New Referee Framework FAQs

WHY ARE YOU CHANGING THE SYSTEM?

• The current referee accreditation system has been in place for over 30 years, the sport has evolved, and our officiating education and development must modernise and utilise the resources at our disposal.
• The High-Performance Referee Review (Review) called out the need for a Referee Development Framework including courses, resources and squads to ensure that our sport can meet the ever-growing needs of officiating.
• Data from the Review outlined that the current referee accreditation system had a focus on achieving a qualification, rather than game outcomes.
• The Review outlined a need to create a more clearly defined pathway to selection, adjusting the referee accreditation to clearly reflect and define this will support the referee community.
• The current referee framework contains no formal or informal development opportunities and does not put our referees in a position to succeed.
• TFA recognise the history and importance of achieving a State (Blue badge) and National (Black badge) and have retained these standards in our system to provide this grading opportunity moving forward.

WHAT DATA IS THERE TO SUPPORT THESE CHANGES?

• Our participation data shows that approximately 2,300 individuals register to complete a Level 1 Referee course each year, of those 70% complete the full course components to become accredited
• On average 300 people register to complete a Level 2 Referee course each year; of those only 54% of participants complete their qualification and become accredited.
• On average less than 100 people register to complete a Level 3 Referee course each year; of those only 50% of participants complete their qualification and become accredited.
• Participation data from course delivery across Australia indicates that Level 2 and 3 referee courses are frequently delivered to less than three people in some locations. The learning outcomes derived from these course environments are limited.
• Each year at the National Touch League, less than 50 referees seek an upgrade to level 5 or 6.

OK, YOU’RE CHANGING – WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

The infographic below articulates the transition from the ‘old’ system to the new one

• TFA is committed to providing an environment for referees across the country that fosters the development of all officials to achieve their personal best.
• As part of a yearly update module, TFA will utilise content created through the National Referee Squad to provide up-to-date trends of the game, rule interpretations and informal development opportunities.

WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO REFEREE AT EVENTS?

• TFA will not place restrictions on referees in Affiliate competitions, we recognise that for many of our referees who officiate in these environments, it is about being part of the local sporting community, staying active, part of a hobby or simply giving back to the association.
• For those officials who engage in representative environments, TFA will ensure that we provide you with the requisite knowledge, skills and resources to achieve your personal best.

WHY IS THE REPRESENTATIVE THEORY COURSE TRANSITIONING ONLINE

• Following the launch of The Nest and the subsequent impacts of the pandemic on the way we do things, utilising technology has been beneficial in improving outcomes. We recognise that eLearning is part of the future and as a sport we are embracing the new era of technology.
• The Representative Referee Theory Course being covered online means that any referee, in any location can complete formal learning at their own pace, whenever fits in with their schedule.
• The standardised nature of eLearning means that our people will receive the same standard of education regardless of where they live. This will significantly reduce educational inequity based on geographical circumstances and the necessity to travel to receive or deliver formal education to our referee community.

HOW MUCH WILL THE CHANGES COST ME?

• As the Affiliate Referee Course is directly replacing the ‘old’ Level 1 course, the cost to enrol in the course will not change around the country.
• The Representative Referee Theory Course, containing six individual referee-specific modules will be available for purchase for $40.00 +GST from the training library.
• Individual Referee Development Modules and Referee Workshops delivered by TFA will be available free of charge for all referees in our sport, demonstrating TFA’s commitment to supporting referee development.

REFEREE BADGES

• All referees who are attending The Championships in May will receive a new badge as part of their attendance. TFA is currently working with State and Territory bodies for a rollout across the 2025-26 year to ensure referees who attend major events receive the new badges.
• Affiliates who would like to purchase badges should contact education@touchfootball.com.au for further information.