A United Front: Coaches and Officials working together

The Football NSW referees academy is continuing to succeed in providing unique training experiences for the sport’s future officials. 

Last week’s training session focused on exposing the academy members to National Curriculum playing trends, as well as providing open conversations with coaching officials to better understand the working relationships between coaches and officials.

The evening began with the members undertaking a training session which involved playing a game of football with Football NSW Coach Education Manager Oscar Gonzalez conducting the session.

The main objective was to educate the referees in the current style of playing that is endorsed by the FFA. 

“The training we received from Oscar opened up a new understanding of the way teams are trying to play,” said Referee Education Coordinator Robert Nieuwenhuis.

“This will help us to anticipate play and get into better positions to make good decisions. It was great to discuss the expectations coaches have of referees and the pressures that coaches are under. In turn, the referees were able to communicate the challenges of dealing with coaches and players.” 

Gonzalez was impressed with the academy members and their understanding of the relationship between officials and coaches.

“I found the members to be very engaged and ready to be involved from the start. Their commitment to the session and the way in which Rob involved them was excellent. We reviewed the session and discussed what are the key attributes coaches look for from referees.  

"This information was provided with the input of Coach Educators from around the states and shared with the academy members. Who would have thought referees and coaches working together.”

Football NSW is continuing to provide further training sessions for the next generation of referees and is committed to offering unique experiences which challenge our academy members to explore new ways in which officiating football can be improved.

Members of the Academy are: 

·         Kiana Chessa

·         Anastasia Filacouridis

·         Carly Fuda

·         Angela Gray

·         Chloe Gray

·         Travis Griffith

·         Yosemite Guilmeer

·         Chris Hughes

·         Maggie Humphreys

·         Hassan Jomaa

·         Sam Kelly

·         Emma Kocbek

·         Oliver Lawton

·         Isabella Libri

·         Jarryd McFarlane

·         Nathan McOrist

·         Jack Morales

·         Maggie Price

·         Amol Verma

·         Hugh White