TO START REFEREEING FOOTBALL OR FUTSAL

Football is the world’s most played and most popular sport, and also one of New Zealand, and futsal continues its fast rise in popularity. While coaches and players are key to the game (the game is for the players), so is another group –THE REFEREES.

In New Zealand, there is a clear pathway to help you achieve your goals in both football and futsal while contributing to the success and enjoyment of players, coaches and fans along the way. There are 6 levels of New Zealand Football referee classification:

Refereeing in football and futsal is for all ages and for both males and females. At the moment, we have referees that range from their early teens to their 70s. The younger you start, the better as there are some great pathways as a referee and assistant referee. 

Sign up for either a Community Referee (football or futsal), Girls and Women's Only or Level e Referee course be.

More information on these courses can be found here.

You can also contact Wayne Stapley for more information.​​​​​​​

COMMUNITY REFEREE / COMMUNITY FUTSAL REFEREE & GIRLS' AND WOMENS' ONLY COURSE

A short introduction to the Laws of the Game for those interested in the way the game is officiated and who wish to learn a little more.  

LEVEL 1 REFEREE (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

New referees go through this induction course before becoming available for appointments to a game. The course is essentially ‘Refereeing 101’, covering the basic requirements to referee a game. You can then officiate in youth and local senior football or futsal, and progress to Level 2 quite quickly.

LEVEL 2 REFEREE (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

This is achieved through a field/court-based assessment. Candidates must demonstrate competency in eight areas, particularly relevant to fair play and the safety of players. From here (in football) you will get the chance to be an Assistant Referee at the higher level, and based on your performance you may be appointed to the Canterbury Premier League (CPL) or even on the Southern League (SFL).

LEVEL 3 REFEREE (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

This is a more advanced accreditation course for those who wish to continue their development and referee at higher levels of the game.

In Football, there are opportunities for you to referee at Canterbury Premier League (CPL) level, and also, be in a Development Group, for referees with potential to the highest levels in our game. If you are selected into this group, you will likely be appointed to the CPL, Southern League, Women’s National League or the men's National League. National League officials are also part of teh Development Groupe to provide leadership roles.

There are paths for promotion both as a Referee and Assistant Referee. At the higher levels, this often requires a referee to choose which direction he or she wants to pursue, with help from assessors of course.

In both football and futsal, your ability and commitment can mean you may be selected to attend week-long National Referee Development Academies, which will help you learn even more about the art of refereeing.

LEVEL 4 REFEREE (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

This is a more extensive field/court-based assessment, which requires recommendations from assessors. In football, you will be required to referee two games at CPL or higherl, passing the mandatory requirements in both games. Candidates must also pass a fitness test. The next step here involves officiating in the National Competitions.

LEVEL 5 REFEREE (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

This is a course that qualifies candidates to referee at the highest domestic leagues and makes them eligible for nomination to international games. There a pre-requisites relating to the number of games refereed in the highest National Competitions.

FIFA LEVEL (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

This is the ultimate goal for officials and provides a world of opportunities, such as international fixtures throughout Oceania. After that, the world awaits, with FIFA tournaments including FIFA World Cups and Olympic Games on offer for top officials!

To be nominated as a referee, you need to be at least 25 years (23 for assistant referees). Each year the candidate needs to be re-nominated and undergo medical tests as well as the FIFA fitness test. There is no retirement age, but FIFA reserves the right to require referees over the age of 45 to undergo additional technical assessments as well as specific medical examinations and fitness testing on a case by case basis.

ASSESSORS (FOOTBALL & FUTSAL) 

Alongside the referee pathway, a similar road exists for assessors, who can impart their knowledge and experience to those at lower levels, either once they themselves have finished active refereeing or as they progress along the pathway. 

To read a more in depth explanation of all pathways, please click here NZF Referee Development Schedule.

For more information please contact Wayne Stapley