They get very well paid for it and are consistently crap, but that MUST be the FAs problem, they are responsible for selecting and licensing the clowns. I think there is just one thing the fa tell them to do and that is KEEP SMILING and draw the money.
Do they get "very well paid for it"? I can't find the fees for the Conference North but I can for the FA Cup and FA Trophy (in 2012/13). So, last weeks referee got about £50.
Match fees for officials in the FA Cup (2012/13):
(i) The Qualifying Competition: Extra Preliminary, Preliminary and First Rounds:
Referee, £40.00; Assistant Referees, £20.00 each
(ii) The Qualifying Competition: Second and Third Round:
Referee, £50.00; Assistant Referees, £30.00 each
(iii) The Qualifying Competition: Fourth Round:
Referee, £90.00; Assistant Referees, £45.00 each, Fourth Official, £30.00
(iv) The Competition Proper: First and Second Rounds:
Referee, £310.00; Assistant Referees, £155.00 each, Fourth Official, £80.00*
(*£145 if National List Referee appointed)
(v) The Competition Proper: Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Rounds:
Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00 each; Fourth Official, £320.00
(vi) Semi-Final Ties:
Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00, Fourth Official, £320.00
(vii) Final Tie:
Referee, £375.00; Assistant Referees, £375.00 each; Fourth Official, £320.00
and a Souvenir Medal each.
Match fees for the FA Trophy (2012/13):
(i) First, Second and Third Rounds Qualifying:
Referee: £50.00, Assistant Referees £30.00, Fourth Official 30.00 (where FA appointed)
(ii) First, Second, Third and Fourth Rounds Proper:
Referee: £80.00, Assistant Referees £40.00 each, Fourth Official £40.00
(iii) Semi-Finals:
Referee: £100.00, Assistant Referees £50.00 each, Fourth Official £50.00
(v) Final:
Referee: £200, Assistant Referees £100.00, Fourth Official £100.00 and a Souvenir Medal each