Referee Scout Consultant at The Football Association
Job Description
The Football Association is recruiting Referee Scouts to support the identification and development of match officials across the Men’s National League North and National League South, alongside Tier 3 of the Women’s Football Pyramid.
This is a flexible, remote opportunity combining video analysis, evidence-based performance assessment and talent development within The FA’s refereeing pathway.
Referee Scouts will review match footage remotely using a dedicated video analysis platform, evaluating referee performance against The FA Refereeing DNA.
Rather than relying solely on traditional observation, Scouts will use video evidence to assess the referee’s overall impact on the game across five key areas:
Technical | Tactical | Physical | Psychological | Social
The resulting reports will contribute to the development and identification of current and future elite match officials.
- Review referee performances using match footage.
- Identify and analyse relevant match incidents.
- Bookmark key moments within the video analysis platform.
- Produce detailed online performance reports.
- Support observations with appropriate video clip evidence.
- Evaluate performance against The FA Refereeing DNA.
- Consider the referee's impact on the overall management and flow of the game.
- Provide objective, evidence-based assessment that supports referee development.
- Contribute to the identification of officials with the potential to progress through The FA's pathway towards the professional and international game.
The FA are particularly interested in applicants with:
- Experience of refereeing at Step 2 or above.
- An understanding of referee performance and development.
- Strong observational and analytical skills.
- The ability to use video evidence to support performance judgements.
- The ability to produce clear and constructive written reports.
Applications are also welcomed from people with experience from the playing side of football who can bring a valuable alternative perspective to the assessment of referee performance.
Successful candidates will complete a comprehensive training and accreditation programme before receiving appointments.
The FA will provide support throughout the process to ensure Scouts can confidently apply the required assessment framework and performance standards.
This is not a traditional full-time or part-time position.
Appointments are offered on a week-by-week basis, with analysis completed remotely and flexibly during the week.
This could therefore particularly suit experienced referees or football practitioners looking to remain involved in the game while contributing to the development of the next generation of elite match officials.
An interesting addition to the expanding performance-analysis landscape, applying many of the same principles used in player and team analysis to match-official development:
Match Footage → Incident Analysis → Evidence → Performance Evaluation → Feedback → Referee Development
Referee Scouts will contribute directly to identifying talent, improving performance and supporting officials progressing towards the professional and international game.
For an informal discussion about the role or accreditation process, contact:
Ross Joyce
Senior FA Referee Manager – Referee Development
Ross.Joyce@TheFA.com
Successful candidates will be subject to the appropriate DBS check. The FA welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is an equal opportunities employer.
Referee Scout Consultant | The Football Association (The ASPA Jobs Board)