To: Level 4 Match Officials
Season 2022/23 - L4 Assistant Referee Specialisation
Firstly, thanks to all those who completed the recent Level 4 specialist assistant referee pathway survey. It has been incredibly useful in understanding the perspective of Level 4 referees across the country and has helped steer discussions regarding the options for the Level 4 AR pathway for season 2022/23.
Further to receiving the data from the survey, and as part of the annual review of the refereeing pyramid, we are pleased to confirm the Football Association has amended the a route for current Level 4 referees to operate as
specialist assistant referees.
From 2022/23 all officials who have operated as a Level 4 referee (or higher) for
3 or more seasons (previously 5 or more seasons) since they were first promoted (i.e. first promoted to Level 4 for season 2019/20 season or earlier) can choose to operate as a specialist assistant referee for season 2022/23.
Details as to the criteria for implementation of the specialist route can be found on the attached document.
If you meet this requirement and wish to operate as a specialist assistant referee for season 2022/23 please complete the
link by no later than
5pm on Friday 1 April 2022.
Should a match official who has selected the AR pathway achieve promotion to Level 3 as a referee OR any match official is reclassified to Level 5 as part of the 2021/22 retention process (and meets the 3 year criteria) we will be in contact at the end of the season to establish your preferred option for season 2022/23.
Any current L4 specialist assistant referee who wishes to revert to a dual role as a Level 4 official for season 2022/23 please email
FAcompreferee@TheFA.com by no later than
5pm on Friday 1 April 2022. Please note that this option is subject to retention as a Level 4 specialist assistant referee.
If you have any questions regarding the criteria please feel free to make contact with
Chris.Kay@TheFA.com or
Chay.Hathway@TheFA.com