Touch Football Australia (TFA) is proud to announce the re-establishment of the National Masters Referee Squad, marking a continued investment in the growth and evolution of its officiating pathway.
As part of TFA's ongoing commitment to delivering the world's leading referee program, the re-establishment of the National Masters Referee Squad follows the exciting announcement of the Asia Pacific Masters Touch Cup, to be held in Japan in October 2026.
The program will provide a clear selection pathway for experienced senior officials to strive for selection to represent Australia at Federation of International Touch (FIT) events. TFA's goal is to elevate the opportunities provided to Masters referees and align with the broader National Referee Pathway, underpinned by the new Referee Education and Development Framework.
2025 DoorDash National Youth Championships - Start of Talent Identification Process
The 2025 DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) will mark the commencement of the talent identification (TID) process for selections into the inaugural Masters Referee Squad and will be a key opportunity to be earmarked for selection.
This will be the first step in the TID process, which will also encompass State Title events, with the final squad appointments made at the conclusion of The Championships 2026.
Selection for the 2026 Asia Pacific Masters Touch Cup in Japan
Members of the National Masters Referee Squad will form part of the contingent selected for the 2026 Asia Pacific Masters Touch Cup in Japan.
Selection considerations include:
- Performances at all TID events from the 2025 NYC to The Championships 2026.
- Participation in Masters training camps prior to the event as part of preparation and alignment.
- Final squad to be announced by mid-2026.
Please note that, due to open category divisions being included in the event, several open referees will also be selected to attend the event. This aligns with the classification of open versus senior divisions at The Championships.
