The FA Referee Grading System

If you've ever tried to book a referee in the UK, you've probably come across FA grades — and wondered what they actually mean. This guide breaks down every level of the FA referee grading system so you can match the right official to your fixture.

The Grade Ladder

The FA uses a numeric grading system from Level 7 (entry level) to the National List (elite). Here's what each grade means:

Level 7 — Entry Level Referee

The starting point for all new referees. Candidates complete the FA Referee Course (typically a weekend or online learning plus a practical session) to earn their Level 7 badge.

Suitable for: Recreational 5-a-side, junior grassroots (U7–U11), introductory adult leagues Course length: ~12 hours of learning

Level 6 — Developing Referee

Referees who have completed their first active season and received positive performance assessments progress to Level 6. They're comfortable with the Laws of the Game and have match experience.

Suitable for: Junior grassroots (U12–U16), adult Sunday leagues (lower divisions)

Level 5 — Established Grassroots Referee

A solid, experienced referee with multiple seasons at grassroots level. Most county-level amateur football uses Level 5 referees as standard.

Suitable for: County-level amateur football, FA Vase preliminary rounds, adult Sunday leagues

Level 4 — Contributory (County Standard)

This is where the pathway starts to diverge. Level 4 referees are assessed and mentored by the county FA and are considered county-standard officials.

Suitable for: County league finals, Step 7 football (lowest tier of the non-league pyramid), senior cup competitions

Level 3 — National (Contributory)

Level 3 referees officiate at the lower end of the non-league pyramid (Steps 5–7) and are on the radar of the national referee development programme.

Suitable for: Steps 5–7 of the English football pyramid, county senior cups

Level 2 — National List (Contributory)

Elite non-league referees, officiating at National League North/South (Step 2) and below.

Level 1 — National List

The top tier of the FA referee grading system. National List referees are assessed for EFL and Premier League appointment.

Suitable for: EFL Championship downward, elite non-league

Which Grade Does Your Match Need?

| Competition | Minimum Grade Required | |-------------|------------------------| | Sunday league recreational | Level 7 | | County junior league | Level 6–7 | | County senior league | Level 5–6 | | FA Vase / FA Cup preliminary | Level 5 | | Steps 5–7 | Level 3–4 | | Steps 2–4 | Level 2 | | EFL / Premier League | Level 1 |

Always check with your league administrator for the exact requirement — leagues set their own minimum standards within FA guidelines.

How to Verify a Referee's Grade

When booking a referee independently, ask to see their FA Referee Registration number. You can verify their grade and registration status through the FA's Whole Game System (if you have access) or by contacting your county FA.

FindaRef verifies all referees on the platform before they can receive fixture requests, ensuring every match is covered by a properly registered, grade-appropriate official.

The Referee Development Pathway

Referees don't stay at one grade forever. The FA has a structured development pathway:

Complete the Referee Course → Level 7
Active season + positive assessments → Level 6
Regular performance assessments → Levels 5, 4
Appointment to county panel → Level 4
National performance review → Levels 3, 2, 1

Each promotion requires passing performance thresholds measured by referee assessors — experienced officials who watch matches and provide detailed feedback.

Summary

For most grassroots clubs, a Level 5–7 referee will cover all your needs. If you're running a county cup final or stepping into non-league football, you'll want a Level 4 or above.

FindaRef makes it easy — just specify the minimum grade when you post your fixture, and the matching algorithm handles the rest.

FA Referee Grades Explained: Which Grade Does Your Match Need?