In September 2015, Football Federation Australia announced the appointment of Australia’s first three full-time professional referees. The move further cemented a career pathway from the grassroots to the elite level, with a long-term vision towards increasing the number of full-time professionals in both the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League.
CLICK HERE to find out more about the future Refereeing as outlined in FFA’s Whole of Football Plan.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 12: The match officials pose for a photo after the PlayStation 4 National Premier League Women’s Grand Final between The Gap and Palm Beach at Corporate Travel Management Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez)
COMMUNITY REFEREE PATHWAY
Community level courses are directed towards officials working within local amateur competitions. Beginning with the Laws of the Game, Community qualifications also consist of Level 4 and Level 3 courses. These qualifications prepare referees to officiate in junior, youth and lower divisions of adult football.
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 1: Referees lead the teams to the pitch before the FFA CUP match between Palm Beach and Western Sydney Wanderers at Cbus Super Stadium on September 1, 2015 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez)
ADVANCED REFEREE PATHWAY
Advanced level courses are designed for officials working within regional, state and national competitions. Extending upon Level 4 and Level 3 qualifications, the Advance level is further comprised of Level 2 and Level 1 courses. Referees who complete these more intensive training programs will be eligible to officiate in matches ranging from junior football through to the top tier of state football and potentially the national level.
ASSESSORS & INSTRUCTORS
Referee Assessors and Instructors are crucial to the development of their peers, in addition to building on their own skills as match officials. Accreditation for both roles also adheres to the tiered Level system, with three Levels for Assessors and two Levels for Instructors. Assessors are qualified to assess and coach fellow match officials, while Instructors conduct courses and training programs.
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