FAQs

Yes, this programme is open to those with no officiating experience and to those who have already completed officiating qualifications. We are keen to develop new officials to support the competition needs of London. Most governing bodies have prioritised courses for new officials; Click here to see the list of eligible sports and courses for further details.

Unfortunately, Official Sports London is limited to 21 sports for Year 2. We hope the programme will expand over the coming years and that this will allow more sports to benefit. In the meantime, you could contact your sport’s National Governing Body to find out what courses are available to you as there may be some free or low cost courses available locally.

NGB stands for National Governing Body. Each sport that Official Sports London supports has an NGB that is responsible for developing the sport. Their role includes developing and supporting people into volunteering and officiating. Your NGB contact knows about Official Sports London and wants to help you to develop as an official. Your NGB contact will be able to tell you if you are suitable for your chosen course and will be asked to confirm your suitability once your application is received. If your application is successful, you will need to attend a course delivered by your NGB. You will also be able to volunteer at events coordinated by your NGB. You can find out more by visiting each NGB’s website

Official Sports London has worked closely with each of our National Governing Bodies of sport to identify courses which meet their strategic needs from 2009/2010. We can only support applications for courses that are listed as a priority. Click here to see the list of eligible sports and courses.

You should contact the National Governing Body of the sport you would like to be an official for Click here to see the list of eligible sports and courses and find contact details for your NGB. You could also contact any suitable clubs or organisations in your local area that you think may need officials. If you would like advice or contact information, please get in touch and we will try and help you.

Official Sports London aims to offer inclusive opportunities for all Londoners to become officials. With the range of sports on offer, and the variety of roles within those sports, there really is something for everyone. We can offer additional support packages for disabled people so please contact us on 020 7749 9173 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to discuss your needs and the options that are available to you.

Yes, you can apply for funding to allow you to complete a further officiating course if it appears on the priority list of courses provided by your sport. Click here to see the list of eligible sports and courses.

Official Sports London can only cover the costs of one course per person per year

Official Sports London is only available to individuals who live in one of the 33 London Boroughs. If you are not living in London but are interested in officiating you should contact your National Governing Body and find out what opportunities are available in your area. It is hoped that other regional development agencies may role out a similar scheme in years to come.

You can only apply through this fund if you are nominated by one of our 21 governing bodies of sport. Nominated individuals will be existing high level officials. They will be selected for their potential to officiate to an International Level in time to make them eligible for selection to officiate at the 2012 Games or other major international events. Official Sports London will assess applications from selected individuals to cover the costs of officiating training courses and officiating experience at the highest level. If you are already a high level official for your sport and would like to be considered for a fast-track bursary, you should contact the designated representative from your National Governing Body to discuss this with them. Click here to see the list of eligible sports and courses and NGB contacts.

Please consult the guidance notes for advice on how to complete each section of the application form. If you have any questions or problems, please call 020 7749 9173 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and we will be happy to help.

Our application deadlines are phased to meet our funding panels, which take place roughly once per month. When you apply for an application form you will be informed of the deadline for the return of your application and advised of the panel date meeting. We will write to you informing you of our decision within one week of the panel decision date.

Please contact us and let us know that you have changed your mind and no longer wish officiate. We will ask you to send confirmation of this in writing, and may also ask for feedback on why you have reached this decision.

Unfortunately, due to limited funds and high levels of anticipated demand, we are not able to fund everyone who applies to Official Sports London. However that does not mean you cannot become a sports official. Your letter will have outlined further points of contact that should help you identify your next steps in becoming a sports official. Unless otherwise advised, you cannot reapply to Official Sports London until the next financial year.

No, Official Sports London provides bursaries to individuals who want to attend officiating courses. These are then delivered by National Governing Bodies, or organisations with close links to National Governing Bodies such as county associations or officiating associations.

Congratulations! You should confirm the date of your course with your National Governing Body. Make sure you keep receipts and complete your expenses form for any agreed costs you incur. We will then refund 80% of these (or otherwise agreed rate) to you after you have completed your course.

Please contact us to let us know that your course was cancelled. Your National Governing Body should rearrange your course. Once you complete your re-arranged course, you will receive your funding as normal.

Please contact us and we will send you a new Grant Pack.

We want to make sure you can attend a course and start officiating as soon as possible. Please contact us as soon as you can. Our funding panel will have to agree to increase your bursary, and if this is successful you will receive a Grant Amendment which you will have to sign and return.

Some National Governing Bodies can only book courses when they have the minimum number of attendees for the course, so sometimes you may have to wait. Both Official Sports London and your National Governing Body are working to make sure your course gets booked soon. Keep checking our course calendar and keep in touch with your NGB to make sure you don’t miss out.

There are 3 steps you need to follow – first you need to sign and return your Grant Agreement. You should do this right away. Step two is to return your claim form – you should do this after your course and once you have made all the purchases you need to make. Step 3 is to return your 15 hour log. You should complete this as you officiate at events after your course. If you need more help with this please visit our page for Successful Applicants or Contact us.

We may be able to arrange additional funding if your travel costs turn out to be higher than first anticipated. This will require an amendment to your Grant Agreement which will need to be approved by the Official Sports London Panel. Please Contact us for further details.

We will do our best to pay your claim as soon as we can, and promise to pay all claim forms that have been correctly completed and supported by relevant receipts within 60 days. We usually try to do this a lot faster if we can. If we receive an incorrectly completed claim form, or some receipts are missing, we will contact you by post, telephone or email to let you know what we need.

Some sports won’t have events and competitions running all year, so you may need to wait until the right season for your sport. You should contact your National Governing Body to find about opportunities to officiate. Some other people who might need volunteers include local clubs, schools and community organisations. Your Local Authority Sports Development Team could help with this. Contact us if you need help getting in touch with your Local Authority.