FA Referee Levels

Description

The level 4 referee training program is the entry-level course for soccer referees in Australia. It focuses on the development of practical skills for beginning referees, as well as a review of the laws of the game. After completing the level 4 referee program, referees can revalidate their qualification by undertaking the program again or by being an active referee for 4 matches and attending one formal coaching session each year, or upgrade by undertaking the level 3 referee program.

Target Audience

Developing referees who referee junior and youth matches.

How to Achieve

To gain the level 4 referee qualification you must complete the online Football Australia Laws of the Game Course, then register for and attend a practical session at your local referee branch. If you are unsure of what your local branch is then contact the appropriate member federation. You must be at least 14 years old to achieve level 4 qualification.

Description

The level 3 referee training program is designed for referees who have completed the level 4 course and have at least 1 year of refereeing experience. You must be 16 years old to start this program. After completing the level 3 referee program referees can revalidate their qualification by undertaking the program again or being active for 6 matches and attending one formal coaching session each year or by undertaking the level 2 referee program.

Target Audience

Developing referees who referee lower divisions of adult football as well as junior and youth matches.

How to Achieve

To achieve the level 3 referee qualification you must be currently registered with FFA (Football Federation Australia). Contact your local member federation to find out upcoming dates for level 3 courses. Attend all sessions of the course and complete all units to the satisfaction of your instructor. Then pass the multiple choice Laws of the Game exam. Then you must be deemed competent in 1 match as a centre referee and 1 match as an assistant referee. If you fail the Laws of the Game exam, you will be contacted to determine a date for another attempt. You must be at least 16 years old and must hold level 4 qualification to achieve level 3 qualification.

Description

The level 2 referee training program is the first of the advanced referee programs. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a current level 3 referee qualification. After completing the level 2 referee program referees can revalidate their qualification by passing Laws of the Game examinations or being actively involved as a match official or being deemed competent to officiate by the referee organisation you are registered with or undertaking the level 1 referee program.

Target Audience

Developing referees who referee from junior to the penultimate level of senior football in their State, Territory or region.

How to Achieve

To achieve the level 2 referee qualification you must be currently registered with FFA (Football Federation Australia). Contact your local member federation to find out upcoming dates for level 2 courses. Attend all sessions and complete all units to the satisfaction of your instructor. Pass all the Laws of the Game exams. Be deemed competent in 2 matches as a referee and 1 match as an assistant referee. Complete and submit your program folder for review. You must be at least 18 years old at the commencement of the training program and hold a current level 3 referee qualification to achieve level 2 qualification.

Description

The level 1 referee program is the final referee program in the football referee pathway. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a current referee level 2 (theory) or referee level 2 qualification. After completing the level 1 referee program referees can revalidate their qualification by passing Laws of the Game examinations or being actively involved as a match official or being deemed competent to officiate by the referee organisation you are registered with.

Target Audience

Referees of matches from junior football to the highest level of senior football in their State or Territory and potentially at national level.

How to Achieve

To achieve the level 1 referee qualification you must be currently registered with FFA (Football Federation Australia). Contact your local member federation to find out upcoming dates for level 1 courses. Attend all sessions and complete all units to the satisfaction of your instructor. Pass all of the Laws of the Game exams. Be deemed competent in 2 matches as a referee. Mentor a colleague. Complete and submit your program folder for review. You must be at least 18 years old and hold a current referee level 2 (theory) or referee level 2 qualification to achieve level 1 qualification.