The Debrief

Law changes, promotion and the admin of refereeing, from a grassroots referee.

6 November 2026
Laws of the Game 2026/27: The Changes Grassroots Referees Need to Know
Substitution timers, injured player rules, five-second countdowns at throw-ins and goal kicks, jewellery, and The FA's own behaviour measures — explained for a Sunday-morning pitch.
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6 November 2026
The Referee Promotion Checklist: Level 7 to 6 and Level 6 to 5
Every box you need to tick before your County FA puts you forward — games, development work, the Laws exam, and the admin that trips people up — with a free printable PDF.
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Laws of the Game 2026/27: The Changes Grassroots Referees Need to Know