Become an Official

From the amateur to the professional ranks, football officials play a key role in the sport. Football officials work flag, tackle and touch disciplines. We have a number of resources and training pathways available for all disciplines and levels of football officials.

Officiating is a great way to get involved in the game. Not sure where to start? Not to worry, we’ve got all the information you need to start your officiating career!

Check out Football Canada’s Officials page for more information and resources for officials.

Register As An Official

Registration can be done in just four easy steps…

Step 1: Express Your Interest

Step 1: Express your interest to the PEI Football Officials Association (PEIFOA); Email the Referee in Chief.

Let them know that you’re interested in becoming a Flag or Tackle Football Official in PEI. They will guide you through the rest of the steps below. Please don’t continue with the next steps until you have spoken with the Referee in Chief.

Step 2: Register Online

Step 2: Register online as a PEI Football Official; Football Canada’s Officials Portal.

Click on ‘Register’
Fill out the information requested
Click ‘Save’
Click on ‘Profile’
Scroll Down to ‘Your Local Association’
Select ‘PEI Football Officials’
Click ‘Save’

Step 3: Complete Online Training

Step 3: Complete the Level 1 eLearning (and Exam) Module;

TACKLE: There is a $39.99 fee to unlock this training module – payable to Football Canada. There is currently no exam for this eLearning.

Click on ‘e-Learning’
Select ‘Tackle Football’
Select ‘Level 1’
Select ‘Official’
Click ‘Begin’ on Level 1 eLearning

FLAG: There is a $7.50 fee to unlock this training module – payable to Football Canada. There is also an online theoretical exam associated with this training module.

Click on ‘eLearning’
Select ‘Flag Football’
Select ‘Level 1’
Select ‘Official’
Click ‘Begin’ on Level 1 eLearning

After completing the Level 1 eLearning, click ‘Begin’ on the Level 1 Flag Exam
The exam is timed (90 minutes) and consists of 50 random multiple choice & true/false questions
You will need to score 80% or higher to pass the exam
You may take the exam again if you do not pass the first time – questions may differ with each attempt – be sure to pay attention during the eLearning module

Step 3: Follow Up

Step 4: Follow up with the PEIFOA Referee in Chief (RiC)

Email the PEIFOA RiC letting them know that you’ve completed the Level 1 eLearning (and passed the Exam).

They will work with you to set up the next steps; Game Assignments, a Clinic, or On-Field Evaluation.

DO NOT continue with any other training levels or modules until you have spoken with the Referee in Chief.

Officiating FAQs

As part of an officials team, your fellow crew members will be there with you every step of the way, helping answer all of your questions and make sure that you’re in the right position to make the call.

Why Become An Official?

Great way to stay physically active
Give back to the game of football
Stay involved in football
Serve as a role model or mentor and develop leadership skills
Meet new people and socialize
Work as part of a team
Work towards becoming a junior, university or professional official
Development opportunities at regional, provincial, national or international competition

Who Can Officiate?

Anyone (males and females) with an interest or background in the game of football (flag, touch or tackle)
Must be in reasonably good fitness
Must have a willingness to learn
Must be able to work with others as part of a team

Do Officials Get Paid?

Yes, they do
Opposed to amateur players and coaches, officials are the only members on the field that get paid
Officials are paid at a rate per game, not per hour
Pay rates are based on the level you’re officiating
The higher you progress, the more you can make

What Should I Expect In My First Year?

Your first year as an official involves a lot of learning
You will attend a Level 1 certification clinic and receive a uniform prior to any assignments
You will also receive a rulebook which will help bring you up to speed on how to officiate Canadian football
As part of an officials team, your fellow crew members will be there with you every step of the way, helping answer all of your questions and make sure that you’re in the right position to make the call

Long-Term Officials Development

Football Canada’s Long-Term Officials Development Model (LTOD) is the blueprint for officials development throughout the nation. It provides direction, for all football officials, both existing and aspiring, in the three football disciplines (tackle, flag, and touch) on the critical decisions that need to be made to reach their goals and full potential in their chosen discipline.

Review Football Canada’s Long-Term Officials Development Model.