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Introduction

Refereeing can be an exciting journey and an opportunity to support the sport through adding value to events and providing a positive experience to others.

The BF referee pathways can support you to take your refereeing to whatever level you desire, from local events to the international stage.

The first step on the refereeing ladder begins within the relaxed atmosphere of your club. Here, you can safely test out your refereeing skills, supported by your clubmates.

Be a member of BF

The minimum BF membership level required is Supporter. If you also fence, please ensure you have the correct level of membership.

Become a member here. 

Get Qualified

BF has two referee pathways for standing and wheelchair fencing.

Learn more about the pathways here.

Be listed on the Referee Register

Once you have passed your referee assessment and BF has received confirmation from your assessor, we will create your certificate and upload it to Sport:80.

BF maintains a Referee Register of qualified referees and referee examiners to help ensure consistent standards, integrity, and good practice at BF events.

To be added to the register, you will need to complete a Referee Profile. Further information is available here:

Gain Experience

Once you are on the register, there will be plenty of domestic opportunities to continue building your refereeing experience.

You can find all the refereeing opportunities here. 

Safeguarding 

If you are refereeing children, you should familiarise yourself with current BF welfare policies. You could also complete a SafeGuard Core course.

Criminal Record Checks

If you are regularly (three or more times a month) refereeing children without being directly and continuously supervised (by a suitably checked individual), you are required to have a current enhanced DBS check (or the Home Country equivalent)

Domestic Referee Opportunities

Refereeing opportunities for registered referees can be found on the website.

You can subscribe to join the mailing list.

You can join the Domestic Refereeing Opportunities WhatsApp Group

Go to Referee Zone

Last updated 16 Sept 2026