To become a referee, you’ll be required to kick start with an introductory match official course. The online components provide participants with 24/7 access to complete the course at a time that suits their schedule. The course includes five modules – four conducted online and one 3-hour in-person practical session.
Follow the steps below to get started!
Step 1 – Complete the ‘Learner Registration – Referee’ registration process
Go to https://registration.playfootball.com.au/participant/product-details/66163772 and register as a referee to do the free learner package. You will be sent an email within two business days to say your registration has been approved. Within one additional business day of receiving that email, you should be able to sign in to etrainu via https://learn.footballaustralia.com.au/ with your PlayFootball login details.
Once you’re logged in, click ‘Training Library’ on the left hand side and then select ‘View Courses’ under Referee Community.
STEP 2 – Complete the Football Australia Online Laws of the Game module
This free online training module provides you with a basic introduction to the Laws of the Game and their interpretations.
This course is primarily aimed at those who are wanting to become a referee, but is also available to coaches, parents and players who are simply wanting to gain a better understanding of the Laws of the Game. After completing the course participants will receive a certificate which will allow them to continue on the refereeing pathway and complete the Junior Football Match Official course.
It is important to note that this course, on its own, does not provide you with any official refereeing accreditation.
STEP 3 – Complete the Football Australia Junior Football Match Official Online Course
The Junior Football Match Official Online Course is the entry level course. It is $33 and is done through the same FFA training platform as the Laws of the Game. Completion of the Online Laws of the Game course is a prerequisite for the Junior Football Match Official Online Course.
Participants must be at least 13 years of age to be able to enrol in and complete this qualification.
To be able to complete the theory session, you will need to search for and enrol in a practical session run by NRG via the training calendar in etrainu. You can view our upcoming practical sessions via our Course Dates webpage.
If you are interested in refereeing but have not yet reached 13 years of age, we encourage you to contact your local club and ask for more information about their cadet refereeing program. Cadet referees generally act as game leaders for the U5 – U8 age groups, as well as officiating U9 to U12 games, which are non-competition games.
Starting out as a cadet referee is a great way to build your confidence and get some experience before becoming a qualified referee.
Step 4 – Register for, and attend, the Football Australia Junior Football Match Official Classroom Recap and Practical Course
This in-person event combines classroom discussions with on-field practical training, led by qualified members of Nepean Referees Group. The session is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours in length and courses are typically run on a Saturday morning once a month from February to August.
The classroom session revisits key Junior Football Match Official topics, including challenges, handball and offside, while the on-field component introduces essential refereeing techniques, practiced in game-simulated scenarios.
You must enrol and attend this event to complete the Junior Football Match Official qualification. This is the final step before you can officiate Nepean Football Association competitions.
There is a course fee of $70 which is payable via bank transfer or credit card to Nepean Referees Group and must be received before the course date. Please call the Admin Support team at Nepean Football Association on 4711 4608 to arrange or confirm your payment.
Further resources on accessing and navigating etrainu is available from the Football NSW Knowledge Base.
STEP 5 – Register with Nepean Referees Group as a referee via PLAYFOOTBALL
Once you have completed all your courses, you can register as a referee with the Nepean Referees Group via PlayFootball. Once your registration is accepted, you’ll be set up in Dribl as a referee and you’ll be able to confirm your availability and begin to receive match appointments.
