REFEREE & ASSISTANT PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR COACHES & PARENTS.

This concise online course introduces coaches and parent volunteers to the essential responsibilities of Referees and Assistant Referees in grassroots football. It explains the importance of these roles in creating a safe, positive and enjoyable environment for young players, and provides clear guidance on applying the Laws of the Game, managing typical match-day situations, and supporting the flow of the game. The course aims to build confidence and ensure participants feel prepared to officiate effectively.


WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?

⚽ Grassroots coaches

⚽ Parent volunteers

⚽ Team managers

⚽ Recreational soccer coaches

⚽ Youth football coordinators

⚽ Parents watching from the touchline

COURSE DURATION - 90 MINUTES


What you will learn

We created this course because we kept meeting new volunteers who wanted to referee but didn’t know where to begin, so we built a clear, step-by-step path that trims the fluff and gets you confident fast. Every lesson is short, practical, and sequenced so you can build skills in the right order, rules, signals, positioning, and calm communication, plus real-world scenarios and simple checklists you can use immediately. We carefully crafted the content from field experience and learner feedback, so you get exactly what a starter needs: plain-language explanations, demos, and quick wins that stack into real competence. The whole program is organized into focused modules with milestones, templates, and practice prompts, making it easy to dip in, track progress, and apply what you learn the same day. By the end, you’ll feel prepared, supported, and ready to step in with confidence.

Included In This Course

⚽ Laws of the Game Explained

⚽ Referee Positioning

⚽ Match Management

⚽ Decision-Making Guidance

⚽ Downloadable Resources

⚽ Certificate Of Completion


EASY TO FOLLOW GUIDES

Choose a Pricing Option

Practical

Hands-on Skills and Real-life Application in the Volunteer Ref Course

Inclusive

Fostering Collaboration and Respect Across the Volunteer Ref Course

Empowering

Build Confidence and Real-world Impact in the Volunteer Ref Course

COURSE CREATOR


George Lappas is a UEFA A Licence coach, Personal Trainer, and First-Team Opposition Scout & Player recruitment specialist with over 25 years experience. He is currently Head of Coaching at one of the largest grassroots football clubs in the country (FA 3 Star Accredited).

George has a track record of developing many professional & international players including: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City FC, England), Jacob Murphy (Newcastle United), Joshua Murphy (Portsmouth FC), Zak Sturge (Millwall FC, England Youth).

George has previously coached at Fulham, QPR and Watford academies. George has worked as a Recruitment Specialist and Opposition Analyst for Barnet, Leyton Orient, Wigan Athletic, Millwall and Malawi (AFCON 2022).

George has also worked with Corporate clients including Pepsi, TNT Sports and Panini, providing football coaching experiences for young players alongside Leah Williamson, Mason Mount, Ellen White, Lauren James, Phil Jagielka and David James.

Curriculum

  INTRODUCTION
Available in days
days after you enroll
  COURSE CONTENT
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 1 - THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 2: EFFECTIVE POSITIONING, RULES & GAME MANAGEMENT
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 3 - FOULS & MISCONDUCTS
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 4 - GAME RESTARTS & SIGNALS
Available in days
days after you enroll
  DETERMINING IF THE BALL HAS CROSSED THE LINE - TASKS
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 5 - ASSISTANT REFEREE ROLE & SIGNALS
Available in days
days after you enroll
  ASSISTANT REFEREE - POSITIONING AND SIGNALLING - TASKS
Available in days
days after you enroll
  OFFSIDE LAW - QUIZ - 9-A-SIDE AND 11-A-SIDE
Available in days
days after you enroll
  MODULE 6: MATCH-DAY MANAGEMENT – BEFORE, DURING & AFTER THE GAME
Available in days
days after you enroll
  CONCLUSION
Available in days
days after you enroll

AFCAS COURSES

ESSENTIALS GRASSROOTS COACH BUNDLE

The Essentials bundle is designed for new and beginner coaches, parents, and volunteers getting started in grassroots football, offering practical guidance on the everyday challenges faced across the game. Through five accessible e-learning courses, learners gain the confidence, understanding, and tools needed to create positive and meaningful experiences for every player involved.

Courses: 5

£140

FEMALE COACH ESSENTIALS BUNDLE

This Course Bundle is designed for new and beginner female coaches, parents, and volunteers getting started in grassroots football, offering practical guidance on the everyday challenges faced across the game. Through five accessible e-learning courses, learners gain the confidence, understanding, and tools needed to create positive and meaningful experiences for every player involved. The bundle will help you build your knowledge, confidence, and skills as you progress in your coaching journey.

