With the kick-off to the 2019 football season just around the corner, Northern NSW Football (NNSWF) has expressed urgent calls for participants across the region to become new referees in a sign of support for their local game.
Currently, there are 634 registered match officials in Northern NSW, which is a significant decrease from 2018’s 864.
NNSWF Head of Football Development Peter Haynes urged members of the NNSWF community to take the leap and support local football.
“We know that having a referee is a key component of creating a positive football experience and while the rate of participation in football continues to grow year on year, the simple fact is that the number of match officials has not kept pace,” Haynes said.
“This essentially means with more matches scheduled for this season than ever before, our match officials are spread very thinly.”
Following the recent launch of the ‘New Referee Starter Pack’ courtesy of First Touch Football Supplies, Haynes said there has never been a better, and more affordable time to become a new referee.
“For $100, a new referee can get trained, registered and kitted out with equipment and uniform ready to take the park, and earn some money!,” he said.
“I am calling on all current and past players, parents and supporters of our great game to try their hand as a referee this season.
“It is easy than ever before to register, it is a great way to stay involved in the game, keep fit and contribute to the continued growth of football throughout Northern NSW,” Haynes concluded.
The New Referee Starter Pack includes:
> Enrolment in Level 4 Referee Course;
> Laws of the Game Book;
> Professional Referee Whistle;
> Assistant Referee Flag;
> Umbro Match Official Shirt (Black);
> Umbro Match Official Shorts;
> Umbro Socks;
> Set of Red and Yellow Cards;
> Match Record Book;
> NNSWF Match Official Registration Fee for the first season, and
> Member Zone Match Official Registration Fee for the first season.
There are numerous upcoming referee courses taking place across the region in preparation for the season which can all be FOUND HERE
