Welcome!
I tutor, but not in Northumberland. I imagine you will get an email from the Northumberland FA which will answer all your questions, but in the meantime, here are the generic replies to your answer.
1. Bring food and drink, suitable clothing, a change of footwear, and shin-guards. Normally yellow cards/whistles etc... are provided by the County FA but do check.
2. You will be expected to have a basic understanding of the laws of the game. You will get a pre-course activity which will test this knowledge.
3. The money will cover your costs. I would say when first starting out you could be earning anywhere from £20-35 a game.
4. Depends how you define in depth. You will be expected to learn the laws of the game. The tutoring team will consolidate, and answer questions where appropriate. Likewise, the tutoring team will ensure that you have the practical skills (I stress practical - a lot of the course is now focused on practical referee instead of classroom based) and knowledge to start refereeing - you will understand and know how to:
- Apply law (including recognising and dealing with fouls and misconduct)
- What match control is and how to use to your advantage/improve it
- How important positioning is and what optimum positions during open play and at restarts
- The numerous restarts and how to manage them
- Use the various forms of communication
- Act as an assistant referee
- Conduct yourself and what to do as a referee, before, during, and after a game
- Progress if you so wish
I think I have covered everything. If I have accidentally left something off, I am sure someone will add to my list.
