Sports Administration reminds coaches and referees: License renewals start in July
In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Education extended the validity of coach and referee licenses by official announcement until December 31, 2025. The Sports Administration (SA) urges all license-holding coaches and referees to check their license expiration dates, and apply for renewals through their respective associations in accordance with the regulations to avoid license expiration. For information on recognition of continuing education courses, the license renewal method, and related regulations, please visit the coach/referee section of each individual sports association’s website or contact the associations directly.
To make the domestic licensing system for coaches and referees complete, continuously cultivate talent at all levels, and enhance the quality of professional personnel, the “Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Coach Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" and the "Regulations Governing the Establishment of Sports Referee Qualification Assessment and Management by Designated Sports Organizations" (the "Coach and Referee Regulations") were promulgated on May 30, 2018. These regulations define the qualification certification and management system for A, B, and C-level coaches and referees under designated sports organizations. Through system-based management and tiered professional levels, the regulations ensure that coaches and referees possess a required level of expertise and practical experience. Moreover, through annual continuing education courses or experience in officiating or team management, they are expected to keep their professional capabilities up to date.
According to the Coach and Referee Regulations, the validity period for coach and referee licenses is four years. License holders who have completed a total of 48 hours of professional continuing education, with at least 6 hours per year, may apply for license renewal through their respective associations between three to six months before expiration. For transitional licenses under the old system (i.e., those obtained before May 30, 2018, and still valid as of January 10, 2022), and for licenses under the new system (i.e., those obtained between May 30, 2018, and December 31, 2021), the validity has already been officially extended to December 31, 2025.
To protect the rights of license holders and taking into consideration the impact of the pandemic in previous years, the 6-hour-per-year requirement for professional continuing education was waived for 2022 and 2023. However, for all other years, license holders are still required to complete at least 6 hours of continuing education per year, accumulating 48 hours over four years. Failure to complete the required continuing education will result in license invalidation upon expiration.
In preparation for the flood renewals expected from June to September this year, the SA convened a meeting with all associations on December 19, 2024, urging them to publish relevant information on their websites and actively conduct promotion through various channels and events.
The SA emphasized its continued support for associations in enhancing their coach and referee certification systems and professional development programs. Associations are encouraged to design interdisciplinary training that integrates cutting-edge international research, injury prevention strategies, data analysis, global trends, and updated rules. By strengthening certification and continuing education systems, a strong foundation will be established for the sustained development of sports in the future.
