Becoming a Referee in South Africa

Where to start

Aspiring referees begin by affiliating with the Local Football Association (LFA) in the area where they reside, which falls under a South African Football Association (SAFA) region. The LFA tells prospective referees about the dates and venues of workshops and the arrangements for examinations. SAFA says all refereeing courses are conducted under its Referees Technical Sub-Committee, which is responsible for the programme, instructors and fitness training.

The foundation of every course is the Laws of the Game, the rules that govern football worldwide and are published by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). New referees study the laws, sit an examination and complete a fitness assessment before they are given matches in local leagues.

How the grading ladder works

SAFA's pathway has seven levels of refereeing. The first three levels are administered by the Local Football Association and cover the basics of the laws, match control and fitness. Progress depends on passing each workshop, its examination and the physical fitness test.

Moving beyond local football is where the path narrows. Before a referee can be considered for the regional panel, they must pass a Level Four examination and a physical fitness test administered by the regional referees department. Regional workshops are by invitation only, and passing the exam and fitness test does not guarantee promotion: the region also looks at the referee's record and how many places are available.

After gaining practical experience on regional leagues, a referee may be recommended by the regional referees department for the Provincial Panel. Provincial candidates must write and pass Level Five and pass a fitness test administered by the province, and provincial workshops are also by invitation. From there, referees can be recommended for consideration to officiate at provincial and national tournaments, which is the route towards the higher panels used in professional football.

What to expect in the first seasons

The early years are about volume and consistency: refereeing local and junior matches, being assessed, and keeping fitness at the level each test demands. The ladder rewards patience, since each step depends on both results in the exam room and performance on the field.

Course dates, fees and the exact requirements vary between regions and can change, so the practical first step is to contact your Local Football Association or SAFA region directly. Solid knowledge of the Laws of the Game, good fitness and regular matches are what move a referee up the ladder.