Finding a referee for your amateur match: how to handle it

Arranging a referee seems like a simple task, but anyone who's done it knows better. Last-minute cancellations, unclear agreements about fees, and communication issues with the association regularly cause headaches. With the right approach, you can avoid that stress.

Through the association

Most competitions arrange referees through the football association. The home team is generally responsible for requesting or confirming the referee. Check in advance that a referee has indeed been assigned — don't assume it's been handled automatically.

Arranging it yourself for friendly matches

For friendly matches, tournaments, or informal games, you're responsible yourself. Ask your club or sports association if there's a list of available referees. Alternatives include referee associations in the region or student sports federations that train and deploy referees.

Setting clear agreements

• Confirm the date, time, and location in writing.
• Agree on the fee in advance — and how and when it will be paid.
• Notify the referee promptly if the match is cancelled.
• Designate a point of contact on match day.

When something goes wrong anyway

Sometimes a referee cancels at the last minute. Have a plan B: a referee within the group itself, or a player who temporarily officiates. In principle, let the match go ahead — an informal referee is better than none at all.

With good preparation and clear agreements, you can prevent most referee-related stress. Include this in your standard match checklist and it will almost always go smoothly.