The PGMOL and PFA have created a new programme to offer current and former players the opportunity to move into refereeing.
Eyed as a ‘player to match official’ scheme, the Elite Referee Development Plan [ERDP], which is wholly funded by the Premier League, will allow high potential candidates to advance higher up in shorter timeframe.
The programme has been devised as the Football Association and PGMOL continue their attempts to modernise the match officiating pathway by providing opportunities to high-potential individuals to progress to the higher levels of the game within a shorter time-frame.
Between ten and 12 current or former players are being eyed by the PGMOL to enrol onto the three-year refereeing scholarship scheme.
The pilot scheme has received more than 120 expressions of interest from members of the PFA.
Prospective referees will be provided with centralised training and education and development as well as expert input from experienced personnel.
They will also have a personalised games programme to offer them the chance to officiate at various levels and could referee across the professional leagues in England during or after the programme.
Howard Webb, the PGMOL Chief Refereeing Officer, said: “We’ve made no secret that we are looking to broaden our pool of officials and entice people from other areas of the game and society into refereeing who may have historically not been well represented.
“Alongside our commitment to developing our current officials, we aim to create the best possible environment to support and encourage current and former players to enhance their skills, knowledge and, ultimately, their qualities as match officials through this programme.
“It’s been fantastic to collaborate with the PFA on this programme and the level of interest from their members strongly indicates they feel this is an exciting opportunity to explore an avenue which could potentially lead them to the highest levels of our game – this time as a match official.”
Successful participants will be paid with an expectation of two full days employment through the PGMOL.
This will include attending regular referee meetings and matches, as well as two full days employment through the PFA Business School.
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This will include attending regular referee meetings and matches, as well as two full days employment through the PFA Business School.
Those interested will have to submit a formal application to determine their suitability for the programme, and the ten to 12 participants will kick-off their training in the summer with a referee course that will involve both technical and practical-based training.
The new programme will run parallel to referee courses for academy scholars, which are aimed to improve players’ education on officiating as part of a of new measures brought in through the game-supported Participant Behaviour Charter.
“This is an excellent opportunity for any current or former PFA member who’s ever wanted to move into refereeing,” PFA chief executive Maheta Molango said.
“As the players’ union, we are constantly looking across the game to create pathways and opportunities for players to reinvest their experiences both on and off the field.
“Successfully completing this three-year journey could open doors to becoming a referee, which is an exciting prospect for anyone passionate about football and who wants to retain and use their experience within professional football.”