National Referee Recognition Awards 2024

From the heart of the action, to the centre of the stage. Let's celebrate our amazing referees!

It’s time to turn the spotlight on our fantastic referees. To recognise their unique contribution to football. To show our appreciation for their dedication to our game, our clubs and our communities.

Nominate a referee who’s impressed you this season, and they could carry home one of 9 prestigious awards in the Referee Recognition Awards 2024.

You can nominate as many referees in as many categories as you want.

Just tell us why you think they should win, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Nominate a referee you believe deserves a national award.

After last years success of having a Winner and Highly Commended in the first ever National Referee Recognition Awards let’s get nominating.

2023 Winners

Outstanding Contribution To Refereeing

Shaun Currall

Inspirational Role Model of The Year

Richard Butler

Refereeing in the Community Award

We’re looking for an individual, group or initiative whose actions, empathy, unstinting support or effort has significantly helped their community.

They’ll be someone Referees relate to, rely on or seek advice from…perhaps while suffering adversity themselves. They may help normalise mental health conversations, and signpost to relevant support. They may have promoted Refereeing to historically underrepresented communities.

Championing Diversity Award

We’re looking for someone who’s championed equality, diversity and inclusion in Refereeing. They’ll have demonstrated a holistic and long-term commitment to equality. They’ll also have delivered progress in creating a diverse and inclusive environment through targeted interventions and programmes.

Lifetime Achievement Award

We’re looking for someone who’s helped create a legacy of sustainably improved outcomes for individuals, communities, and the wider population. This lifetime achievement award recognises their positive influence in the development, administration and servicing of Refereeing.

Note: This award should be considered as one of the highest honours within Refereeing.

Club Recognition Award

We’re looking for clubs to nominate someone who’s shown exceptional performance and dedication in officiating their games. This award recognises the contributions of Referees who consistently display a high level of skill, fairness, and professionalism.

Note: This award is nominated by a team or club.

Newcomer of the Year Award

We’re looking for someone who’s brought exceptional talents, skills and potential to Refereeing during their first year of involvement. They’ll have had a meaningful impact with significant personal development while being new to Refereeing.

Note: The Judging Panel would be particularly pleased to hear directly from young people.

Outstanding Contribution to Refereeing Award

We’re looking for someone who helps create a positive football environment. They’ll have made a significant contribution to Refereeing through their support, involvement, encouragement, or in other ways.

Positive Environment Award

We’re looking for a team, club or league who’ve consistently shown exceptional levels of care and support towards Match Officials, and show respect at all times. They’ll have helped cultivate a positive, safe environment for the Refereeing community to learn, grow and develop.

Inspirational Role Model Award

We’re looking for someone who’s demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication to their community. They’ll have served as positive and inspiring example for others, and had a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Note: The Judging Panel would be particularly pleased to hear directly from people from historically underrepresented groups.

Refereeing Volunteer Support of the Year Award

We’re looking for someone who’s demonstrated outstanding dedication, commitment and service as a volunteer. They’ll have given their time and energy to support a cause, organisation, or community, and had a significant and measurable impact on the Referee community.

Note: We welcome nominations from the observer, mentor, coaching or appointing workforce and parent/carers of the volunteer.