A group of females are one step closer to being certified football referees, after taking part in the Female Referee Level 4 course at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Tuggeranong.
28 aspiring referees aged 13 and over learnt about foul identification, basic offside interpretations, leadership, and communication skills as well as how to be confident on the field.
The group heard from current female referees about what it’s like to be in the thick of the action, and why a female voice on the field is so important.
Westfield W-League Assistant referee Lauren Hargrave said the group was very switched on and ready to learn.
“It was fantastic to be involved in welcoming a number of new female referees, it was very exciting to see their enthusiasm for football and refereeing,” she said.
“Referee Georgia Ghirardello and I spoke to the course participants about our refereeing careers and we faced a number of curly questions including what we find difficult about refereeing and how we deal with uncertainty in making decisions”.
Last year, assistant referees Lauren Hargrave and Delfina Dimoski and referee Georgia Ghirardello made Capital Football history, becoming the first all-female referee team to officiate a Capital Football NPL1 Men’s match.
The female only course is held each year to provide females with a unique opportunity to learn the basics of refereeing from senior female referees, with the aim of increasing the number of female referees officiating across all competitions.
“It is great to be part of a supportive and inclusive member federation and community, being the Capital Football referees community.
“The female only referees course is an excellent initiative, to facilitate this supportive and inclusive environment. I look forward to being involved in future female only referee courses and other exciting initiatives to ensure a diverse, supportive and inclusive football community,” Hargrave said.
The total number of female referee registrations increased by 18% in 2020, representing 23% of total football match officials compared to 19% in 2019.
Part B of the course involves attending 1x 2-hour training session, to learn the practical skills required of a referee and assistant referee. Participants also received a ticket to the this Sunday’s Canberra United match, where they will be able to watch our local Westfield W-League match officials in action.