Referee numbers surge in Canterbury

Football referee numbers in the Canterbury footprint have already grown by 12% this season, and it’s expected that figure will keep growing throughout the year. 
Over 400 referees now officiate in the region and for Chief Executive Officer of Canterbury & Districts Soccer Football Association (CDSFA), Ian Holmes, it’s vindication of a lot of hard work. 
"The CDSFA has made a substantial investment in officiating over the last four seasons, as we see the match officials as the third team in a football match" said Holmes. 
One of the focuses this year is pushing for more female match officials in the beautiful game. 
"The Canterbury Referees Association at the urging of the CDSFA has held officiating course for females only. The first one conducted was with the tremendous assistance of Sarah Ho.
"It was an invaluable experience for the participants and Sarah was inspirational in her presentation. Many of the girls and women who attended the course with Sarah have stuck with the program over the last few years."
Marketing has been at the heart of the referee growth this season. Coupled with an increased digital campaign for referee recruitment by Football NSW, Canterbury & Districts SFA worked with clubs to drive registrations. 
"We invested heavily in officiating recruitment, including designing its own recruitment banners for both Male and Female Referees" said Holmes.  
"In 2016, the CDSFA was able to recruit Australia’s foremost Referees Educator, former FIFA Referee and AFC Director of Referees, Gary Power to run and conduct training sessions for CRA members. Jenny Bray, Australia’s top female Referees instructor also gave time to assist with several training sessions. 
"Having top trainers and educators is the key to developing better qualified match officials."
If you’re interested in officiating, here’s 12 reasons why you should become a referee.