Football referee shirts
Here you can find the football referee shirt to wear on the pitch, in short or long sleeves, along with base layers to match the weather.
These shirts are designed for officiating in competitions, with a fit and materials suited to endure the effort throughout the duration of a match.
What is a football referee shirt?
A football referee shirt is a shirt designed to be worn by the central referee or assistant referees during a match, made of different materials than player shirts. It is distinguished by its colour, chosen to avoid blending in with the shirts of the two teams, and by breathable materials suitable for running throughout the match.
The catalogue offers short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, to be chosen according to the season and the weather on match day.
Short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt: which one to choose?
The choice mainly depends on the playing conditions and the time of year. The short-sleeve shirt is suitable for matches played in mild or warm weather, while the long-sleeve shirt protects against the cold during winter matches or evening games. Some referees also prefer the long-sleeve shirt for the extra support around the arms.
Referee shirt or under-shirt: what’s the difference?
The referee shirt is the visible piece worn during the match, while the under-shirt is worn underneath to add a layer of comfort or warmth. The under-shirt is useful for matches played in cold weather, complementing the short-sleeve or long-sleeve shirt without altering its appearance on the field.
Outfits, shorts, socks: complete the referee kit
The shirt is just one part of the referee's official outfit. To equip the complete outfit, you can check the other dedicated pages:
- The referee shorts, to pair with the shirt for a complete kit.
- The referee socks, which complete the outfit down to the boots.
- The referee set, which combines shirt, shorts, and matching socks into one product.
You can also find all the equipment to referee on the Referees page.
When to take advantage of good deals on referee shirts?
Prices and available models change with the collections, but certain times are better for spotting a good deal on a referee shirt. The Black Friday is typically the first major event at the end of the year, followed by the Christmas holidays and then the winter sales, a good time to refresh your kit before the competitions resume. In spring, the French Days provide another opportunity to watch the prices.
To keep up with these promotions, you can check the Sales, Clearance, Good Deals, and Black Friday pages. If you're looking for a recent model, the New Arrivals page showcases the latest items, and the Shipped in 24h page lists items available quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Does the referee shirt have to be a different colour from both teams?
Yes, competition regulations require the colour of the referee's shirt to be clearly distinct from those of the two teams, including the goalkeepers. That's why the catalogue offers several colours of referee shirts, to be chosen according to the usual colours of the teams you officiate.
Can a regular football shirt be used as a referee shirt?
A regular player shirt is not suitable, as its cut, colours, and sometimes its inscriptions do not meet the requirements of refereeing regulations. The referee shirt is specifically designed for this purpose, with a cut and finishes that visually distinguish it from the shirts worn by players.
Should the referee shirt change according to the level of competition?
The choice of shirt mainly depends on the specific requirements of each competition, which may impose particular colours or inscriptions. Outside of these constraints, the same referee shirt is suitable for most amateur league matches or training sessions.
Is the referee shirt also suitable for training or casual refereeing?
Yes, there is nothing to stop you from wearing a referee shirt outside of official matches, for example when officiating a training session or a friendly match. Its breathable material and cut designed for running remain suitable for this type of use, even without the stakes of official competition.
How do you care for a referee shirt to keep its shape?
Like any technical shirt, it is recommended to wash it at a low temperature and avoid the tumble dryer, which can damage the breathable materials used in this type of clothing. Air drying helps preserve the cut and elasticity of the shirt over time.
