Parent Assistant Referee
The Football Association is proud to announce the world's first parent-powered video review system for youth football — bringing the fairness of VAR to every grassroots pitch in England.
For too long, youth football has been the only level of the game without access to technology-assisted officiating. PAR changes that — putting the power of video review in the hands of referees at every age group, at no cost, using technology parents already own.
Example video review discussion between referee and parent.
The Initiative
PAR — the Parent Assistant Referee system — allows youth football referees to consult video footage captured on parents' smartphones during a match to review key decisions, just as VAR does in the professional game.
The system is deliberately low-tech and accessible by design. No specialist equipment, no subscriptions, no expensive infrastructure. The designated Parent Assistant Referee uses the smartphone they already have.
When a contentious incident occurs, the referee signals for a PAR review. The designated parent shares footage pitch-side and the official confirms or reverses their decision — all within a 90-second window.
Reviewable Decisions
Step by Step
A contentious decision arises — a disputed offside, a potential red card, or a goal that may be disallowed.
The referee makes the official PAR gesture — one hand raised, pointing to the wrist — pausing play for review.
The pre-designated, neutral Parent Assistant Referee shows the official their video clip pitch-side.
The referee reviews the footage and confirms or reverses their decision within the 90-second window.
"Youth football deserves the same standard of fairness as any level of the game. PAR is simple, brilliant, and genuinely transformative. Every parent's phone is now part of the officiating team."
By The Numbers
Phased Introduction
PAR launches across 12 selected County FAs covering U9–U16 age groups. Referees, coaches and designated parents receive full FA training and guidance materials.
Following evaluation of pilot feedback, PAR extends to all County FAs for U12 and above age groups in all affiliated leagues.
PAR becomes available across all FA-affiliated youth leagues from U7 upwards, with age-appropriate protocols for younger age groups.
Parent Assistant Referee is formally embedded in FA Laws of the Game guidance for youth football. All affiliated leagues required to implement PAR.
Phase One Pilot Locations
U10–U14 leagues · 48 participating clubs
ActiveU12–U16 leagues · 61 participating clubs
ActiveU9–U15 leagues · 39 participating clubs
ActiveU11–U14 leagues · 31 participating clubs
ActiveU10–U16 leagues · 55 participating clubs
ActiveU9–U13 leagues · 27 participating clubs
ActiveCommon Questions
The pilot covers U9 to U16. Following evaluation, PAR will expand to all FA-affiliated youth age groups with age-appropriate protocols for the youngest players.
Each team nominates a designated Parent Assistant Referee before kick-off. This parent is neutral, positioned appropriately, and has agreed to the FA's PAR Code of Conduct.
No. Only the pre-designated PAR official may submit footage to the referee. This prevents selective use of angles and maintains the integrity of the review process.
As with VAR — if video evidence does not clearly overturn the original decision, the on-field call stands. No clear evidence, no reversal.
The FA has worked extensively with safeguarding experts. Footage must not be shared, published, or retained after the match. Strict protocols govern filming of minors.
All FA-registered youth referees will complete an updated PAR module as annual CPD. New referee training courses have included PAR protocols from April 2026.
The FA has set a 90-second maximum review window. Preliminary testing showed an average review time of 47 seconds — comparable to a typical goal celebration stoppage.
Participation is voluntary. If no footage is available or shared, the original on-field decision stands. Referees cannot compel anyone to share their phone.
"As a youth referee, the hardest moments aren't the big calls — it's knowing you might have got it wrong and there was nothing you could do. PAR gives us the same chance to get it right that professional referees have had for years."
Get Involved
Whether you're a club, a league, a referee or a parent — PAR needs you. Register your interest to take part in the next phase of the national rollout.
Register Your Club
