Referees under the age of 18 will be visible in Nottinghamshire by wearing a distinctive yellow armband. 

The new initiative is a visual reminder for players, managers, team officials, parents, spectators, and all those involved in the game, referees that are under the age of 18 are subject to the children’s safeguarding legislation. 

Football is a fun environment for all involved and this includes referees. Like grassroot players, referees are learning and developing their skills as a referee. 
Liam Brown, Referee Development Officer at Nottinghamshire FA, said ‘Following a recent u18 referee survey, we have made a change to our u18 referee initiative. U18 referees following the completion of the FA referee course will receive a yellow u18 armband. The armband is a clear visual reminder to players, coaches, spectators, and parents that the referee is under 18. The aim is to create a safe and positive environment to develop referees.’ 

Alongside the u18 referee armbands, all referees will receive a referee contact card. This card includes the sin-bin law and a QR code to a live document covering key league contacts for games, safeguarding contacts, referee society details, discipline/report support and mental health champion contact details. For referee’s that won’t receive a referee contact card, here is the link to the live document – Contact Card.

 Current u18 referees can obtain an armband by completing this form – 

If you are interested in taking the referee course, please click the link below.

The FA Referee Course - Nottinghamshire FA