What do we need before we start?

[Viridis1886]

Hi everyone.

First post and finding all the advice and support really helpful and insightful.

My son and I are both signed up to start on a ref course at the end of the month. I've run the line for a number of years for the children and thought I would try stepping over the line now! Before we embark on the training, what do you suggest we need to get as essential 'kit' in advance?

Neither of us have 'official' looking shirts, shirts etc or flags, whistles, books, cards and so on. When you add it all up (and times by two) it gets quite expensive. What do we need to have and what can wait?

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[ChasObserverRefDeveloper]

Good to hear of a dad and son on a course - it's always good to have someone at home to talk through any bits of the course that you don't fully understand.
At the course the presenters will give guidance re kit - for the first few games a black/dark top and shorts will suffice.
You can get a referee starter kit for around £45 from organisations like The Referees' Association via their website - an initial outlay which will be recouped in your first two games.
At most courses you will be given a whistle, yellow and red cards with a notepad and holder so you would then just need a stopwatch (£9.95 from Argos, for example)
Enjoy the course and your refereeing careers.

 

[Viridis1886]

Thanks very much for the advice.

I'll hold off on filling up the Amazon basket until after the course!

 

[RobOda]

The Welsh course includes an option to pay extra and you get the kit included with the course. You'll still need the watch and stuff tho.

If you're in England though, I think Chas has covered it.