Football South Australia hosted its first dedicated in-person Community Referee Seminar on Sunday 25th Feb 2024. Held concurrently in two locations, this groundbreaking event brought together a total of 100 enthusiastic Match Officials for a day of theory and practical sessions.
A highlight of the seminar was the active involvement of our emerging leaders as instructors. These passionate individuals took the reins in facilitating various teaching sessions under the guidance of Football SA Community Education lead Andrew Murray and General Manager Referee Education and Training, Michelle Smith.
The content of the seminar was designed to address the specific needs of referees in the modern game. In addition to the laws of the game update, the participants delved into the new Football Australia’s C3 Junior Match Official course content, ensuring they were well-equipped to officiate matches at this level. Additionally, crucial administrative information was covered by an entertaining quiz designed by Referee Operations Coordinator, Bonni King.
Another highlight was the practical session, where participants honed their skills in movement, teamwork, and concentration. With a particular focus on assistant referee positioning and signaling.
This seminar marks just the beginning of Football South Australia's community Match Official engagement efforts for 2024. It sets a precedent for future events aimed at educating and upskilling our local referees, ultimately enriching the footballing experience for players, coaches, and spectators alike.
As we reflect on the success of the inaugural Community Referee Seminar, we extend our gratitude to all participants, facilitators, and organisers who contributed to making this a successful event. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more informed future for football officiating in South Australia.