Courses: 5

£140

AFCAS TECHNICAL SCOUTING PATHWAY (LEVELS 1–3) – COMPLETE COURSE BUNDLE

AFCAS TECHNICAL SCOUTING PATHWAY (LEVELS 1–3) – COMPLETE COURSE BUNDLE Take your scouting to a professional level. The AFCAS Technical Scouting Pathway brings together Levels 1, 2, and 3 into one complete learning program, designed to develop your ability to identify, analyze, and report on player performance with real clarity and confidence.

Courses: 3

£120

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL - PRACTICAL GUIDE - FOR NEW & BEGINNER COACHES

Step into coaching with confidence. This course is perfect for new or aspiring coaches, parents, players, and football enthusiasts who want a clear, practical foundation in grassroots coaching. Learn how to run engaging sessions, communicate effectively with players, and develop core technical skills like passing, dribbling, shooting, and 1v1 defending. With simple video examples and ready-to-use coaching ideas, you’ll be fully equipped to lead fun, structured, and impactful sessions from day one.

Ged Searson

Ged Searson

£59

GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL - COACH DEVELOPMENT - FOR FEMALE COACHES

Designed specifically to support female coaches starting their journey in football, this course offers a welcoming and practical introduction to grassroots coaching. Learn how to confidently lead sessions, manage players, and deliver fun, engaging training environments while developing essential football skills. With clear guidance, video examples, and step-by-step support, you’ll gain everything you need to start coaching with confidence and purpose.

Ged Searson

Ged Searson

£49

RECREATIONAL SOCCER - PRACTICAL GUIDE - FOR NEW & BEGINNER COACHES

Step into coaching with confidence. This course is perfect for new or aspiring coaches, parents, players, and Soccer enthusiasts who want a clear, practical foundation in Recreational Soccer coaching. Learn how to run engaging sessions, the rules of the game, how to communicate effectively with players, and develop core technical skills like passing, dribbling, shooting, and 1v1 defending. With simple video examples and ready-to-use coaching ideas, you’ll be fully equipped to lead fun, structured, and impactful sessions from day one.

Ged Searson

Ged Searson

$125

A Practical Guide to 3v3 & 5v5 Football

Master the foundations of small-sided football with confidence. This course helps coaches guide players through the fast, exciting world of 3v3 and 5v5 games. Learn how to support decision-making, encourage creativity, and create match environments that promote growth, confidence, and long-term player development.

George Lappas

George Lappas

£35

The Grassroots Coaches Guide to 7v7 Football

Bridge the gap between small-sided football and the full game. This course helps coaches and players adapt to the demands of 7v7 football, introducing structure, positioning, and smarter decision-making while still encouraging creativity and expression. Learn how to balance freedom with tactical awareness to develop confident, intelligent players ready for the next stage.

George Lappas

George Lappas

£35

A Practical Guide to Coaching Mixed Ability Teams

Every team is different, and this course shows you how to bring out the best in every player. Learn practical strategies to coach mixed-ability groups where confidence, experience, and skill levels vary. Discover how to adapt sessions, challenge all players appropriately, and create a positive environment where everyone feels included, supported, and motivated to improve.

George Lappas

George Lappas

£35

A Practical Guide to Working with Parents In Grassroots Football

The sideline can shape a player’s entire football experience. This course gives coaches the tools to manage parents effectively, build positive relationships, and create a supportive matchday environment. Learn how to set expectations, handle challenges confidently, and foster a culture where players feel encouraged, not pressured – allowing them to enjoy and thrive in the game.

George Lappas

George Lappas

£35

A Practical Guide to Building Better Communication in players & teams

Unlock the power of communication on the pitch. This course develops a player’s ability to communicate clearly using both voice and body language to improve team performance in attacking situations. Learn when, what, and how to communicate effectively, supported by real match examples and structured training ideas. Build more confident players and more connected teams.

Ged Searson

Ged Searson

$65

AFCAS - FOOTBALL FUNDAMENTALS & TALENT ID - LEVEL 1 - TECHNICAL SCOUTING

With 12-14 hours of content, this INTERACTIVE SCOUTING course is ideal for those seeking to enhance their skills or deepen their understanding of the game to take their scouting ability to the next level. Whether you're an aspiring scout starting out and eager to refine your expertise or a seasoned professional looking to elevate your insights, our curriculum is meticulously crafted to explore the core principles of player performance and assessment. Utilizing video examples, theory, over 70+ multiple-choice video tasks, and 7 player observation assessment tasks, you will gain a deeper understanding of player performance and how to assess it.

Ged Searson

Ged Searson

£60