Kick off your refereeing journey
Want to be part of the game in a different way? Football Australia offers a clear pathway for referees aged 13+ to get started, develop their skills and officiate matches across our local competitions. With education, support and mentoring, we’ll help you build confidence on the pitch. Click below to learn more.
Don’t have a Football Australia Learning Centre account yet? Follow these steps to get started:
1. Set Up a Football Network Account
New Participants: Register for a free learner account here. (For assistance, follow the step-by-step instructions here.)
Returning Participants: Log in to your account here.
2. Linked Accounts
If your account is linked to a parent, it must be separated. Contact Football Australia at the email below to assist.
3. Platform Access
Wait until your registration is approved before logging into the Football Australia Learning Centre platform.
4. Need Help?
For registration or access issues, email learningcentre@footballaustralia.com.au.
After completing Step 1, you’re ready to dive into online courses designed to build your knowledge and skills at your own pace. Here’s what to do next:
Log in to your account here.
Enroll in the following courses in order:
1. Online Laws of the Game
This interactive course makes learning enjoyable and helps you grasp the fundamentals, including key interpretations of the Laws of the Game
2. Entry-Level Community Courses (choose based on your journey):
Junior Football Match Official (JFMO)– Online (Eligibility: Minimum age 13)
Senior Football Match Official (SFMO) – Online (Eligibility: Minimum age 18 with at least 2 years of football experience*)
Note: While we recognise that individuals with football experience may prefer to go straight into Senior Football, this is not mandatory. You are welcome to complete the Junior Football course first if you wish.
Bringing your Skills to Life
It’s time to turn your online knowledge into action! After completing Step 2, enroll in your local face-to-face training event, such as the Senior Football Match Official In-Person Event.
This 3-4 hour session blends classroom learning with practical, on-field training, reinforcing key concepts from the online course while developing essential officiating skills.
Classroom Learning
Interactive and engaging, the classroom sessions cover key topics such as recognising foul challenges, handball, and offside. You’ll also learn how to build rapport with players and coaches, manage player behaviour, and handle misconduct effectively all through fun quizzes and group activities.
On Field Practice
On the field, you’ll put theory into action by refereeing game based scenarios. This includes practicing essential techniques like delivering decisions with confidence, managing game restarts (kick-offs, free kicks, penalties, corners, and throw-ins), while maintaining optimal positioning. You’ll also refine your skills in cautioning and sending off players, as well as performing the role of an assistant referee.
This hands-on training prepares you with the knowledge and practical skills to officiate confidently and competently.
To qualify as a match official, you will be appointed to matches suited to your age and experience level. Throughout your first year, a referee coach will support you, helping you develop your skills and confidence. By the end of the season (a minimum of five games), you are expected to demonstrate competency in both referee and assistant referee roles.