Introduction

1. From Umpire to Referee: The Early Development of Officiating in Association Football

2. Beyond Amateruism: The Emergence of Refereeing as a Profession

3. Governing the Referee: Training, Assessment and Organisation

4. 21st Century Refereeing: Structures, Management and Preparation of Officials

5. Refereeing in England, Spain and Italy: Cross-Cultural Comparisons

6. UEFA and FIFA on the Uniformity of Refereeing Standards

7. In the Spotlight: Media Reporting and Its Consequences

8. Referees’ Performance: Practices and Problems

9. Raising Standards and Reducing Differences: Policy Issues

10. Future Directions for Elite Refereeing