BECOME A MATCH OFFICIAL IN 2026

Becoming a referee is one of the most rewarding ways to stay involved in football. Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or simply love the game, refereeing offers an opportunity to learn new skills, earn money, and join a supportive football community.

Why Become a Match Official?

Refereeing allows you to:

• Stay active and involved in the game
• Build leadership, confidence, communication and decision-making skills
• Earn money with match appointments
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Laws of the Game
• Join a friendly and supportive referee community

Turn your passion for football into an exciting opportunity!

Start Your Referee Journey for the 2026 Season

With Learning Centre pricing being updated in 2026, now is the perfect time to begin your training. You can still take advantage of 2025 pricing by enrolling early.

All referee courses require completion of the Laws of the Game (LOTG) online course.

Entry Level Courses

Game Leader (GL)

Minimum age: 12 years (in the season)
Officiates: MiniRoos (U6–U12) matches within your Junior Club

Course Components:

• Laws of the Game (online, self-paced) – FREE (2025 pricing)
• Game Leader practical session — $60 (2025 and 2026 pricing)
  • Includes jersey, whistle and bag
  • Dates & venues released January 2026

Junior Football Match Official (JFMO)

Minimum age: 13 years (in the season)
Officiates: MiniRoos & Junior League matches within your Junior Club

Course Components:

• Laws of the Game (online, self-paced) – FREE (2025 pricing)
• JFMO Online Course (online, self-paced) — $33 (2025 pricing)
• JFMO Classroom Recap and Practical (in-person, dates released January 2026) – $185 (2026 bundled pricing)
  • Includes:
    • First-year referee registration
    • Insurance
    • Uniform pack (whistle, cards, flags, fluoro jersey, shorts, socks)
  • Paid through PlayFootball Registration as a New Junior Referee

Senior Football Match Official (SFMO)

Minimum age: 18+ with at least two years of player/coach experience

Officiates: Senior League matches with Capital Football (CLO, CLW, MLM, MLW) and Junior Leagues within your Junior Club

Course Components:

• Laws of the Game (online, self-paced) – FREE (2025 pricing)
• SFMO Online Course (online, self-paced) — $33 (2025 pricing)
• SFMO Classroom Recap and Practical (in-person, dates released January 2026) – $205 (2026 bundled pricing)
  • Includes:
    • First-year referee registration
    • Insurance
    • Uniform pack (whistle, cards, flags, fluoro jersey, shorts, socks)
  • Paid through PlayFootball Registration as a New Senior Referee

Age Restrictions (AODS Policy)

Referees under the age of 16 cannot be appointed to matches involving adult players.

Accreditation	MiniRoos	Junior League	Senior League
Game Leader	✔	✘	✘
JFMO	✔	✔	✘
SFMO	✔	✔	✔

Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) Requirements

All Match Officials aged 16 and older must hold a valid WWVP card (volunteer at a minimum) from Access Canberra to be eligible to officiate.

• Your WWVP card must be uploaded to your PlayFootball profile during registration.
• Referees without a current WWVP in PlayFootball cannot be appointed to any matches.
• Referees under 16 must submit a WWVP Exemption

If you turn 16 during the season, you must obtain your WWVP card before continuing to officiate.

Course Pricing

2025 Prices (Available Now)

• Laws of the Game: $0
• JFMO Online Course: $33
• SFMO Online Course: $33

2026 Prices

• Laws of the Game: $15
• JFMO Online Course: $40
• SFMO Online Course: $40
• LOTG + JFMO Bundle: $45
• LOTG + SFMO Bundle: $45

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

How old do I have to be to become a referee?

• Game Leader: 12+
• JFMO: 13+
• SFMO: 18+ with previous football experience

Do I need to complete the Laws of the Game first?

Yes. LOTG is required for all referee courses.

Can I just turn up to a Practical course event?

No. We cannot accept registrations on the day of a practical course. All participants must complete the required prerequisites and register through the Learning Centre so we can confirm and sign off their qualifications.

I’ve accidentally completed a course under my parent’s name! How do I fix this?

Email the Football Australia Learning Centre at learningcentre@footballaustralia.com with both FFA numbers and a brief outline of what needs to be corrected.

What if I’m under 16 and can’t get a WWVP card?

You complete a WWVP Exemption during PlayFootball registration.

Do referees get paid?

Yes. Pay varies by competition and level. Senior Leagues referee payments are made through the fortnightly referee pay runs, Junior Leagues and MiniRoos payments are managed by your Junior Club

Who appoints me to matches?

• MiniRoos/Junior Leagues: Your Club Referee Coordinator
• Senior Leagues: Capital Football appoints you directly (SFMO only)

How do I nominate a Junior Club to referee for?

Once you’ve completed your course, all Referees and Game Leaders must register through PlayFootball under the Capital Football Referees club. During registration, you’ll be asked to nominate a Junior Club. Capital Football Referees will then notify your Club Referee Coordinator that you are qualified and ready to be appointed to matches.

Do I need experience playing football?

No — but it helps. For SFMO accreditation, 18+ candidates need at least two years of playing or coaching experience.

What equipment do I need?

Your registration fee includes a uniform pack: whistle, cards, flags, shirt, shorts, socks. You will need to have a watch and a coin for matches.

When are the 2026 courses?

Course dates and venues will be released on the CF website in January 2026.

How long does the online course take?

The LOTG course usually takes 3–5 hours, self-paced.

Can I referee senior matches if I’m under 16?

No. Under the AODS, referees under 16 cannot officiate matches involving adult players.