Introduction
Sam Barrott is an English association football referee whose career has developed from youth football and local officiating to the highest levels of the English game. Born in Yorkshire, Barrott began refereeing at the age of 15 after an injury interrupted his involvement as a young player with Halifax Town. His determination helped him progress through the English refereeing system and eventually reach the Premier League.
His rise has been particularly impressive because he moved through several levels of professional football before becoming a regular top-flight official. Barrott made his Premier League debut in October 2023, became a permanent Select Group 1 referee for the 2024–25 season, and was subsequently selected for the FIFA International Referee List.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samuel Barrott |
| Known As | Sam Barrott |
| Profession | English association football referee |
| Nationality | English |
| Birthplace | Yorkshire, England |
| Birth Year | 1992 or 1993 |
| Refereeing Started | Around age 15 |
| Professional Refereeing | EFL from 2020 |
| Premier League | From 2023 |
| Premier League Select Group 1 | From 2024 |
| FIFA Referee | From 2025 |
| Refereeing Base | West Riding FA |
| Known For | Premier League and international refereeing |
Early Life and Football Background
Sam Barrott was born in Yorkshire during the early 1990s and developed an interest in football during his youth. Before concentrating on refereeing, he played football as a junior with Halifax Town. His playing ambitions changed after an injury, which led him toward refereeing when he was only 15.
That early change ultimately became a positive turning point in his football journey. Rather than leaving the sport after his playing career was interrupted, Barrott found another way to remain involved and began developing the skills required to become a professional match official.
Beginning His Refereeing Career
Barrott’s refereeing development followed the English football pathway. He progressed through the National List before making the important move into the English Football League at the end of the 2019–20 season.
His advancement demonstrated the progress he had made since taking up refereeing as a teenager. The move into the EFL gave him experience in professional football and provided the platform for his eventual rise toward Premier League officiating.
Promotion Toward Premier League Football
At the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Barrott was promoted to Select Group 2. This placed him within the development structure for higher-level professional refereeing.
His opportunity in the Premier League arrived during the same season. The Premier League later confirmed that he took charge of 15 matches during the 2023–24 campaign, establishing himself as a promising new top-flight official.
Premier League Debut
Sam Barrott made his Premier League refereeing debut on 7 October 2023, taking charge of Fulham against Sheffield United at Craven Cottage.
His first season at this level proved highly significant. Rather than making only a brief appearance in the competition, he refereed 15 Premier League matches during the campaign. This strong start helped him earn a permanent promotion into Select Group 1.
Promotion to Select Group 1
In June 2024, the Premier League announced that Sam Barrott and assistant referee Craig Taylor had been promoted to Select Group 1 for the 2024–25 season.
This was a major step in his career. Select Group 1 represents the highest level of domestic professional refereeing in England, giving Barrott a regular place among officials handling Premier League fixtures.
FIFA International Referee
Barrott’s career reached another important milestone when he was selected for the 2025 FIFA International Referee List. England Football confirmed his inclusion in December 2024, making him one of seven English officials accepted onto the list for the first time.
He was also retained on the FIFA list for 2026, confirming his continued international status. England Football’s 2026 list names Samuel Barrott among England’s FIFA referees.
Major Career Appointments
Barrott has continued to receive increasingly important appointments as his experience has grown. In 2026, The FA appointed him as referee for the FA Community Shield between Manchester City and Arsenal. The match was played at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on 16 August 2026.
The appointment was a significant recognition of his development as an English association football referee. He had also been officiating at the UEFA Under-19 European Championship finals during the summer of 2026.
2026 FA Cup Final Role
Barrott also featured in the officiating team for the 2026 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Manchester City. The FA appointed him as the fourth official, with Darren England serving as referee.
Although being fourth official is different from refereeing the final itself, the appointment represented another high-profile opportunity at one of English football’s biggest occasions.
2026 FA Cup Quarter-Final
Barrott also took charge of the Southampton versus Arsenal FA Cup quarter-final in April 2026. The official appointment listed him as referee, with James Mainwaring and Wade Smith as assistant referees.
Such appointments show that his responsibilities have extended beyond routine league fixtures into major knockout competitions.
