Touch Football Australia (TFA) is pleased to announce the launch of the Alliance Referee Squad (ARS), a new initiative designed to strengthen referee development across our Alliance states.
During TFA Leadership’s recent roadshow, a consistent theme emerged: the need for enhanced access to pathways and education opportunities for members in Alliance states. In response, TFA has developed the ARS to address these challenges and ensure equitable access to development and performance pathways for referees nationwide.
The ARS is committed to identifying, developing, and supporting referees of all ages from our Alliance states. The program will:
- Bridge existing pathway and progression gaps within the national referee performance framework.
- Provide structured development, mentoring, and education opportunities.
- Support referee exposure to national-level competition and assessment.
- Ensure equal opportunity for all referees to progress through the sport’s national systems.
Referees for the ARS will be selected annually at The Championships, based on observed performance and formal assessments. Each year, commencing from The Championships in 2026, 30 referees from Alliance states will be chosen to take part in the program.
Selections will be made collaboratively by Alliance Referee Coaches, in consultation with TFA High Performance (HP) Referee Panel Members and TFA HP Staff, ensuring a transparent and merit-based process.
Throughout the year, referees will be supported in their development through targeted education and mentoring opportunities, including participation at the DoorDash National Youth Championships (NYC) and Australian camp opportunities.
Referee Coaches for the Alliance Referee Program will be appointed through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process coordinated by TFA. It is anticipated that each Alliance state and territory will have at least one appointed coach, collectively forming a panel of six coaches who will lead the program across the country.
Once appointed, these coaches will play a central role in the ongoing delivery of the program. They will be responsible for facilitating learning and development opportunities, providing mentoring and guidance, and supporting referee assessments and individual development planning. All coaching activity will be undertaken under the supervision and guidance of TFA HP Panel Coaching Staff, ensuring consistency and alignment with national referee development standards.
Further information regarding the EOI process for referee coaches will be shared shortly. TFA encourages all Alliance state referees and coaches to engage with this initiative and help shape the future of refereeing across our sport.
For further information, please contact National Referee Program Manager, Luke Saldern at luke.saldern@touchfootball.com.au.
