Football Victoria’s (FV) Referee Department is ensuring regional communities have the same access to training and accreditation as metro areas.
There are so many different reasons to become a referee. It’s a great way to earn some extra money, give back to the game you love, stay fit and active, and build your leadership skills.
On Friday, October 28, FV’s Referee Appointments Coordinator Yianni Zisis and Tribunal and Discipline Coordinator Tom Elliot headed to Mildura to conduct a Level 4 Referee Course.
The Level 4 Referee Course had a terrific response from the community with all 12 participants immediately ready to referee.
Tom Elliot said the course was a “massive success” for the local footballing community.
“Mildura's active referee pool increasing from 15 to 27 referees, drastically increasing game coverage in 2023,” he said.
“Hopefully we can get to more regional communities before the year is out to improve our referring ranks before the 2023 season.”
The following morning, the FV refereeing department held a general referee education session for all Mildura referees, increasing the knowledge and understanding of all participants.
The FV staff also met with Football Federation Sunraysia to discuss how they could improve their discipline processes and how they can work with FV in the future.
“In our meeting with FFS we engaged in discussion and provided guidance on day-to-day discipline processes, building on communication processes, collaboration, and fostering relationships in the regional Victoria space,” Tom Elliot said.
“Events such as this demonstrate Football Victoria's support of stakeholders in their long-term objectives.”
The Level 4 Referee Course consists of a six-hour online theory component, followed by a three-hour practical session.
This is an entry-level course and once completed, participants will be fully qualified referees.
Firstly, prospective referees must fill in the Expression of Interest Form. They will then be created a Go1 account.
Your Go1 account is our online learning platform where referees can view educational content and complete the Level 4 Referee Course.
From here, they will need to log in to their account and go to the ‘Green Shirt Referee Program (2022)’.
There, they will be able to enrol in the Level 4 Referee Course (2022). This costs $147 and includes the first season of referee registration (valued at $115), flags, whistle, red and yellow cards, Go1 access, and referee uniform including shirts, shorts, and socks.
After they have completed the online theory component, they will need to book in and attend the Level 4 Practical Training Session.
These are occurring regularly in metropolitan Melbourne and in regional areas where there is a demand.
After participants have completed the course in full, they will be a qualified referee and eligible to register on Play Football for ‘FV Referees’.
FV will provide a referee mentor for at least their first match and then manage their support throughout their first season as a referee.
Here are our upcoming practical sessions available on Go1 for new referees to book into:
Western
City Vista Pavilion & Sports Field
Saturday, November 19, 9am-12pm
Eastern
Knox Regional Sports Park
Saturday, November 26, 9am-12pm
Northern
TBC - Possibly on December 10 depending on demand
If you, your club, or association is interested in being involved in the Level 4 Referee Course, please contact referees@footballvictoria.com.au