Referee Development Wrap-Up: February and March 2026
During February and March, the Football NSW Referees Department has been actively engaging with local associations across the state, delivering targeted referee education sessions aimed at strengthening consistency, confidence, and understanding at the grassroots level. A key focus of these sessions has been ensuring referees are up to date with the latest changes to the Laws of the Game, including the introduction of the 8-second goalkeeper rule, while also reinforcing alignment with current interpretations provided by IFAB.
These education initiatives are part of Football NSW’s ongoing commitment to supporting referee development at all levels, ensuring officials are equipped with the knowledge and tools required to manage matches effectively and consistently across the state.
Regional Visits
Regional referee associations have been a particular focus during this period, with Football NSW Community Referee Coordinator Cameron Duck travelling extensively to connect directly with referees on the ground. Visits to Dubbo and Bathurst have already been completed, with Wagga Wagga scheduled for April, highlighting a continued investment in regional referee development and support.
Reflecting on his recent visits, Duck said:
“It’s fantastic to see regional referee branches embracing the opportunities provided by Football NSW,” Duck reflected.
“Their commitment to referee growth and development matches that of metro Sydney branches, and it’s impressive to see how they continue to overcome the unique challenges they face.”
These visits not only provide valuable education but also strengthen relationships between Football NSW and local referee communities, ensuring regional officials feel supported, connected, and aligned with the broader referee network.
Branch Forum
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening referee development and communication across the state, the Football NSW Referees Department hosted a Community Referee Branch Forum on 17th March.
The forum brought together referee branch administrators from across both metropolitan Sydney and regional areas, with metro branches attending in person and regional branches joining online. This hybrid format ensured strong statewide representation and allowed for inclusive collaboration, regardless of location.
The Community Referee Branch Forum plays a key role in connecting Football NSW with its local referee branches, providing an opportunity to share important updates, discuss current initiatives, and outline the direction of the Referees Department. It also serves as a valuable platform for branch administrators to exchange ideas, raise challenges, and collaborate on solutions that support referee growth at the grassroots level.
The session saw strong engagement throughout, with open discussions and contributions from attendees highlighting the passion and commitment within the referee community. The willingness of branches to actively participate and share insights reinforced the collective goal of improving referee development pathways and strengthening support networks across the state.
Football NSW Community Referee Coordinator Cameron Duck emphasised the importance of the forum.
“The Community Referee Branch Forum is a vital opportunity for us to connect directly with our branches, share key updates, and most importantly, hear their perspectives.
“The level of engagement and collaboration we saw highlights the strength of our referee community and the shared commitment to continued growth across both metro and regional areas.”
By facilitating forums such as this, Football NSW continues to build a more connected, informed, and aligned referee community—ensuring that all branches are well equipped to support referees in an ever-evolving game.
Grassroots Referees Conference
Capping off what has been a productive period, Football NSW successfully hosted its inaugural Grassroots Referees Conference on 21st March. The conference brought together referee branches from across both metropolitan Sydney and regional areas for a full day of learning, collaboration, and development.
The event provided a platform for referees to engage with key topics, share experiences, and further develop their skills in a collaborative environment, marking an important milestone in Football NSW’s commitment to elevating the standard of grassroots officiating.
