At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead referee development and support across Sussex for high-quality matchday experiences.
- Company: Join the progressive Sussex FA, shaping the future of grassroots football.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, personal development budgets, and free Nike staff uniform.
- Other info: Commitment to equality and support for candidates with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in football by supporting and developing referees.
- Qualifications: Experience in football development or refereeing is essential.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 24000 £ per year.
Sussex FA are looking to recruit a dedicated Referee Development Officer on a full‑time, permanent contract. The role is responsible for leading the development, support and progression of referees across Sussex, ensuring match officials feel valued, engaged, and equipped to deliver safe, high‑quality matchday experiences at every level of the game.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The postholder will shape the county's refereeing priorities and contribute to the overall delivery of the Grassroots Football Strategy. With an increased focus on inclusion pathways, targeted recruitment, and referee wellbeing, and new digital systems to streamline referee availability, it is an exciting time to join a team helping to shape the future of officiating in Sussex. The Referee Development Officer will lead the county's end‑to‑end referee development framework, including recruitment, conversion, progression pathways, retention, stakeholder engagement, and the overall delivery of high‑quality support services for referees. The postholder will maintain compliance with FA regulations and safeguarding standards.
ABOUT YOU
To join the team and be successful, the individual must be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and how their expertise aligns with the essential and desirable criteria. You will demonstrate professionalism, commitment to development, and a passion for supporting referees. The successful applicant will report to the Football Development Manager. Applicants should have experience within football development, refereeing, coaching or sports development, together with experience as a qualified football referee. You must be flexible and able to work evenings and weekends as required.
WHAT IS OFFERED?
- An exciting opportunity to join a forward thinking, progressive business
- A chance to work with key stakeholders within the grassroots and professional game
- A commitment to empowered and supportive personal development
- A Workplace Pension Scheme
- A Personal Accident policy
- Additional leave after 5, 10 years' service
- Flexible working hours
- Long Service Awards for 10, 15, 20 years' service
- Health Scheme
- Multi Faith Prayer Room available
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to FA Cup Final & England tickets at Wembley
- Additional time off over Christmas, wellbeing leave and birthday holiday
- Personal Development Budgets
- Free Nike Staff Uniform every year
The role involves working 35 hours per week including some evening and weekend work as required. The salary range for the position is £24,000 to £28,000. The position offers 20 days leave per annum (plus public holidays, birthday and additional Christmas leave) and is subject to a 3‑month probationary period.
The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 9 March 2026, with interviews held on Tuesday 17 March 2026.
DISABILITY CONFIDENT
They pride themselves on being an employer committed to supporting candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment and selection process. They have a dedicated team to support any employee with a disability. If any reasonable adjustments are required to support an application, candidates are encouraged to get in touch.
EQUALITY STATEMENT
Sussex FA believe that football belongs to, and should be enjoyed by, anyone who wants to participate in it. They are committed to promoting equality within the business in every aspect of its work and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and experiences to apply for this role, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and marriage and civil partnership.
Sussex FA - Referee Development Officer employer: The Football Association
Sussex FA is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for the Referee Development Officer role. With a strong commitment to personal development, flexible working hours, and unique benefits such as access to FA Cup Final tickets and a health scheme, employees are empowered to thrive in their careers while contributing to the growth of grassroots football in Sussex. The inclusive culture and focus on wellbeing ensure that all staff feel valued and engaged in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sussex FA - Referee Development Officer
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like The Football Association. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including The Football Association. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Sussex FA - Referee Development Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining The Football Association aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Football Association
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with The Football Association, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
