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Referee Training

In order for the WFA to keep pace with the growth of powerchair football, it is vital for us to recruit and train more referees and assistant referees. 

We have developed a course which combines the theory of the Laws of the Game with a practical element, putting the theory into practice.  This provides the best platform to help our new referees to learn. 

This course is usually linked to a regional league competition, or a larger training event (minimum player numbers required) to provide practical opportunities to officiate and receive tutor feedback.

We then encourage the participant to contact their nearest club and “get involved” with the training to learn more about the game, to improve their disability awareness and most importantly, to get to know the players. 

To become a WFA referee, you must be a minimum of 16 years old.  

Referee training is essential for the Wheelchair Football Association (WFA) for several reasons:

  • Ensuring Fair Play: The primary role of referees in any sport is to ensure that the game is played fairly. In powerchair football, this is particularly crucial because the players have different levels of disabilities, and it is the responsibility of the referee to ensure that each player is given an equal opportunity to compete.
  • Safety of the Players: Another critical role of referees is to ensure the safety of the players. Referees must be well-trained to identify and prevent dangerous tackles, collisions, and other potential safety hazards during the game. This is particularly important in powerchair football, where players are vulnerable due to their disabilities.
  • Consistency in Decision Making: Referees must make decisions that are consistent with the rules of the game. In wheelchair football, it is important to have referees who are knowledgeable about the sport and its rules to ensure consistency in decision-making, which helps maintain the integrity of the game.
  • Building Credibility: Referee training helps build credibility for The WFA as a whole. Having well-trained referees ensures that the game is played fairly and safely, which builds trust among players, coaches, and spectators, and helps promote the sport.
  • Promoting Development: Referee training also helps promote the development of the sport. As the number of referees increases, The WFA can expand its reach, and more people can participate in the sport. This helps to promote the sport and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion and diversity in sports.

In summary, referee training is crucial for the Wheelchair Football Association to ensure fair play, safety of the players, consistency in decision-making, build credibility, and promote the development of the sport.

Referee Development Pathway

Level 7 Match Official:

  • Must attend WFA Refereeing Powerchair Football Course. From this Official will be qualified to assist at Regional League level events. 
  • Attendance at local training sessions is advised. 

Criteria to move to the next level (Level 6): 

  • Officials are invited to centre Regional League matches.
  • Officials level of ability is assessed by WFA Assessor. This is for a minimum of three (3) matches.

Level 6 Match Official:

  • Official is qualifies to centre at Regional League events without supervision.

Criteria to move to the next level (Level 5): 

  • Officials are invited to attend WFA National League Championship to assist and centre. 
  • Officials level of ability is assessed by WFA Assessor. This is for a minimum of three (3) matches.

Level 5 Match Official:

  • Official is qualifies to centre at WFA National League Championship without supervision.

Criteria to move to the next level (Level 4): 

  • Officials are invited to attend WFA National League Premiership to assist and centre. 
  • Officials level of ability is assessed by WFA Assessor. This is for a minimum of three (3) matches.

Level 4 Match Official:

  • Official is qualifies to centre at WFA National League Premiership without supervision.

Criteria to move to the next level (Level 4): 

  • WFA Head of Referee Development will select and invite officials to recieve further FIPFA-approved training and assist at international events.

Level 3 Match Official: European Zone Referee

Level 2 Match Official: FIPFA International Referee

Level 1 Match Official: Advanced FIPFA International Referee

Assistant Referee Online Course

In an effort to further support our referee workforce, the WFA have created an online assistant referee course. The course is designed to give people an understanding of the role of the assistant referee, the duties they are required to perform during a game & how to perform them correctly to support the referee.

The course is ideal for those who may want to gain an initial understanding of officiating in powerchair football, or for those who may be willing to support games taking place as an assistant at regional or national league level.
 
The course features a variety of video clips to provide visual examples of the duties required from an assistant referee. Candidates must then undertake a test, answering questions which link to the information provided on the WFA Assistant Referee course.