Ams receives Referees Branch Life Membership

At the Football NSW Referees Branch pre-season seminar, Kurt Ams was awarded Life Membership after over 25 years of service to the game, including representing NSW as a FIFA and A-League match official.

Life Membership is an honour to recognize someone’s exceptional, loyal and outstanding service to the game and his nomination was met with a standing ovation from those in attendance.

After beginning refereeing in Blacktown, Kurt joined NSW State League Football Referees branch in 2000. He was appointed to the National Youth League and quickly rose through the ranks to begin officiating on what is now the NPL Men’s NSW competition.

Kurt has been involved in several NPL Men’s NSW grand finals appointments as a referee and fourth official, as well as countless other honour matches in the form of finals and play-offs.

In 2010, Kurt was appointed to the A-League Men’s competition (2010/11 season) and refereed 88 ALM matches during his career on the national panel. Additionally, he held roles as a fourth official and video match official (99 matches) at the national level.

In 2019, Kurt was elevated to the FIFA International List of Referees representing Australia and was involved in prestigious tournaments such as the Kirin Cup in Japan and games such as the international friendly between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Amongst his on-field achievements, Kurt has also been a mentor, role model, teacher and friend to many in the branch and has had a positive impact on countless of his colleagues both on and off the field at every level.

The members that spoke to Kurt’s nomination on the day described the way he positively contributed to the referee community. Whether it be on match day, at training or at technical sessions/meetings, Kurt always came with openness and encouragement to bring people into the team and help them perform at their best.

Football NSW congratulates Kurt on his achievements throughout his career and the awarding of life membership.