Following one of the most in-depth reviews of refereeing in our state's history, Football Victoria (FV) is delighted to share with our football community the key findings from the Optimal Referee Model Review.
The review commenced in May 2021 with the aim to evaluate and improve FV's refereeing operations. It was conducted alongside independent advisory experts Sports Business Partners (SBP).
Throughout the project, FV sought extensive feedback and input from referees and other key football stakeholders. This collaborative approach led to a highly effective and in-depth review, the key findings of which will now assist FV to build a strategic framework that will create positive, sustainable change for Victorian refereeing.
Overall, the Optimal Referee Model Review consisted of:
- A review of 14 key documents
- 26 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and other sporting codes
- A survey with 335 respondents
- 4 workshops with key stakeholder groups
- Multiple workshops with the project working group and key referee stakeholder group.
Some key highlights from the review include strategies to improve refereeing; pathways, welfare, development and support, coaching and mentoring, branch structure, culture and respect and opportunities for women and girls.
Whilst this review was commissioned as an internal operational review, these improvements will reach our wider football community and FV believes the key themes will be of interest to Clubs, players, coaches, officials and fans.
We invite our community to explore the key themes below and look forward to embarking on an exciting new chapter for refereeing in Victoria.
Download the Optimal Referee Model Review - Key Themes document