Applications to train as a junior MWFRA Referee for 2020 have now closed. Please complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) form here if you would like to be informed of future courses.
Becoming a referee with the MWFRA
Each year the MWFRA trains around 80 new junior referees who undertake the nationally accredited FFA Level 4 Referee courses. Refereeing is a rewarding and enjoyable pastime which will allow you to actively contribute to improving the standard of local football, develop management and communication skills, and be paid while enjoying football. We look forward to seeing you at a field shortly.
If you have any questions about becoming a referee or the registration process, please contact the MWFRA’s Course Coordinator, Robert Iacono, by emailing courses@mwfra.org.au.
The Expectations of the MWFRA:
As part of this process, you can expect the MWFRA to:
- Deliver nationally certified training delivered by FFA qualified instructors with a follow up practical session before the season starts;
- Provide you with a Junior Coordinator who will endevour to meet with you, to attnd some of your games and be available for any questions you may have;
- Provide ongoing support through formal practical training sessions and technical information sessions;
- Endevour to mentor all first year juniors as either a referee or assistant referee;
- Offer opportunities to progress to higher levels of refereeing such as through higher level local matches, advanced courses or FNSW’s Referee Development Program (subject to referee age, experience and performance).
To become a qualified referee will need to:
- Be at least 14 years old on 31 December 2020;
- Submit an application to referee;
- Enrol in and attend one of the all-day courses in either February or March (dates TBA) and attend a practical training day;
- Register to referee and pay the registration, uniform and course costs through PlayFootball;
- Complete and upload the online Laws of the Game Certificate.
During the season we expect that you will:
- Make yourself available on our appointments system, MatchRef, on a weekly basis;
- Referee at least 1-2 sessions per week (night game, Saturnday morning, Saturday afternoon, Sunday morning, Sunday afternoon). You will need to be available on Saturday and Sunday mornings in order to receive centre referee appointments. Night games and Saturday/Sunday afternoons you will be appointed as Assistant Referee;
- Undertake as many games as an Assistant Referee as possible to learn from the senior centre referees;
- Attend a training session at least once per month – either a technical session at a General Meeting or a training session at Cromer Park.
Steps to Apply
Applying to become a referee takes three simple steps.
Step 1. Submit an Application to Referee
In order to referee, you will need to complete a short application form. Applications for 2020 are now closed, please complete an EOI form and you will be notified if any further courses will be run this year.
The application form is designed to assess your interest in refereeing and ensure your availability is compatible with our operational requirements. After we receive your application, we will consider your application or may contact you to further discuss your interests and availability further. DO NOT CONTINUE TO STEP 2 UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL.
Step 2. Obtain and Upload the Laws of the Game Certificate – only if you have received confirmation that you have been offered a place in a course.
Finally, obtain the FFA’s free online Laws of the Game Certificate. This certificate can be obtained by creating an account, completing the interactive Laws of the Game workbook and passing an online multiple choice examination at the FFA Laws of the Game website.
After you have done this, save a copy of the certificate and upload it here.
This must be completed before Step 2 and 3.
Step 3. Register to referee on PLAYFOOTBALL and pay for the course, registration, and uniform – only if you have received confirmation that you have been offered a place in a course.
Log onto PlayFootball and register to referee here. You will need to pay for the course, referee registration fees, and uniform at this stage, cost is to be advised (2019 – $207).
Select the package ‘MWFRA 1st Year Junior Referee Registration & Course’.
Step 2. Enroll in a course – only if you have completed Steps 1-3.
Enroll in one of the two courses – links will be provided once you have completed steps 1-3.
- 16th February
- 7th March
The courses are held at Cromer Park between 8am and 4pm. Please note that junior referees and senior referees can only attend on specific dates. Junior referees are also required to attend a practical session on the morning of Sunday 15th March – location will be advised closer to the date.
An invoice will be created and emailed to you at this step. DO NOT PAY THIS INVOICE. Payment is made via PlayFootball – please see Step 3.
FAQs
How much information should be included in the application?
The purpose of the application is to learn about your motivations for applying, your avaliability, and to give you the opportunity to consider why you would like to referee. Therefore, we only require short (1-10 word) answers to the questions. If we require more information we will contact you separately.
How do I pay the course fee?
Please pay the course fee when you register through PlayFootball (Step 3).
The course fee is too expensive. Is it possible to pay later?
The course fee includes uniform, FFA/FNSW registration fees, a LotG book, external online payment fees, and course materials. We do not aim to profit from the courses and feel they are competitively priced. As such, we are unable to offer discounts or options to pay later.
How much will I get paid?
As a guide, the match fees from 2020 are here. Please note that they are subject to change each year.
I am unable to attend the courses for juniors. Can I attend a seniors course?
As our juniors and seniors courses include different content and teaching methodologies, we are unable to offer seniors courses to junior referees.
I am unable to attend the practical session. Can I do the practical session at another time?
We are only able to offer 1 practical new referee training session due to field and trainer availability and therefore it is compulsory to attend on this date.
What is your cancellation policy?
We follow the FFA’s cancellation policy, avaliable on page 11 of the FFA’s AODS. Please contact us ASAP if you need to withdraw from a course.
Further Questions?
Please don’t hesitate to contact Robert Iacono by emailing courses@mwfra.org.au with any questions about becoming a referee with the MWFRA.
