FAQs

Mainly in Europe, over an array of countries ranging from Spain to Portugal via France, but also in North America, in the USA, and now in China and Africa too. See our complete tournament list.

Referees should embrace a “Referee Abroad Experience” as they offer the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in multiple cultures and collaborate with fellow referees from diverse nations. This exposure not only enriches their officiating skills but also fosters cross-cultural understanding, strengthening their global network. Moreover, it contributes to personal growth, enhancing adaptability and broadening horizons, all while advancing their professional careers in the world of soccer officiating.

Yes, though it varies from tournament to tournament. Usually you must be 18 years of age but some tournaments also accept referees at 15, 16 and 17. If you are a minor and want to travel to a foreign tournament you will have to travel with a responsible adult (either a parent or a fellow referee who accepts to take responsibility over you), or to make sure your parents/guardians sign a full waiver that exempts Referee Abroad and the tournaments from any responsibility over you and your well being. Each tournament sees the participation of many referees, teams and staff members and we cannot accept this kind of responsibility. Also notice that some national FAs might have more stringent rules in place when it comes to travelling abroad as a minor, if this applies to you we will notify you once you apply. 

Not many tournaments pay referees, namely only the American tournaments. The vast majority of events however offers everything else: full board, accommodation and transportation to the pitches and airport. The referee, beside the Referee Abroad tournament fee, must usually only fund the flight, and the tournament provides everything else!

Tournaments do not supply referee kits (with the exception of the tournament in China), so make sure you bring your own ones! We strongly recommend that referees bring more than one colour of referee top, as teams can wear any colour (i.e. the no-black rule doesn’t apply, as in England).

Not many tournaments pay referees, namely only the American tournaments. The vast majority of events however offers everything else: full board, accommodation and transportation to the pitches and airport. The referee, beside the Referee Abroad participation or experience fee, must usually only fund the flight, and the tournament provides everything else!

Each referee will have to organise themselves in regard to travel to and from the tournament, once they receive confirmation of acceptance. Of course, we will provide assistance in this process if desired and ample information will be given about getting to each tournament. Confirmed travel details must be sent to Referee Abroad at least 60 days prior to the start date of the tournament.

You simply need to use the form found on the tournament page. We will then promptly respond to you regarding acceptance or otherwise.

No – each tournament has limits on the number of referees, varying with each tournament. Each application will be considered and we will respond to you promptly regarding your acceptance or otherwise. Usually the enrollment will be on a first-come first-serve basis – so the earlier you apply, the greater chance you have. Some tournaments also have level restrictions; in these cases this information will be provided on the specific tournament page on our website.

Please tell us promptly so a replacement can be found, and at least 60 days prior to the start of the tournament, exceptional circumstances excluded. Failure to do so without good reason will mean you are unlikely to be considered for future tournaments.

Your participation fee will not be lost: the value will be converted into a Referee Abroad voucher of the same amount, valid up until the 31 December of the following year. You can use this for any tournament of your choosing. 

Once accepted, we may ask you to send via email a copy of your referee certificate or license or letter from your local association, stating you are a registered referee. All tournaments require that referees are qualified. Referees under the age of 18, where accepted, will need parental permission to attend. Ask permission from your local or national association. This is a formality for British referees as the relative FAs are keen for their referees to explore the world while officiating. However, other countries may insist on asking them for permission first. 

You will then need to pay the Referee Abroad participation or experience fee. This must be done at least 60 days prior to the tournament. Failing to do so will mean losing your place at the tournament.

Then all is left is to book flights! This must be done six weeks before the start of the tournament, and the relevant travel itinerary submitted to Referee Abroad within that time frame.

We ask all referees to consider fully the dedication required before confirming their participation – i.e. thinking about:

1) Flights – please look at available flights and their cost. They might be too expensive, and this is not a problem as long as you look far enough in advance and inform us. We offer a free flight advice service, which includes helping find the cheapest flights and best routes. Just email us and we will gladly help you!

We now require referees to forward Referee Abroad their flight itineraries, at least six weeks before the tournament start date, in order to verify the participation of the referee and also to forward onto the tournament the times of arrival/departure in case of collection from the airport, distribution of finals on the last day, etc.

2) Dates – don’t dedicate yourself if you think you might have to pull out citing other appointments. Please inform us promptly if you cannot participate (at least six weeks prior to the tournament)!

3) Age – most tournament have age limits, usually no higher than 18. Some tournaments accept 16-17 year olds too; just contact us if you are not sure which are which.

4) Contact – The tournaments listed on our website have given Referee Abroad the right to provide them with a certain and defined number of referees. Thus, you do not need to bother the tournament themselves with numerous emails with questions or requests to referee. We will be able to answer all of your questions and organize the referee list for foreign, international officials. This ensures easier organization and management both for us and the tournaments themselves.

You may have noticed on our tournament list that some of our events are labeled as “Academy”. This means participation is reserved for those referees belonging to our new and exciting referee development project – the RA Referee Academy.

If you are interested in knowing more about it, or how to apply, make sure you check the dedicated page on our website.