Course to address critical shortages in referee ranks

FOOTBALL Far North Coast is addressing ongoing issues around critical referee and match official shortages through a practical training course aimed at attracting new recruits to its competition.

The course will be held at Saunders Oval on Sunday, November 30 with hopes of bolstering the referee stocks in time for next season after repeated calls during the 2025 season.

Football Far North Coast has more than 7,000 participants from 25 clubs, with games played from Tweed to Maclean.

Potential referees need to complete the online training part of the course before the practical event.

General manager of referee growth and development, Brad Carlin, said it will be a busy period as Northern NSW Football holds courses across the regions.

“There are so many benefits to becoming a referee including the chance to earn money, giving back to the game, staying fit and active, building leadership skills, making new friends and gaining a greater understanding of the laws of the game,” he said.

“For an initial outlay of $183, anyone 13 years of age or older will receive all the referee training, clothing and equipment they need, plus their registration and insurance, to successfully take up the whistle.”

Accredited match officials will be reimbursed after they officiate ten games next season.

Football Far North Coast general manager Steve Mackney said increasing the number of accredited match officials was critical for the success and growth of the competition.

“We urge all clubs, all participants and every parent, to recognise that football activity will be enhanced if we have more accredited match officials,” Mackney said.

“Specifically, match officials who are reasonably available across the broad geographical location of our 25 clubs.

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