The football referee course, explained
Thinking about taking a football referee course? Here's how the official course works, what you'll learn, the options for training online or for free, and the minimum age — including whether a 13-year-old can start.
Start freeWhat a football referee course covers
Every referee course is built around the 17 IFAB Laws of the Game. You'll learn the field of play, offside, fouls and misconduct, restarts and match control, plus the signals and positioning used on the pitch. The official course is run by your national or regional football association and ends with a written exam and, usually, a fitness test.
Online referee course for football
Many associations now deliver part of the referee course online, and you can prepare for the exam entirely on your phone. Studying the Laws with exam-style questions and video decisions online is the fastest way to arrive at the official course already knowing the material.
- ✓Study the Laws of the Game at your own pace
- ✓Answer exam-style questions and review every mistake
- ✓Practise real match-clip video decisions
- ✓Simulate the official exam before the real thing
Free referee course options
The official licence usually carries a small course fee that varies by federation, but you can prepare for free: the Laws of the Game are published free by IFAB, and Regra18 lets you start training the exam content for free before you enrol. Check with your association too — some run free entry-level courses to recruit new referees.
Referee course for 13-year-olds and young beginners
The minimum age depends on the country and federation, and many associations accept candidates from around 14, with some youth pathways starting at 13. If you're 13 and keen to referee, start learning the Laws of the Game now — you'll be ready to enrol the moment you meet your association's age requirement.
Prepare for your referee course with Regra18
Regra18 turns the referee course syllabus into guided practice: adaptive questions on the Laws of the Game, real video decisions, official exam simulations and a clinic that brings your mistakes back until you master them — in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
Start freeFrequently asked questions
How much does a football referee course cost?+
It varies by federation. The official licence usually carries a small course fee, but you can prepare the Laws of the Game and the exam content for free before you enrol.
Can I do a referee course online?+
Often part of it, yes — and you can prepare for the exam entirely online. Many associations combine online study with an in-person exam and fitness test.
Can a 13-year-old take a referee course?+
It depends on your association's minimum age, which is often around 14. Some youth pathways start at 13. Either way, you can begin learning the Laws of the Game straight away.
Is there a free referee course?+
The Laws of the Game are free from IFAB, and some associations run free entry-level courses. You can also train the exam content for free on Regra18 before signing up.
How long does the referee course take?+
Typically a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your association's schedule and how you prepare. Active exam practice makes passing much faster.