Career Timeline
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| Around age 15 | Began refereeing after a football injury |
| 2019–20 | Promoted from the National List into the EFL |
| 2023–24 | Promoted to Select Group 2 |
| 7 October 2023 | Premier League debut |
| 2023–24 | Refereed 15 Premier League matches |
| 2024 | Promoted to Select Group 1 |
| May 2024 | Refereed League One play-off final |
| December 2024 | Selected for FIFA International Referee List |
| 2025 | Began FIFA-listed international career |
| 2026 | Retained on FIFA International Referee List |
| April 2026 | Refereed Southampton vs Arsenal FA Cup quarter-final |
| May 2026 | Fourth official for FA Cup Final |
| August 2026 | Refereed FA Community Shield |
| 2026–27 | Continued as a Premier League professional referee |
Career Achievements
Sam Barrott’s major professional achievements include his progression into the EFL, his Premier League debut, promotion to Select Group 1, FIFA international referee status, and appointments in major domestic competitions.
One of his early standout appointments was the 2024 EFL League One play-off final between Bolton Wanderers and Oxford United.
His later appointments demonstrate how quickly his profile has developed. By 2026, he had experience in Premier League football, FA Cup matches, international football and the FA Community Shield.
Professional Reputation
Barrott’s public professional profile has been built primarily around his refereeing development and match appointments. His journey from youth football to international refereeing illustrates the opportunities available through England’s structured referee-development system.
The negative side of refereeing is that officials inevitably face scrutiny when controversial decisions occur. Barrott has also received criticism over individual decisions during matches, as is common for Premier League referees. However, his continued appointments at major competitions demonstrate that he remains trusted within the professional refereeing system.
Current Career
As of September 2026, Sam Barrott continues to work as a Premier League referee and remains on the FIFA International Referee List. England Football’s 2026 list includes him among the country’s international referees.
His appointment as referee for the 2026 FA Community Shield further strengthened his position among England’s established professional officials. His continued development could lead to more significant domestic and international assignments in the future.
Family and Personal Life
Publicly documented information about Barrott’s professional life is considerably stronger than information about his private family life. His biography establishes his Yorkshire background and his early involvement with Halifax Town, but detailed family information is not part of the established professional record.
For a trustworthy biography, it is better to focus on the details that can be supported rather than adding speculation about relatives or private relationships.
Interesting Facts About Sam Barrott
He Started Refereeing Young
Barrott began refereeing at approximately 15 years old after an injury affected his playing ambitions.
He Previously Played Football
Before becoming a referee, he was involved as a junior player with Halifax Town.
His Premier League Debut Came in 2023
His first Premier League match was Fulham against Sheffield United on 7 October 2023.
He Quickly Became a Regular
Barrott refereed 15 Premier League matches during his first top-flight season.
He Became a FIFA Referee
He joined the FIFA International Referee List for the first time in 2025 and remained listed in 2026.
Conclusion
Sam Barrott’s career is a strong example of progression within English football officiating. Starting as a young referee after an injury changed his playing path, he worked through the professional system, reached the Premier League in 2023 and earned promotion to Select Group 1 the following year.
His FIFA recognition and major 2026 appointments have added another important chapter to his career. From the EFL to the Premier League, international football and the FA Community Shield, Barrott has established himself as an important English association football referee with a growing professional résumé.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sam Barrott?
Sam Barrott is an English association football referee who officiates in the Premier League and international football.
What is Sam Barrott’s full name?
His full name is Samuel Barrott.
Where was Sam Barrott born?
Sam Barrott was born in Yorkshire, England.
When did Sam Barrott start refereeing?
He began refereeing at approximately 15 years old after an injury while playing youth football.
Did Sam Barrott play football?
Yes, he played as a junior with Halifax Town before becoming a referee.
Is Sam Barrott married?
His professional biography does not establish publicly documented marriage information.
Does Sam Barrott have children?
No verified information about his children forms part of his established public professional biography.
When did Sam Barrott make his Premier League debut?
He made his Premier League debut on 7 October 2023 in Fulham’s match against Sheffield United.
Is Sam Barrott a FIFA referee?
Yes. He was first included on the FIFA International Referee List in 2025 and remained on the 2026 list.
