Become a Referee

New Zealand Football oversees all referee development and appointments at national level. For all enquiries about refereeing at a local level, your first point of contact should be at Federation level. If you are interested in finding out how to become a referee or wish to add to your already existing refereeing qualifications, please make contact with the Federation office nearest you. For all enquiries at a national or international level, contact NZ Football Referee Development Officer Ken Wallace, on +64 9 414 0182 or email ken.wallace@nzfootball.co.nz

Want To Be A Referee?

1. Who Can Become A Referee?
Anyone who enjoys football
Benefits in starting young - maximum opportunity to reach the top.
Antony Riley was an Assistant Referee on the National League, aged 16.
It’s never too late to start
A number of referees are still jogging around the football fields well into their sixties.

2. Requirements?
Reasonable level of fitness
Eyesight (with glasses or contacts) – Can you see the sun?
Sense of humour

3. Why Referee?
To continue your enjoyment of the game
You have a passion for football
You are passionate about a footballer
To keep fit
You can do better than that!
Team training interferes with your work
You’re good at dealing with people
It’s a challenge

4. What About Women Referees?
Women are welcome
Able to officiate in men’s and women’s competitions.
There are many opportunities to progress through the refereeing ranks to FIFA level and be involved in
international matches and tournaments overseas.

5. What’s Good About Refereeing?
It’s rewarding
It’s challenging
You learn life skills
Develop self confidence
Contribute to sport
Make new friends
Maintain sporting links
Travel

6. Isn’t It Difficult?
You’ve played the game
You’ve watched the game
Is it fair?
If it isn’t then blow your whistle
Is it nasty or dangerous or reckless?
If it is then you blow your whistle

7. How Do I Become A Referee?
The Introductory Course
Aimed at parents, coaches, teachers and players
Teaches about the essential Laws of the Game
Lasts about four (4) hours.
The Level 1 Course
Designed for those who want to become a referee.
Consists of ten one hour sessions
Covers the basic Laws of the Game, referee movement and positioning, acting as an assistant referee, player
management and identification of common fouls.

8. Are There Tests?
Yes. At the end of the course you will answer a multi-choice, written paper, which asks you to decide what you
would do if you were the referee in a game.

9. Is There An Age Limit?
You may take a course and qualify as a youth referee at 12.
There are plenty of opportunities to referee younger age groups and Small Whites football.

10. What Will It Cost Me?
There Is Usually A Small Charge For The Course And The Course Materials. Some Referee Centres Will Provide ou
with a refereeing kit to get you started.

11. What Happens After I Qualify?
You will register as a referee and then be appointed to games near where you live on the days you make yourself
available.
A mentor or referee coach will often assist you in your first games and throughout your career.

12. Is There a Career Path?
From local parks to FIFA; council grounds to great stadiums
Carmen Jones, Michael Hester and Bruce Grimshaw began refereeing in their 30s and all reached FIFA level and
refered international matches.
Lynn Fox began because her son’s team needed a referee. Eight years later she was refereeing at the 2000
Sydney Olympics
Paul Smith decided that he wasn’t great as a referee so concentrated on a career as an assistant referee in 1996.
Six years later he was officiating at the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup

13. What About On-Going Training?
All referee centres offer lots of support. In addition to regular coaching sessions where you are kept up-to-date
with law changes and helped to develop your refereeing techniques, regular meetings and outside training
sessions are held

14. What Is Important When Refereeing?
Being able to handle players well
Having a feeling for the game
Controlling the game
Making accurate decisions
Being consistent