Delfina Dimoski has again made history with Capital Football, after becoming the first Canberran and just one of six referees to officiate 50 Westfield W-League matches.
The Assistant Referee, who unashamedly eats, sleeps and breathes football, said it was an honour to reach the milestone.
“The magnitude of this achievement didn’t hit until well after the full-time whistle,” she said.
“It has taken many years of hard work both on and off the park, dedication and support to reach this milestone. I am so grateful to be entrusted to do what I love at the top level in this country.”
Dimoski started her career in refereeing twelve years ago and has seen advocacy and support slowly growing across the country.
“From a local perspective, I went from being the only female referee officiating in Wollongong to seeing multiple inspirational women refereeing week in and week out in our National Premier League (NPL) competitions,” Dimoski said.
Last season in the NPL Dimoski, Lauren Hargrave and Georgia Ghirardello were the first all-female trio to referee a Capital Football NPL1 Men’s match, while in 2019 Dimoski was also named the Capital Football NPL Men’s referee of the year; the first time the title has been claimed by a woman.
“From a national perspective, we are consistently seeing all-female referee teams officiating on Westfield W-League matches, female referees being appointed to A-League matches, women’s matches being more accessible across multiple platforms, all officials having access to more coaching and development opportunities and the appointment of a national fitness instructor, who is also delivering female specific training.”
Although not without its challenges, Dimoski said the positives of refereeing far outweigh the negatives.
“I know there is a stigma about the “third team” but a lot more happens than what you see on match days. I love challenging myself to get faster, stronger, upping my game to match the intensity of the competition, and being in the thick of the action is rewarding.
“I’ve gained lifelong friendships, fitness, a greater football understanding and a chance to progress to the National level. I would encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a referee to give it a go.”
