Seventeen (17) participants undertook a level 4 introductory referee course that was run by Football Far North Coast on the weekend, with participants aged 12 to senior.
This is a great start to our campaign to encourage more people to become a match official next season and we now need to continue the momentum to ensure that MORE people continue to step forward for future referee courses that are planned in 2023 (more information below).
Participants at the course on the weekend indicated their reasons for attending the course included a desire to learn new skills within football, earn money, keep fit and to be involved in a role that gives back to the game. Refereeing provides an opportunity to learn valuable life skills, such as effective communication, people management and positive behaviour, as well developing traits that lead to positive character building.
Football Far North Coast is urging current and past players, coaches and supporters (including parents) to take up the whistle in 2023, with more people required to become a referee (match official) to cover the expanding number of games across the Far North Coast.
There will be NO COST to participants for attending a course and new match officials receive all the benefits listed below, which allows participants to begin officiating in 2023;
- Level 4 Referee Course materials
- Laws of the Game Book
- Professional Referee Whistle
- Assistant Referee Flag
- First year referee green shirt
- Black Umbro on-field Shorts
- Black Umbro on-field Socks
- Set of Red and Yellow Cards
- Match Record Book and Inserts
- 2023 Match Official Registration with FFNC
- FFNC Match Officials Polo Shirt (to wear to and from games)
Courses have been confirmed for 2023 (see details below).
You can REGISTER YOUR INTEREST to attend a course, by clicking here
Upcoming Courses
Date: Monday 23rd January 2023
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Saunders Oval, Ballina
Date: Saturday 11th February 2023
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Workers Sports Club, Goonellabah
Date: Saturday 18th February 2023
Time: 9:30am – 4pm
Venue: Cavanbah Centre, Ewingsdale
Date: Saturday 18th March 2023 (all-female course)
Time: 9am – 4pm
Venue: Crawford Park, Alstonville
Eligibility:
Participants should be 13 years of age or older OR turning 13 no later than the end of May 2023 (noting that participants CANNOT be appointed on matches until they turn 13).
Requirements:
1. Register your interest to attend a course by clicking here
2. BEFORE the day of the course ALL participants must complete the online Laws of the Game (OLTG) Certificate and provide evidence of completion. To complete this, click here.
Participants should register for an upcoming course first, but this certificate MUST be completed BEFORE attending a course. The time required to complete the OLTG Certificate will vary based on previous knowledge and experience. Participants should allow AT LEAST one hour to complete the certificate, however it may take up to between two and three hours. All answers are provided within the learning material in the OLTG certificate.
3. Participants MUST bring their printed participant workbook (provided via email prior to the course).
4. Participants should bring a pen/pencil.
5. Participants should wear suitable clothing for some short outdoor activities (weather permitting).
A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) can be found by clicking here, for those who are interested in attending a course and becoming a match official.
Anyone requiring any further information should contact Luke Mackney via email to referees@ffnc.net.au or mobile 0434 856 992.
