National Referee Squad Program Returns

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Timestamp: Tue 01 Aug 2023, 02:44 PM

Following the completion of an independent review, initiated by Touch Football Australia (TFA), we are pleased to announce the return of the National Referee Squad (NRS), with the program officially launched earlier today. 

With the completion of an independent review, conducted in the second half of 2022, and significant investment from TFA, several recommendations were made towards improving the High-Performance referee program, including the relaunch of the NRS. The new look, 12-month year-round program will ensure referees are provided adequate resources and coaching to succeed, ultimately leading to improvement of our elite match officials, and as such improvement to the overall product of touch football.

Although the restructured framework will have a substantial focus on the high-performance space, regular lines of communication to State Director of Referees will be opened, to ensure information and education is flowing down, constituting the development of continued success across all referee ranks.

With 35 years' experience to his name, Ian Matthew has been appointed head coach of the program. "I am both excited and honoured to be a part of the new look NRS program, and to lead a talented group of referee coaches. The program now comes with a lot more support, direction and professionalism which will see a distinct lift in the refereeing standard, which will flow down through all levels. We will provide the game with consistent, high-level officiating which will be heavily focused on better game outcomes. Being able to utilise the same video analysis program as used by the NRL Referees, will see our referees coached with more intent to have strong processes and management in place. I am really looking forward to the challenge ahead."

Congratulations to the following referees selected as part of the NRS Coaching Panel, Squad and Academy.

NRS Coaching Panel