Sutherland Shire Football Referees Association
Providing referees to over 400 matches played in the Sutherland Shire each week during the winter football season
Major Partner:
Referee development with SSFRA
At SSFRA we are eager to support referees develop.
There are a range of development opportunities available to SSFRA members, locally and beyond.
​
Our Development Officer, Rowan Lilley, is available to answer questions via email: development@ssfra.org.au.
Local development
We provide local courses, general meetings, training, coaching, and mentorship
Throughout the year training courses are provided within The Shire by the SSFRA development and coaching team. Courses support members obtain their Level 4, 3, and 2 Football Australia refereeing accreditation.
Our monthly general meetings and weekly training sessions provide referees opportunities to refresh their theory, strengthen their on-pitch skills, and connect with other referees and SSFRA members. Branch coach, Daniel Stack, leads development with review of local video footage and answering members' questions.
​
During the season, coaching and mentorship is provided by SSFRA FNSW accredited referee coaches and assessors. Through strategic appointments, communication kits, and video footage, referees of SSFRA receive support to upskill their refereeing game-to-game.
Develop with FNSW
At SSFRA we support our members apply to the FNSW Referee Academy and the FNSW Referee Development Panel
The Football NSW Referee Academy trains and prepares selected referees for success at state and national levels and to be potentially identified by Football Australia as future A-Leagues Women, Men and Youth referees and assistant referees. Referees selected to join the Academy will be provided with speed and agility training, physical training programs, opportunities to attend tournaments, match day coaching and access to national and international referee coaches as well as A-Leagues referee mentors.
The Football NSW Referee Development Panel (RDP) is the recognition of talented branch referees. The RDP is the training ground for referees to officiate on FNSW’s Youth National Premier League matches in order to accelerate their development. Football NSW RDP referees get access to experienced match officials (from the National Premier League and A-Leagues Women's & Men's) who provide match day coaching and training as well as theory and practical sessions provided monthly.
To be eligible for either the Referee Academy or Referee Development Panel you must:
-
Referee within NSW (any branch)
-
Have been a referee for at least two years
-
Be aged between 16 – 21 as of 1 January 2024
Extend your refereeing
Become a referee instructor or coach/assessor and support grow and strengthen our referee branch.
We will support you pass on your skills and knowledge to future and upcoming referees by facilitating Football Australia referee instructor and coach/assessor accreditations.
​​
Become a Football Australia Referee Instructor (i.e. course instructors) by completing the Level 3 or 2 Instructoc course.
The Level 3 Instructor course is the entry-level course to becoming a referee instructor. A Level 3 Instructor is accredited to deliver Level 4 and Level 3 Referee courses. Completion of the Level 2 Instructor course provides accreditation to deliver Level 4, 3, and 2 Referee courses as well as Level 3 and 2 Assessor and Level 3 Instructor courses.
​​
Become a Football Australia Referee Coach by completing the Level 3 or 2 Assessor course.
The Referee Level 3 Assessor course is the entry-level course to becoming a referee coach. This course provides an introduction to the coaching/mentoring process and participants are qualified to coach referees at local/grassroots level. Level 3 Referees aged 18 who have at least two years refereeing experience are eligible to undertake the Referee Assessor Level 3 course.
The Level 2 Assessor course can be completed by referees who already hold their Level 3 Assessor qualification, are at least 18, and have had a minimum of four years experience as an active referee.