In 2023 Hills Football introduced a number of initiatives aimed at the growth and improved experience of new and returning referees. 135 new Level 4 referees were put through their paces and entered junior and senior competitions, completing online and practical training that prepared them for a challenging yet rewarding job. As in previous years, a large portion of new referees were current players and/or coaches registered to Hills Football clubs. Female only referee courses were again a feature, led by senior female Hills Football match officials, targeted at improving gender representation and inclusivity within the refereeing space.
2023 also saw an increase in support on the ground for officials, with more qualified coaches on the ground providing feedback and support to junior and senior referees. In total, 169 formal assessments were completed across the season in Hills Football competitions, in addition to less formal mentoring and assessments completed on Football NSW competitions.
Female only courses dedicated to elite female referees saw recent graduates of the Female Level 2 program gain promotion to whistle on HFI Men’s Premier League matches. The Match of the Round between Kenthurst & District FC and Rouse Hill Rams FC in Round 8 of the 2024 Hills Football Men’s Premier League saw referee Alana Zic and her team make it three consecutive years of all-female officiating crews on Match of the Round – what a way to celebrate Female Football Week!
2024 has begun with excitement, as a new training platform promises to make learning more flexible and relevant for new Level 4 Referees. Training attendance on Monday evenings has been extremely positive, with numbers dwarfing those of most other referee branches in NSW. Technical sessions, including theory education and guest presenters, have seen a healthy average attendance of over 80 members per month – almost a 100% increase on attendance from 2023.
As the 2024 season hits full swing, refereeing initiatives continue, with a view to improve coverage across junior and senior competitions and provide current referees with the support and tools to improve their capabilities and enhance their experience. Financial rebates for memberships, course fees, and uniforms have been introduced to incentivise referees to pick up more matches across weekends, addressing concerns around start-up costs and cost of living pressures.
Upgrade courses are scheduled for the remainder of 2024 for current referees and referee coaches, including the popular Level 3 Referee course – aimed at current and aspirant senior football referees.
For aspiring new referees there is still time to join in 2024. Online courses are self-paced, allowing participants the flexibility to complete coursework at a time that suits them. Attendance at a one-off, practical session run by the Hills Football Referees technical team completes the course training, preparing new referees to control their first matches and be paid as official Hills Football referees.
Links to register for the upcoming courses:
