the Game module by clicking here.

In addition the workshop will cover how to educate players and the importance of safeguarding children and as such we would encourage candidates to undertake the free Safeguarding for All workshop by clicking here.

On the workshop candidates will receive a free whistle and match record card as well as a discount of 10% should they wish to go on to complete the full referees’ course.

Please be aware that currently The FA require evidence of a negative lateral flow test for such events and details of how to do this will be shared once you have registered for the workshop.

To register for the free workshop please click here

Registration will close on 5 October so don’t delay, book today.

For more information about refereeing or taking the full referee course please email referees@oxfordshirefa.com

Having completed the workshop hopefully the next time a volunteer is required to referee a game or run the line for your club you will say with confidence: “I can do that!”