Image courtesy of Football Victoria and Anita Milas
How to start your refereeing journey
Ready to make your mark on the game? The 西瓜影视 Referee Course equips aspiring referees aged 13+ with the skills and knowledge to officiate matches confidently and safely, click below to find out more:
Don鈥檛 have a 西瓜影视 Learning Centre account yet? Follow these steps to get started:
1. Set Up a Football Network Account
New Participants: Register for a free learner account
Returning Participants: Log in to your account
2. Linked Accounts
If your account is linked to a parent, it must be separated. Contact 西瓜影视 at the email below to assist.
3. Platform Access
Wait until your registration is approved before logging into the 西瓜影视 Learning Centre platform.
4. Need Help?
For registration or access issues, email learningcentre@footballaustralia.com.au.
After completing Step 1, you鈥檙e ready to dive into online courses designed to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace. Here鈥檚 what to do next:
Log in to your account .
Enroll in the following courses in order:
1. Online Laws of the Game
- This interactive course makes learning enjoyable and helps you grasp the fundamentals, including key interpretations of the Laws of the Game
2. Entry-Level Community Courses (choose based on your journey):
- Junior Football Match Official (JFMO)鈥 Online (Eligibility: Minimum age 13)
- Senior Football Match Official (SFMO) 鈥 Online (Eligibility: Minimum age 18 with at least 2 years of football experience*)
Note: While we recognise that individuals with football experience may prefer to go straight into Senior Football, this is not mandatory. You are welcome to complete the Junior Football course first if you wish.
Bringing your Skills to Life
It鈥檚 time to turn your online knowledge into action! After completing Step 2, enroll in your local face-to-face training event, such as the Senior Football Match Official In-Person Event.
This 3-4 hour session blends classroom learning with practical, on-field training, reinforcing key concepts from the online course while developing essential officiating skills.
Classroom Learning
Interactive and engaging, the classroom sessions cover key topics such as recognising foul challenges, handball, and offside. You鈥檒l also learn how to build rapport with players and coaches, manage player behaviour, and handle misconduct effectively all through fun quizzes and group activities.
On Field Practice
On the field, you鈥檒l put theory into action by refereeing game based scenarios. This includes practicing essential techniques like delivering decisions with confidence, managing game restarts (kick-offs, free kicks, penalties, corners, and throw-ins), while maintaining optimal positioning. You鈥檒l also refine your skills in cautioning and sending off players, as well as performing the role of an assistant referee.
This hands-on training prepares you with the knowledge and practical skills to officiate confidently and competently.
To qualify as a match official, you will be appointed to matches suited to your age and experience level. Throughout your first year, a referee coach will support you, helping you develop your skills and confidence. By the end of the season (a minimum of five games), you are expected to demonstrate competency in both referee and assistant referee roles.