A tad early but the FA think there will be lots of interest in this new scheme. Intending applicants should note the deadline for applying - 12noon on Saturday. Good luck!
In an attempt to get older people off the golf course and back into work, the FA have announced a scheme starting on 1st April 2023 whereby retired referees will be offered five year renewable contracts to officiate on the EFL. Announcing the scheme, refereeing supremo and guru, ‘Spider’ Webb said that all former referees will be eligible to apply. Those who know why they have turned up at a particular ground on a Saturday, who can get from one end of a pitch to the other in less than two minutes without support and can read a substitution number board from a distance of no less than 10m will be offered terms as referees. Others will be offered terms as VARs at Stopmeandbuyone Park where comfy chairs, a choice of games to view on widescreen TVs and free tea and coffee will be available. Commenting on the scheme, Spider said, “I’m sure it’s going to be popular. There are opportunities for the brightest applicants to progress to the Premier League and even to UEFA and FIFA, with lots of free travel involved, but not unfortunately to Ibiza in winter. I was thinking of applying for it myself, but then I thought again”. Applications and comments may be made to the FA, Ivory Towers, Much-Groaning-in-the-Bog, Daarset, POO 1EE, but please note applications close at 12noon sharp on 1st April and any applications received after that will not be considered but may still be charged for.