Imphal, Feb 5 : The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has cut down the age limit to 35 from 40 years for candidates appearing for the National Referee examination from 2011.
According to a memorandum circulated by the All Manipur Football Association, the maximum age limit for referees appearing for the examination will be 35 years instead of 40 that was allowed earlier.
The retirement age of the AIFF referee inspector/match commissioner will not be more than 65 years.
The AIFF directive also states that the minimum age for new referees will be 18 years while the maximum age for officiating at local-level tournaments will be 50 years. Knowledge of English is a must for all referees.
Apart from that, the state association will take step to identify referees for specialisation as referees and assistant referees from Class II level.