Louise Thompson turns a knee injury into a career at the top of refereeing

From player to official

Louise Thompson’s route into refereeing began with a knee injury. After playing football from a young age and spending 14 years with a local club, she signed up for a referee course while sidelined. She had also considered coaching, but discovered that officiating suited her: what began as a way to keep fit during the winter became a career.

Thompson now referees international matches and games in Northern Ireland’s top domestic league, while working for the Irish Football Association as its women’s referee pathway officer. In that role, she recruits, supports and develops female referees, helping them gain experience and progress through the game.

Preparing new referees for the pitch

Thompson’s training begins with recruitment and a beginners’ course covering the Laws of the Game. Trainees then take part in practical sessions on the pitch, working through scenarios such as positioning, free-kick management, corners and penalties. They also learn about pre-match checks and how to interact with players and coaches.

The aim, she says, is to give new officials the fundamentals before they take charge of a match. Referees typically begin with grassroots or youth games, where mentors can observe them and provide feedback as they develop. Thompson recalls being nervous before her first assignment, an under-13 match, but says support and experience help officials move to higher levels.

There is no single school route

Thompson studied PE at GCSE and A-level before completing a degree in sport and exercise science. She says that background helped her understand training, nutrition and how to get the best from her body. She also highlights the value of learning languages, particularly when working at international games.

The minimum age to qualify varies across the UK: 14 in England and Northern Ireland, 16 in Scotland, and 14 in Wales, where a course can be started at 13. Pay varies according to the league and level of football.

“Give it a try”

Thompson encourages anyone interested in refereeing to take the first step, even if the role feels daunting. “You never know until you do it,” she says, urging aspiring officials to push beyond their comfort zone and become comfortable with challenging situations.

Among the highlights of her career, she identifies refereeing the Women’s Irish Cup final about 11 months after qualifying, and taking charge of a Champions League match between Lyon and Benfica at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. She describes refereeing as one of the most rewarding things she has done, including the moment of walking out at the national stadium for a major final.