Complete the following two courses...

The Level 5 course, conducted over a 6-hour session, which includes a multiple-choice theory examination and the Examination paper has be approved by the National Referees Organisation, and applies throughout Australia. On successfully completing your examination stage, you will receive your Referee Theory Certificate from Football Federation Australia.

Next, is the Level 4 course, conducted over a 5-hour lecture session, two practical officiating tests, one as a referee and one as assistant Referee? On a level of game that the Branch considers appropriate for you as a starting point.

On successful completing the field assessments, you will then become a qualified referee and issued the appropriate FFA Referee Certificate from the Football Federation Australia.

Do not be put off by the examination, even if it is many years since you have been required to do any sort of examination. The course and the examination are structured to give you maximum opportunity to gain a 100% success rate for all those serious about becoming a referee.

The Pathway

There is no short cut to the top. Even if you where set a theory examination that required you to obtain 100% correct answers to all questions on every Law of the Game, this may not necessarily make you a good referee.

There is no short cut to the top. Even if you where set a theory examination that required you to obtain 100% correct answers to all questions on every Law of the Game, this may not necessarily make you a good referee.

A good referee knows the Laws of the Game, has experience as a referee, and has the ability to apply the Laws of the Game such that the players are able to display their football skills and the spectators can enjoy all that our game can offer as a spectator sport.

Nathan Gibson is one of our State League and A-League referees who has also officiated in the World Cup and other International Games. Along the way, he has built up this enormous experience bank starting as a teenager, up through amateur games to State League to A-League to international competitions run by FIFA.

Experience comes with refereeing or acting as an assistant referee in as many games as possible. Referee Branches run coaching sessions on a regular basis and attendance at these sessions plays an important role in building on experiences. Branch inspectors will from time to time watch your on-field performance offering constructive advice to improve those areas where you need some guidance.

As a referee or an assistant referee you will receive a match fee that will help offset the expenses for travelling to games, your uniform and other costs associated with your refereeing duties and still leave you with some left over.

To find out more about courses for referees, go to our website www.ncfrsc.com/ Dates and Events or contact: Bob George Email Me