Referees in the ACT will be able to participate in development programs and will have their pay increased as part of reforms put in place by Capital Football.

The governing body in the National Capital have entered a partnership with Football Australia to integrate its referee department into Football Australia’s structure.

“I am pleased to announce this new partnership with Football Australia,” outgoing interim CEO Chris Gardiner said.

“This will give our referees access to unmatched technologies and development support. We are currently jointly recruiting the new Head of ACT Refereeing with Football Australia.

“At the start of 2022 we faced a referee crisis. We consulted with referees and clubs and committed to addressing the challenges we all faced. We are acting on that commitment.

“Capital Football has also committed to very significant increases in payments to referees. The increases are already in effect for Futsal referees, and outdoor referees will see major increases for season 2023. Our NPL referees, for example, will now be paid the same as their counterparts in NSW.

“The new payments will make it much more attractive to players and ex-players to become a referee.”

As part of Capital Football’s refereeing revolution, the continued support for match officials will be boosted under the new structure.

“The significant strengthening of disciplinary processes and sanctions for referee abuse put in place mid-season will be supported by our continuing ‘reduce abuse’ campaign,” Gardiner confirmed.

“We will work with Clubs in 2023 to train Club Vested Officials to manage match day spectator behaviours.”

Nathan Magill, Head of Refereeing for Football Australia, welcomed Capital Football’s initiatives and expressed Football Australia’s strong commitment to the new partnership.

“Football Australia is excited to partner with Capital Football to launch this strategic initiative with Refereeing,” Magill said. “Football Australia is committed to developing a world-class referee development system. This partnership demonstrates a significant step in enhancing the pathway for Match Officials in the ACT.

“Capital Football’s decision to integrate its referee department into Football Australia’s structure gives its referees direct access to expertise and resources which will lead the way for Referee management and development.

“Capital Football has a long history of developing FIFA World Cup and A-Leagues match officials. We are committed to ensuring the next generation can achieve their ambitions in representing ACT on the national and international stage.

“Football Australia sees this partnership as a significant strategic initiative for the game and in line with our One Football strategy. We will work closely with Capital Football to ensure our work together delivers for current ACT referees and grows referee numbers, and improves the experience, including the growth of female match officials through Capital Football’s Women’s Football Plan.

“We want to continue providing increased pathway opportunities and leadership roles for Women & Girls in Refereeing.”

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