24/10/2026
⚽ REFEREES WANTED – NORTH DEVON FOOTBALL NEEDS YOU! 🟨🟥
Could you be the next generation of referees keeping grassroots football alive in North Devon?
The North Devon Football League is actively looking for new referees, and we need your help!
We are becoming desperately short of match officials. We are incredibly fortunate to have a loyal and dedicated group of local referees who give up their time, week after week, to keep our games going. However, with many of our experienced officials getting older, we need to start bringing through the next generation.
And who better to help them develop than those experienced referees who have so much knowledge to share?
⚽ HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BECOMING A REFEREE?
Perhaps you're a former player who still loves the game? Maybe you're coming towards the end of your playing days? Or perhaps you're simply someone who wants to get involved in football in a completely different way?
Over the years, we've seen plenty of people enjoy everything football has to offer before eventually hanging up their boots. Some go on to support their clubs, coach youngsters or volunteer behind the scenes, which is fantastic.
But wouldn't it be great to see a few more people give something back to the game by picking up a whistle?
Grassroots football has given so much to so many of us. Now is your opportunity to give something back.
🟨 LET'S BE UPFRONT – REFEREEING ISN'T ALWAYS EASY!
I'm certainly not going to sugar-coat it.
Refereeing can be challenging. You're responsible for managing 22 players, two technical areas and occasionally the odd enthusiastic supporter who seems convinced they know the Laws of the Game better than anyone else! 😂
You'll make decisions that some people won't agree with. You'll make mistakes, just like players, managers and coaches do every Saturday.
And that's absolutely fine.
Nobody expects you to be perfect. Well, some players might, but let's be honest, they're not exactly perfect themselves!
What matters is your willingness to learn, improve, communicate and develop your confidence.
And believe me, there are some fantastic rewards.
There's something genuinely satisfying about reaching the final whistle, seeing both teams shaking hands, players thanking you (yes, it really does happen!), and knowing you've played your part in making another game of grassroots football possible.
You'll see football from a completely different perspective, develop valuable life skills and learn something new from almost every match you officiate.
And you won't have to do it alone. We have experienced local referees who can offer guidance, encouragement and potentially mentoring as you develop.
💷 WORRIED ABOUT THE £160 COURSE FEE? PLEASE DON'T LET THAT STOP YOU!
We appreciate that £160 may put some people off, particularly those who are unsure whether refereeing is right for them.
As a League, we are prepared to help individuals with the financial commitment.
We will work with you to help you complete your first five qualifying matches, enabling us to recover most of the course costs and ensuring you are not left out of pocket.
All we would ask in return is a genuine commitment to supporting the North Devon Football League and becoming part of our local refereeing community.
Please don't be afraid to ask about this. We would much rather have a conversation than lose a potential referee because of the initial cost.
📅 UPCOMING REFEREE COURSE – BRAUNTON FC
📚 Theory Session
Wednesday 18th November 2026
6.00pm – 9.00pm
⚽ Practical Session
Sunday 22nd November 2026
9.00am – 4.00pm
📍 Braunton FC
Further details are on the attached Devon FA flyer.
🤝 LET'S SUPPORT THE NEXT GENERATION
We all hear about the shortage of referees. We all know how frustrating it is when games cannot go ahead because there is no official available.
But talking about the problem won't solve it.
We need people willing to step forward, and we need our clubs, players, managers and supporters to get behind them.
If you've ever considered refereeing, even just briefly, I'd really encourage you to give it some serious thought.
I'm always happy to have a confidential, honest conversation with anyone who has questions, concerns or simply wants to understand what's involved.
I won't pretend it's always easy, but I will explain the challenges, the rewards and the support we can offer.
You don't need to be an expert. You just need a willingness to learn, a passion for football and the courage to give it a go.
📩 Drop me a private message and let's arrange a chat.
And to all our member clubs, please help us spread the word. You may have a player, former player, volunteer or supporter who would make a fantastic referee. Give them a nudge!
Without referees, there is no game. Let's work together to secure the future of grassroots football in North Devon.
👍⚽
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