The CFF Board of Directors approved a recommendation from the Referees’ Committee stating that active soccer players may simultaneously be registered in the referees’ registry and officiate matches, subject to specific conditions and regulations.
This decision is part of the CFF’s effort to strengthen and improve Cypriot refereeing, as well as to attract young people who love soccer and wish to remain active in the sport by taking on a new and particularly important role.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Who Can Participate
Eligibility to register is limited to soccer players under the age of 23 who are not registered on the player rosters of Men’s First and B Divisions or the Women’s First Division organized by the Cyprus Football Association (CFA), nor do they hold an active contract as professional soccer players.
Their participation as referees will be permitted only in matches that do not involve the league or division in which they themselves compete as players, in accordance with the relevant restrictions that have been established.
Registration and Information
Those interested may contact the CFF Refereeing Department for more information regarding the registration process, training, and eligibility requirements.
DETAILS ON REGISTRATION FOR REFEREE COURSES CAN BE FOUND HERE
A new opportunity for soccer enthusiasts
The Cyprus Football Association (CFA) invites young men and women who love soccer, are responsible, determined, and committed to ongoing education to seriously consider a career in refereeing. Experience gained through playing the game can be a significant advantage for those who wish to serve soccer from a different perspective.
Refereeing offers opportunities for personal development, acquiring knowledge, participating in organized competitions, and making a meaningful contribution to the development of Cypriot soccer.
The regulations as approved by the CFF Board of Directors
Participation of Active Players in Refereeing
The Cyprus Football Association recognizes the possibility for active players to participate in refereeing, with the aim of attracting new referees. To ensure the smooth operation of the refereeing system and to avoid potential conflicts of interest, the following regulations are established:
1. Conditions for Players’ Participation in Refereeing
•Players interested in officiating matches may register with the CFF’s referee registry, provided they are under 23 years of age at the time of registration.
•Players interested in becoming referees must not be registered on the player rosters of Men’s Division A & B Men’s Teams and the Women’s A Division, organized by the CFF, nor may they have an active contract as professional soccer players.
•Refereeing by players is permitted only in matches that do not involve the league or division in which they themselves participate as players.
•They must hold a recognized refereeing certification.
•They must not have been subject to disciplinary measures resulting in a suspension of more than three consecutive months or for any other duration (even less than three months) due to an assault or act of violence against a referee.
2. Refereeing Restrictions for Active Soccer Players
•Registered referees who participate as players in a specific league are not permitted to referee matches in the same league in which they play, to avoid any appearance of bias or conflict of interest.
3. Decision to Continue Refereeing After the Age of 25
•At least one month before reaching the age of 25, the player-referee must submit a written statement to the CFF Refereeing Department, declaring his intention to continue refereeing or to retire from it.
•If a written statement is not submitted within the specified time frame, the player is automatically removed from the referees’ registry and may not officiate in official matches.
4. Clarifications and Additional Provisions
•The CFF Executive Committee reserves the right to reassess the suitability of referees who are also soccer players at any stage of their refereeing career.
•Players who have retired from refereeing may, if they so desire, apply for re-registration in the referees’ registry, provided they comply with all applicable CFF regulations.
