Level 5 inactive ref - retention

[Pole]

Hi folks,

I’m looking for an advice from the hive mind.

I am level 5 ref and decided to take a sabbatical this season hence not registered.

If/when I decide to re-register next season will I retain my level 5 status or would I need to start from scratch at level 7 (or lower)?

Many thanks in anticipation.

 

[RustyRef]

You will be fine if just one season. The rule relating to this is below, between 2 and 5 seasons you would need to pass the LoTG exam to return at your previous level (max L5), anything over 5 years and it a case of taking the full new referee course again.

A Referee who has failed to register as a Referee with The Association for between two and five seasons shall not be re-registered until they have successfully undertaken and completed the Basic Referee Training Course written examination. The Affiliated Association may then register the Referee at their former Level (up to Senior County Referee) once they are satisfied with his/her competence. A Referee who has not been registered for more than five seasons must attend and successfully complete the Basic Referee Training Course at which point they will be registered as a Junior County Referee.

 

[ARF]

This has changed a little (though no difference for the OP here) - this is taken direct from the 24/25 FA Handbook:

A Referee who has failed to register as a Referee with The Association for between two and three
seasons shall not be re-registered until they have successfully undertaken and completed a Laws of
the Game examination, as determined by the Affiliated Association. A Referee who has not been
registered for between three and five seasons must successfully complete two online development
modules and successfully undertaken and completed a Laws of the Game examination, as determined
by the Affiliated Association. The Affiliated Association may then register the Referee at their former
Level (up to Senior County Referee) once they are satisfied with his/her their competence. A Referee
who has not been registered for more than three seasons must attend and successfully complete the
practical assessment and examination of The FA Referee Course, at which point they will be registered
at a level (up to Senior County Referee) determined by the Affiliated Association. The Affiliated
Association must not charge more than the sum determined from time to time by The Association for
attendance at the assessment and examination.