Here is how to become a FIFA referee!

Referees in bright colored clothes are unignored on the football field. Unlike a cricket umpire who stands at the bowler’s end, a football referee needs to run around and keenly observe the movement of the players and the ball. The referee runs with the players to spot fouls and to control the players in case of conflicts. He/she also needs to be on the field for 90 minutes or more.

How can an Indian citizen become a football referee
Currently, India doesn’t enjoy a prime position in world football. However, sports experts say that India has a huge fan base and has a great potential for growth. Regional leagues like the Indian Super League have been garnering incredible popularity. So, the demand for referees is likely to go up as football gains strength in the future.

Those who wish to became a football referee should be over 18 years and should have studied at least until class ten. The retirement age for a football referee is 45 years. In order to be considered for the international games, a referee should have qualified all the national-level exams before 35 years. Interested candidates could register in the website of the All India Football Federation (AIFF). They should then attend the exams conducted by the regional football associations.

Referee Qualifying Exam
The test is held in four rounds, including a physical exam which is the most important one. The candidates should be able to run 60 meters in under 6.5 seconds. Besides, there would be a written exam and viva-voice about the rules and regulations of the game. The practical test would be conducted after these rounds. Those who pass these tests would be qualified as Category 5 referees. They can control the state-level junior soccer matches.

After refereeing at least 30 matches, they will be able to take a promotion test to qualify as Category 4 referee. Even after passing this test, the referee could control matches up to the state-level. After a year, they can become Category 3 referees who could control state-level matches. In order to become a Category 2 referee, he/she should have a service of 365 days and should have controlled at least 30 matches. Those who show excellence as Category 2 referees would be promoted as Category 1 referees by the AIFF.

Currently, there are six quotas for Indian referees in FIFA. As many as six Indians can shine in international matches as referees appointed by FIFA. The main FIFA referees could earn up to $3000 (Rs 2,45,000) per match in the group stage while the referees who control the matches in the knock-out rounds could earn up to $10,000 (Rs 8,10,000).