There are up to ten beginners' courses per season, with at least two per region (South, East, West). The group size is 25-30 candidates. The modular design of the courses, i.e. face-to-face and online teaching with 30-35 teaching units each, ensures an equivalent level of training for all candidates at the end of each course. Among other things, all courses offer teaching units on the topic of "violence prevention" so that every candidate is prepared for an emergency. Participation in all training days is mandatory in order to pass the course, and a test consisting of 15 rules questions and an eight-minute endurance run must also be passed. The process is supported by a DFB online platform on which rules questions can be practiced.
Our beginners' courses (ALG) at a glance:
Vacation ALG: in winter, Easter, summer and fall vacations Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 15:00
Weekend ALG: three weekends, always Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday ALG: 5 times on Saturdays from 10:00 to 15:00
Evening ALG: 8 times during the week from 17:00 to 20:00
Hybrid ALG: 3x two hours in presence (incl. theory exam), 7x two hours online via video conference, 1x running exam
ALG for people with refugee experience: At the end of each year (currently only possible in German/Arabic)
After successful completion of the course:
Followed by a sponsorship with more experienced referees* who will accompany and guide you during your first matches. At the end of the sponsorship, you are officially a referee and receive your referee ID card. After the sponsorship, there is a mandatory follow-up course. This should be completed two to four months, but no later than twelve months after the end of the sponsorship.
The first matches on the youth small pitch may be refereed without a sponsor, after which the switch to the adult or large pitch area is possible. The matches are played in the region of the sponsor's own place of residence, so that long journeys can be avoided. The teaching communities, which are to be attended monthly for further training, are also assigned in such a way that they are close to home. There is also the opportunity to take part in further qualifications on a voluntary basis, e.g. as a futsal referee.
Requirements for participation in the beginners' course:
The minimum age is 14 years, or the rule applies that the age of 14 must be reached by the end of the year. From the age of 16, an extended police clearance certificate is required. In addition, each applicant should be available to act as a referee at least once a week. Furthermore, active membership in a Berlin soccer club must be proven. The club will pay the course fee of €25.
Questions about the beginners' courses and the referee internship will be answered by our colleagues in the referee department. You can reach them on 030 89 69 94-120 (Mon.-Fri.) or by e-mail.
The ALG dates are published in the official notices.
You can register HERE.
Registration of interested parties for referee candidate courses (ALG):
As there have been inconsistencies among clubs in the past and ambiguities in the registration modalities for referee candidate courses, some information is provided here to clarify the registration procedure. In order to ensure equal opportunities for all clubs and to make decisions as transparent as possible for all parties involved, the following standardized regulations must be observed when registering candidates for the ALG:
For cost/benefit reasons, the minimum number of participants in an ALG is at least 25 candidates (justified exceptions by the SRA or teaching staff are possible)
Only a maximum of 2 participants per club can be registered for each ALG (exception: the maximum number of participants for the ALG will otherwise not be reached) - Background: Equal opportunities for all clubs, taking into account the training capacities.
Registrations for the ALG are made exclusively via the referee portal
(Exceptions only after consultation with the person responsible for the ALG)If more interested parties register for an ALG than the maximum number of participants allows, a waiting list will be created by the main office (this only applies to the registered course). If participants cancel, those waiting can move up chronologically.
Based on experience in recent years, these guidelines have proven to be very practicable and effective for the sustainable and successful training of new referees. The aim is not only to train as many referees as possible, but also to give all those who are seriously interested the chance to attend a beginners' course, to realize their potential as a referee and, at best, to remain loyal to their new hobby for a long time.
