The Promotion Structure and Referee Classification Levels in Wales
All referees register with their respective Area FA. The Area FAs are responsible for the recruitment of referees in their respective areas, and also administer an Assessment Scheme for those referees seeking promotion up to Level 6.
The Area FAs receive funding from the Football Association of Wales to assist them in their operations. The Referees’ Officer of the FAW administers the FAW Licensed Instructors Scheme, and all the Referee Courses in Wales.
The FAW Referees’ Officer also administers the Assessment Scheme for those referees seeking promotion from Level 6 to a higher level.
The Football Association of Wales Referees’ Classifications:
INTERNATIONAL REFEREES on the National List of Referees who are, in the year of classification, currently on the FIFA List of Referees.
Level 1 – Referees selected by the Football Association of Wales to serve on the National List of Referees, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 2 – Referees selected by the Football Association of Wales to serve on the Supplementary National List of Referees, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 3 – Referees selected to serve on the FIFA list of Assistant Referees.
Level 4 – Referees selected by the Football Association of Wales to serve on the list of Referees who serve on the Welsh League Division One and the Cymru Alliance, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 5 – Referees selected by the Football Association of Wales to serve on the list of Referees of the Mid Wales League, the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area), the Welsh Alliance League and Division Two of the Welsh League, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 6 – Referees who are deemed qualified to referee in all matches below the above levels, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 7 – Referees who are deemed qualified to referee in all matches in Leagues affiliated to the Area Associations, and who meet the requirements of the promotion criteria for this level.
Level 8 – Referees who have satisfied the examiners as to their theoretical knowledge of the game.
Level 9 – Junior Referees who have satisfied the examiners as to their theoretical knowledge of the game not having attained 16 years of age.
Level 10 – Trainee Referees who have not yet satisfied the examiners as to their theoretical knowledge of the game, or are Non-Active Referees. | 
