The role and importance of referees cannot be understated, and the fostering, development and retention of referees is vitally important for Hills Football. In an ongoing process to ensure high standards are delivered and highly trained referees are officiating as many matches across the association as possible.
The Hills Football Referees program is set for another year of improvement and growth after coming off its most successful year last year, setting a record high of 399 registered referees by the end of the 2025 season. This displays a substantial growth and effort to bring new and existing referees to the region.
“My first full season was coming out of Covid, and we lost a lot of referees. We lost approximately 150 active referees. So, we only had 100 to 120 of our 250 referees active. We were probably only working at 50% capacity in 2022 and that translated to only 76% of our matches being covered,” Hills Football Referee Administration Officer Chris Codling said.
“From there, that was a real wake-up call for us, and there were some important decisions made. Then by 2025, we jumped to 399 refs and 97% coverage. So, we’re definitely experiencing growth.”
The referee program is a very diverse and mixed group of individuals, with the reason as to why people start refereeing coming in many different forms. Though from the moment people begin their referee journey, they join a larger team that is inclusive, friendly and hardworking, something that Codling enjoys greatly about the program.
“It’s not just one [reason], it really depends on where you’re coming from,” Codling said.
“Whether it’s a second or a first income stream, you want a unique way to stay involved in the game now that you can’t play anymore. Whether you’re looking for an out-of-the-box way to keep your fitness levels up, or whether you want to become a part of a fun, competitive, yet supportive environment and community.”
“Hill’s football refereeing has a place for everybody.” Codling expressed.
A referee’s journey begins with the undertaking of the Junior Football Match Official (Level 4) course. Combining classroom and theory work with practical elements, this course sets out the foundations for referees, teaching them the laws of the game, positioning, whistle and flag technique and many other useful elements that come with being a referee.
On the completion of this course, referees will then be able to start officiating one of the many games played across the association over a weekend. The course also serves as a starting point for further progression in the referee levels, with referees unlocking access to the Senior Football Match Official (level 3) course and the potential to move into Football New South Wales Referee Pathways, aimed at developing the next generation of elite-level referees.
“At the back end of 2025, we saw our first two referees take that final step in the pathway. Two referees who started with Hill’s football as their entrance course and have now progressed all the way to the A-League. So that was a real milestone moment for us and the program,” Codling said.
With 12 courses already delivered in the lead up to the 2026 season, including multiple female-only courses, the Hills Football Referee program is striving to produce the next generation of referees and build its rapidly expanding community.
If you are interested in attending one of the last remaining Junior Football Match Official (Level 4) courses on offer, head to https://hillsfootball.com.au/referee-courses/ for more information or email Chris Codling at chris.codling@hillsfootball.com.au
