ESAFC Referee Development Centre
At Eastern Suburbs AFC we believe in contributing to the game from all aspects, and with the support of Northern Region Football are excited to launch our ESAFC Referee Development Centre.
The programme will focus on core modules and basic game understanding in a safe and supportive environment, structured around a referee-centred approach with access to mentor and a genuine network of developing peers.
Commencing in September, the ES Lilywhites Referee Development Centre (RDC) will combine NZ Football online learning with a more hands-on approach as up and coming Lilywhites learn to view the game from a different perspective.
Across a 12-month period, referees will work through 6 key focus areas as well as having access to individualised support and access to an appropriate challenge point of game.
- The basics of refereeing
- Fouls and signals
- Positioning + movement
- Severity of the foul
- Offsides + retreating lines
- Penalty area incidents
Referees will have their first game day experience in our Suburbs Summer Shield competition, where they will be paired with age and experience appropriate games across the 8-week period.
HOW TO REGISTER
The ESAFC Referee Development Centre will aim to span a 12-month period, with referees “starting” each year in our Suburbs Summer Shields Competition and working their way up to full winter season games. Whilst the hope of this programme is that referees start in Term 4 and progress through the 12-month period, there is no penalty to those who decide refereeing is not for them!
The ESAFC Referee Development Centre is supported by Northern Football Federation, so we are fortunate to provide access to this new and exciting opportunity at no cost.
If you / your child is aged 10 and above and is keen to be involved, please register your interest below!
TERM 4 2025
- Intro to Refereeing workshop on Friday 10 October
- Practical session on Friday 17 October
- Competitive games during Suburbs Summer Shield Competition from Friday 24 October through to Friday 12 December
- During the Summer Shield Competition referees will be allocated 1-2 small-sided games each Friday, with additional mentorship and support
- Referees will be given a shirt and whistle, as well as access to NZ Football online learning platform
- Referees will earn $10 per game, to be paid every 4 weeks
TERM 1 2026
- Online resources and fitness activities will be made available for keen referees over the summer holidays
- From February to April, referees will have 1x workshop with NRF Referee Development officer, 1-2 catch up sessions with peers and/or an allocated mentor, and access to a minimum of 2-3 pre-season games
- Referees will earn $5 per game and work in pairs/groups to learn and support each other
TERM 2&3 2026
- Season will run May to September
- Each month, referees will have 1x workshop with NRF Referee Development officer, 1-2 mentorship sessions, and 3-4 games
- Referees will have access to age-appropriate fixtures across ESAFC In-House competitions, NRF Junior Competitions, and NRF Social Youth Competitions
- Referees will earn $10-$20 per game depending on the level
