Making it to the Top
(or the Pyramid System explained)
The Football Association in cooperation with County Football Associations will annually classify all registered referees into a ‘Pyramid’ scheme to ensure referees of suitable experience and ability are allocated a suitable level of football to referee. Details of the Promotion Pyramid are shown below.
Level 10 Non-active Referee. These are referees who no longer actively referee games but do maintain an involvement in Refereeing such as Assessing, Mentoring or Coaching.
Level 9 Trainee Referee. These are referees who have completed the basic training course and passed the examinations who have yet to complete their 6-match record of achievement.
Level 8 Youth referee (under 16)
Level 7 Junior referees not in Level 8 or below (local football referee)
Level 6 County referees (local football referee)
Level 5 Senior County referees. This classification includes referees who have served at a higher level. Where a referee has achieved a level higher than Level 5 and is then not retained, the referee is to be classified as a Level 5, with the option of further promotion in the normal way or until a status of non-active is declared by the individual.
Level 4 Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on a Supply League (e.g. Hellenic League, Spartan South Midlands League). In addition Level 4 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on the Contributory Leagues e.g. Southern League, Isthmian League.
Level 3 Referees selected to officiate as a Referee on the National List of Contributory Leagues (e.g. Southern League, Isthmian League). In addition, Level 3 officials will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Panel Leagues, Football League or Premier League.
Level 2B Referees selected by The FA to serve on the Panel List (Conference South, Football League Reserves and Premier League Reserves). In addition, Level 2B Referees will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Conference National, Football League or Premier League.
Level 2A Referees selected by The FA to serve on the Panel Select List (Conference National League). In addition, Level 2A Referees will serve as Assistant Referees on either the Football League or Premier League.
Level 1 Referees selected by The Football Association to serve on the Referees panel of the National List (Premier and Football Leagues)
International: Referees who are on the FIFA List of Referees.
taken from
http://www.users.freenetname.co.uk/~bgpalmer/pyramid.htm