Referee

Referees play a vital role in Touch Football, ensuring our game is played in a fair, safe and enjoyable environment for all participants. Becoming an accredited referee is an important step in ensuring that you are equipped with the knowledge of the Rules of the game, but also the latest on-field game information, and skills to manage and create a safe and enjoyable environment for all. It is also a great way to remain fit and active and participate in our game. Touch Football Australia has a four tier accreditation

TFA has a four-level system in place for our Referees as they progress through our pathways. Becoming a qualified referee is a vital step to ensuring you are prepared to officiate a game of Touch Football at the local level. Once you are a qualified Affiliate Referee, you can engage in additional courses, workshops, and development modules to enhance your skills. For those seeking to officiate in tournaments, the Grading pathway is designed to progressively challenge referees as they officiate in higher and higher environments.

Start your Referee pathway today – CLICK to find a course near you!

The Affiliate Referee Course is a face-to-face course designed to equip referees with the foundational knowledge and essential skills to officiate in Participation environments.

Course format is three (3) hours face-to-face.

Minimum age: turning 12 in the calendar year.

Representative Referee Theory course via eLearning online. This is designed for referees looking to officiate in the Pathways environments and seek grading at a Representative event.

Representative Referees are responsible for working with referee coaches to develop their individual knowledge and athletic skills for the ‘next step’ in their Touch Football officiating journey

Pre-grading requirements: Affiliate referee course, and Australian Sports Commission Community Officiating Skills eLearning course.

Minimum age: turning 13 in the calendar year

A State Referee Grading is available once per year at the flagship event in their home State/Territory.

Referees may seek dispensation to attend an event for grading outside of their home State/Territory or at the National Youth Championship event.

Pre-grading requirements –

Endorsed by their Affiliate/Club to seek an upgrade at the event; Endorsed by their Regional Referee Director and or State Panel for upgrade. Has held their Representative Grading for a minimum of six (6) months

Minimum age – turning 16 in the calendar year

A National Referee Grading is achieved via an in-game competency assessment for referees seeking to officiate in Performance environments. Successfully graded national referees are expected to take on a mentoring role for other officials in team-based environments inside and outside of event structures. A National Referee Grading is available once per year at the NTL Championships.

Pre-grading requirements –

Endorsed by their State/Territory Body to seek an upgrade at the event; Sport Integrity Australia: Safeguarding Children and Young People Induction Sport Integrity Australia: Anti-doping Fundamentals Course Sport Integrity Australia: Competition Manipulation & Sport Gambling Course. Has held their Representative Grading for a minimum of six (6) months

Minimum Age: Turning 18 in the calendar year