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@JamesL answered that one for you last evening. You will find that if you start a thread on here it will end up with several aspects taking on a life of their own. 👈👉☝️👇

With all the checks and balances introduced into the system over the last three seasons, I believe that we are getting better at producing a fair Observation system. Not quite there yet. The regional differences that used to be evident have been eroded (and nearly erased) as shown in the end of...

There is a fine balance in deciding which aspects of a report are able to be appealed. This season, the scope was increased: "Once again, there are two criteria under which a match official may appeal against a report. The first criteria (the observer is incorrect in Law) is unchanged. The...

Some background: When observing, I regularly have to ask/tell match officials not to talk about League averages, pool averages, and/or any reference to their last observation and marks, all of which are immaterial. Observers at 3-6 mark each section of the report against the standards laid down...

An interesting one to "sell" but as the defender pushes the attacker over, a penalty would seem to be a reasonable outcome. Donnaruma and Doku had this in October and it was sorted before play was restarted, if I remember correctly.

The only other levels are in women's football and Futsal, which are also in the FA Handbook.

No. Levels 7 and 6 were to become 5b and 5c, but then that change was postponed/abandoned. 7 and 6 are grassroots, 5 is grassroots with senior status, and at Level 4 the referee deals directly with the FA for appointments, CPD, etc.

Have a look at page 474 of the FA Handbook 2025-6, available online

At that level, there is an expectation that you will be willing to travel a reasonable distance. It is part of the move into semi-professional football.

As a Referee Developer, we tell all newly qualified referees about this issue. Your Referee Development Officer will give you the local information relative to which games are approved in your area (e. g. some short-sided competitions are not sanctioned)

The FA website has this season’s details for you.

As a 4, you advise your availability a month in advance to The FA, covering both weekends and midweek days. Appointments to matches are initially made on a monthly basis, and are subject to additions or changes when circumstances dictate (e. g. FA competition replays) As a Level 4, you will...

Fair enough - I just quoted the FA rule on this point. Remember that if your appointments were not approved in advance by an Appointments Officer you leave yourself without insurance, etc., and at risk of refereeing non-sanctioned games.

I have explained to my wife that a messy divorce is necessary if I am to be an Observer🙄 She is in the loft passing down suitcases . . . 🤔

Because of the time difference between the UK and Spain, it may be 1st April there(?) 🤔

The criteria include matches up to 31 December, so submissions will take place early in January.

In your last sentence, you are presumably excluding the shoulder of the defender into the back of the attacker?

Doesn't sound like a deliberate ("controlled") play by the goalkeeper. However, it sounds like a save, so "gaining an advantage, offside offence" applies. Next time an attacker calls "second phase", say you're happy to discuss after the game if they show you "second phase" in the LOTG.🤔😊

A brave forecast in this forum😁

Mini soccer has different protocols and approaches to disciplinary issues (e.g. suggesting the offender be removed by the coach) but in youth football the players should be subject to the sanctions set out in the LOTG.