Football West invests in referee development

As part of the continuing drive to improve the football experience for all participants, Football West is proud to announce a new initiative to boost referee numbers for 2021.

This follows Football West’s reinvestment to clubs through the Building Stronger Clubs program where Football West has assisted in supporting projects totaling more than $100,000 and individuals through the Empowering Scholarships Fund which saw over 60 people apply to support their coaching, refereeing and administrative skills.

Football West has also constructed a Grants Hubs, a streamlined, one-stop location to find details of grants for eligible associations, clubs, coaches, referees, and players, to assist in their contribution to the World Game, with more than $3m of funding available for eligible activities.

From January, new referees will be able to become a registered match official for only $150. This initiative includes registration in a Level 4 course, referee starter pack containing flags, red and yellow cards and whistle, full uniform and registration fees so that on completion of the course any new referee is ready to take the field.

This $150 is reduced from nearly $600 previously for a senior referee.

Existing referees will also be supported with a 25% reduction in their registration fees for 2021 through the use of registration credits.

Football West CEO James Curtis said: “Referees are an integral part of the game in WA and being able to attract more referees and support their development will only make the game better in WA.

“This is just the first step of support for our referees, from those taking up the whistle for the first time, to those aspiring to officiate in the W-League and A-League and we look forward to closely working with our key stakeholders to bring these projects to life.”

Click the link How to Become a Referee to register and for more details on becoming a Football West referee.

Filed Under: Community News