Train your refereeing decisions with the Laws of the Game
Over 180 match situations, each with the correct decision and the Law behind it. For referees in training, referee schools and anyone who wants to master the Laws — in Spanish, Basque and English.
Play of the day
A new play every day, the same for everyone. Solve it to keep your streak going.
Choose how to train
Random plays, instant feedback and the Law explained after every decision.
Start → 25-play examA timed mock exam with no help: you get the full report at the end.
Start → Career modeReferee matches over 10 seasons and climb from Regional to the top division based on your decisions.
Start → LeaguesGlobal standings and private leagues for your school or training group.
View →Learn the Laws
The Laws that decide most matches, explained clearly and with exercises to practise each one.
- Law 11OffsideWhen being ahead of play is just a position and when it becomes an offence.
- Law 12HandballWhere the arm starts, deliberate handball and the unnaturally bigger body.
- Law 12Fouls and cardsCareless, reckless or excessive force: which sanction fits each foul.
- Law 5AdvantageWhen to let play continue and what happens to the cards afterwards.
- Law 14Penalty kickPositions, the kicker's feint and what happens if someone encroaches.
- Laws 12 and 16GoalkeeperThe 8-second rule, the deliberate kick back and when the keeper controls the ball.
- Laws 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17RestartsThrow-ins, goal kicks, corner kicks and dropped balls, with their distances.
- Law 13Free kicksDirect or indirect, the wall, the 9.15 metres and the quick free kick.
- Law 3SubstitutionsThe substitution procedure, changing the goalkeeper and entering without permission.
- Law 12Denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunityThe four criteria to judge it and how the sanction changes inside the area.
- Law 12Unsporting behaviourDissent, simulation, celebrations and delays: what earns a card.
A training space for your group
Create a private league, share the code with your students and follow their progress in your own standings.
- Access with a 6-character code: the league never appears in any public list.
- All content in Spanish, Basque and English.
- 25-play exam with a detailed report on every answer.
With the support of
See contributors →Referees, schools and volunteers help build RefSim. Want to join them?
What RefSim is and how it helps you referee better
RefSim is a free simulator to train refereeing decisions with the IFAB Laws of the Game. In each play you read a match situation, see where it happens on the pitch and choose what you'd give: first the restart (play on, direct or indirect free kick, penalty kick, throw-in…) and then the disciplinary sanction (no card, yellow or red).
When you answer, you instantly see whether you got it right, what the official decision was and which Law supports it. So you don't just memorise answers: you understand the reasoning behind them, which is what you really need on the pitch when there's no time to think.
You can train at your own pace with practice by area, test yourself with a timed exam, compete in leagues with your school or live ten seasons in career mode. Everything works on mobile and desktop, in Spanish, Basque and English.
Who it's for
For referees in training preparing their theory tests, for active referees who want to keep their judgement sharp between matches, for schools and committees looking for a training tool for their group, and for players, coaches and fans who want to understand why the referee gives what they give.
How to get the most out of it
- Solve the play of the day: it takes two minutes and keeps your streak going.
- Filter practice by the area you find hardest, such as offside or handball.
- Take a quick 10-play exam every week and check the report to see your weak areas.
- Read the guide to each Law before practising it: the plays make much more sense.
Frequently asked questions
Is RefSim free?
Yes. All content for referees is free: practice, exams, guides, leagues and career mode. The site is supported by ads, which don't appear on the practice and exam screens.
What are the answers based on?
On the current IFAB Laws of the Game. Each play states the Law that applies and, when a decision raises doubts, it is removed until a referee validates it.
Do I need an account?
You can read the guides and try practice without signing up. With a free account you save your progress, take exams, play career mode and join leagues.
Does it help to prepare for the referee exam?
It works as training: RefSim's mock exam reproduces the question and time format of a theory test. It doesn't replace your committee's official material.
What languages is it in?
Spanish, Basque and English. You can switch language at any time from the top of the page.