What qualifications do you need to become a football linesman?

Answer 1

To become an Assistant Referee (the proper name for a neutral linesman), you will need to attend an entry-level (grade 8 or 9) referee clinic in your area. Once completed, you will be qualified to work as a Referee (center) or Assistant Referee for youth and recreational games. As your career progresses and you gain more experience, you can attend advanced recertification clinics to attain higher classifications of referee status (grades 7, 6, 5). Eventually, you can attain status as a National referee (grades 4, 3). A few lucky and talented referees will become FIFA International Referees (grade 1) or Assistant Referees (grade 2). It all starts with attending a clinic and getting yourself into the game. In most areas, there is a great need for more youth and recreational referees, so it's a great way to start!

Answer 2

Generally, you must be a certified referee appropriate for the level of game. In the case of youth games, a parent, coach, or inactive player can serve as a club linesman, but such a person may only indicate whether the ball is out of bounds, but not which direction the restart is going, nor may he call any fouls or offside.