Becoming a Referee

Are you interested in joining our network of match officials?

Well, you’re in the right place! Here you’ll find everything you need to get started. Anyone aged 13 and over can become a referee. 

There are so many different reasons to become a referee. It’s a great way to:

• earn some extra money
• give back to the game you love 
• stay fit and active 
• build leadership skills like effective communication, working as a team and decision-making. 

Whether you’re a player, past player, parent, club volunteer or new to our game, we’ll equip you with all of the knowledge and support you need to enter the rewarding world of refereeing. Who knows, you might even officiate in the A-League or internationally with FIFA!

To become a referee, you must be 13 years of age or over and you will need to complete the Football Australia Online Laws of the Game Course as well as completing a Level 4 Referee Course.

STEP 1: The Football Australia Online Laws of the Game Course provides a basic introduction to the Laws of the Game and their interpretation. To successfully complete the course, a participant needs to pass the online examination and print their Statement of Completion Certificate.

STEP 2: The Level 4 Referee Course provides participants with education and training to become a referee. It can be undertaken in a classroom environment as a one-day course consisting of theory modules and practical sessions on a pitch to enable referees to begin officiating

Upskill in the off season 

• Check out our upcoming Referee Courses 

• Hear from A-League Referee Kate Jacewicz in the Sport Aus Podcast 

• Learn how to fuel your body on the Australian Institute of Sport Nutrition Page with recipes, supplements information and education on energy availability 

• Do you have a Garmin watch? Practice a variety of FIFA approved fitness tests, through the Garmin Watch app. See the full list of included fitness tests HERE 

• Learn more about nutrition, planning for matches and recovery with the PGMOL Nutrition Booklet 

• Learn more about training plans, physical preparation and recovery from top international referees in the AFC Refereeing Fitness Training Guidelines 

• The FIFA 11+ Referee Manual includes training ideas and the importance of performing exercises correctly 

• Stuck for training ideas? Check out a range of different training sessions for inspiration 

Cost to become a referee

The NNSWF Referee Starter Pack costs $120. This cost includes:

• Level 4 Referee Course
• Laws of the Game book
• Whistle
• Flag
• Red and Yellow Cards
• Notebook
• Green shirt
• Black shorts
• Black socks
• NNSWF component of 2023 registration costs