An inside look at TeleChoice Premier League referee Jonathan Streater

Kick starting his refereeing career with the Blacktown local Referees Association, Streater has come through leaps and bounds in becoming one of NSW?s best referees.
Having officiated in a number of matches during the old National Soccer League and more recently the A-League, FNSW took the time out in interviewing one of this state?s leading whistleblowers.
FNSW: How long have you been refereeing?
JS:  All up 23 years. 
FNSW: What would have to be your most memorable match you have officiated in?
JS: It would have to be my refereeing my debut match in the old National Soccer League back in 1999 when Sydney United took on South Melbourne at Edensor Park.
It was a huge match to kick start my career as a referee in the NSL as both teams played with a lot of pride in front of what was a packed Stadium.
FNSW: What would be some of your other highlights in what has been a fruitful career thus far in the officiating world?
JS: A couple of things come to mind but obviously obtaining my FIFA badge would sit firmly as a huge highlight. Officiating in both the National Soccer League and the A-League and being able to referee in NSW?s best competition the TeleChoice Premier League also was a huge accolade for myself.
Finally, being appointed to officiate as an Assistant Referee at the FIFA U17?s World Youth Championship qualifiers in New Caledonia in 2005 was another highlight.
FNSW: What was it like officiating in the A-League?s first season and then continuing on to the second?
JS: It was a scary period prior to the A-League season commencing as us referees did not know what to expect when this new competition kicked off.
After the first year was over though, we all realised how far football has come in this country. The games were brilliant, we had a number of quality players in our competition and the crowd was amazing.
As an official, you knew you had to pick your game up as you were refereeing some of Australia?s best players and great young talents coming through.
I know that the promotion of the sport did raise a number o f bars with the A-League thanks to the success of the Socceroos qualifying for the World Cup in 2006.
FNSW: What did you think of the standard of the TeleChoice Premier League this year and also on a personal level on how you performed with the new rules that were set out to each official this season?
JS: I strongly believe that the standard of football this season was the best I have seen. The influx of former A-League players coming into the competition and also promising youngsters making their mark on the game has benefited the league in more ways than one.
To be honest, I feel as though the TeleChoice Premier League is the best state based football competition in Australia and it can only get better.
From a referees point of view, there was a lot more emphasis placed upon us to perform but I believe things went smoothly on that end.
FNSW: How long do you see yourself involved in the sport as a referee?
JS: I am getting towards the end of my career and I felt like I needed to take a break from it all after my last A-League season as I felt my legs tiring more.
I also have a young family with my first born so that is taking up a bit of my time along with my occupation.
I hope to be involved in the TeleChoice Premier League for a few more years and after that give something back to the game by becoming an inspector for up and coming referees in this state.
Long term would be to get on as a referee inspector for the A-League in the FFA.
FNSW: Is there any Australian referee you look up too?
JS: I would have to say Gary Power. His personality on the pitch and his control with all the players when he was a referee was top notch especially with the other fact that he always got respect from all the players.
FNSW: Aside from your referee duties, what is your occupation?
JS: I am currently the Risk Executive at the Commonwealth Bank
FNSW: Thanks for taking the time out for this interview Jonathan
JS: My pleasure, thank you for your interest and all the best.
-By Mark Stavroulakis