The FA have today announced that the names Panel Select, Panel, Contributory and Supply will disappear with immediate effect, being replaced with Step 1 List, Step 2 List, Step 3/4 List and Step 5/6 List. Full content is below.
Refereeing Levels – Name Changes
The FA Referees’ Committee have approved the change of name for refereeing levels within the National League System in readiness for 2020/21.
These changes look to reflect terminology consistent with levels used in the National League System to allow greater understanding of the refereeing pyramid across the football community. One element of the current environment largely misunderstood are the names of refereeing levels across the referee pyramid.
Consequently, with immediate effect, the names of levels within the refereeing pyramid will be changed as follows:
Refereeing Levels – 2020/21 Constituent Competitions
We are aware that a number of changes to the refereeing pyramid have been made in recent months; a number of which impact the competitions which constitute the respective levels across the refereeing pyramid.
In addition, with the co-operation of the respective leagues, the restructure has allowed for new Step 5/6 referee pools to be set up in the South West, East Midlands, North West and Yorkshire regions.
Please therefore find attached the confirmed list of competitions and their level within the refereeing pyramid and pool (where applicable) for 2020/21.
FA Competitions and respective League Cup competitions will supplement the league competitions listed.
As the planned National League System restructure to include a new Step 4 division and additional Step 5 divisions has had to be delayed for a season, further changes will take place prior to the start of 2021/22.
Refereeing Levels – Name Changes
The FA Referees’ Committee have approved the change of name for refereeing levels within the National League System in readiness for 2020/21.
These changes look to reflect terminology consistent with levels used in the National League System to allow greater understanding of the refereeing pyramid across the football community. One element of the current environment largely misunderstood are the names of refereeing levels across the referee pyramid.
Consequently, with immediate effect, the names of levels within the refereeing pyramid will be changed as follows:
| Current Name | New Name from 20/21 | Referee Level | Assistant Referee Level |
| Panel Select | Step 1 List | 2A | 3E |
| Panel | Step 2 List | 2B | 3F |
| Contributory | Step 3/4 List | 3A | 4B |
| Supply | Step 5/6 List | 4A | 5/6/7 |
Refereeing Levels – 2020/21 Constituent Competitions
We are aware that a number of changes to the refereeing pyramid have been made in recent months; a number of which impact the competitions which constitute the respective levels across the refereeing pyramid.
In addition, with the co-operation of the respective leagues, the restructure has allowed for new Step 5/6 referee pools to be set up in the South West, East Midlands, North West and Yorkshire regions.
Please therefore find attached the confirmed list of competitions and their level within the refereeing pyramid and pool (where applicable) for 2020/21.
FA Competitions and respective League Cup competitions will supplement the league competitions listed.
As the planned National League System restructure to include a new Step 4 division and additional Step 5 divisions has had to be delayed for a season, further changes will take place prior to the start of 2021/22.
