This is an overview of how institutions will work to have futsal referee appointments for the 2025-26 season.
The number of referees required and the level of qualification they should have are detailed in Appendix 5 (BUCS Match Officials Requirements). As has been the case since the 2019-20 season, the minimum requirement is one referee per match, but where possible two should be used.
Fixtures taking place in Scotland and Wales
As per previous seasons, the first named (home) institution/Playing Entity shall be responsible for sourcing/appointing referees in accordance with REG 10 and Appendix 5 (BUCS Match Officials Requirements).
Fixtures taking place in England
Men’s and Women’s Premier Tier and National Championship
Referees will be appointed by the FA Futsal Referees Appointments Officer, Ian Vaines, except for fixtures hosted by those institutions/Playing Entities who advise that they will source their own referees who shall be responsible for sourcing/appointing referees in accordance with REG 10 and Appendix 5 (BUCS Match Officials Requirements).
To ensure that appointments can be made by Ian, the following process shall take place for each fixture:
- 14 days prior to a fixture, the first named (home) institution/Playing Entity needs to have updated the start time and venue for the fixtures on BUCS Play.
- These fixture details will be forwarded to Ian by BUCS.
- Ian will aim to have referees appointed at least three working days prior to the fixture (for example by the Tuesday ahead of a Saturday/Sunday fixture), with appointments being e-mailed to Institution Administrators by BUCS. Any institutions/Playing Entities who have not been appointed the minimum of one referee by this stage should follow REG 10.6.2, including Ian so that he is aware of any plans and where appropriate may still try and assist with making an appointment.
- An Institution/Playing Entitiy who has had a referee (or two) appointed must then contact the referee(s) directly to confirm final fixture details, including important information such as payment processes, parking, and kit colours of both teams.
Men’s and Women’s Tier 1 and below leagues, National Trophy and Conference Cups
As per previous seasons, the first named (home) institution/Playing Entity shall be responsible for sourcing/appointing referees in accordance with REG 10 and Appendix 5 (BUCS Match Officials Requirements).
Institutions/Playing Entities can request support with appointments from the FA Futsal Referees Appointments Officer, Ian Vaines, but appointment requests are not guaranteed to be fulfilled and responsibility sits with the first named (home) institution/Playing Entity to secure all officials. Please note that Ian’s role is voluntary and something he does in his spare time to support the futsal programme.
To request support with appointments, institutions/Playing Entities should use the following process:
- Consider liaising with other institutions/Playing Entities to group fixtures or align with/fit around fixtures from other futsal competitions (such as the NFS) which may increase the chances of referees being available to cover multiple matches.
- Email Ian as far as possible in advance of, and at least 10 working days before, the fixture, with all the fixture details.
- Ian will be in touch as soon as possible to highlight any potential availability.
- Please liaise with Ian directly to confirm appointment(s).
By submitting a request, this does not mean you will automatically be appointed an official. If you do not hear from Ian, please assume he has been unsuccessful in trying to appoint.
We also recommend you still try to seek your own appointment and inform Ian if you manage to appoint. Please note that Ian does this to his best endeavours and cannot accommodate every request.
Payment of referees
The following guidelines should be followed on payment for referees. If you have any issues with referees demanding more money, then please email [email protected].
- Match Fee: £30 per match.
- Expenses: 40p per mile.
