Yes, but it is preferable you have previously played or refereed football. It is important you know the game.
Yes. Players from other clubs are welcomed to referee Juniors (U13-18) and Seniors games. However Miniroos (U6-U12) games are primarily for referees who are players of Bardon Latrobe.
Yes. We would love more senior players to be involved as club referees.
Yes. All our referees are paid for every game. The amount varies depending on the age group and whether you are a centre referee or an assistant referee.
Yes. There may be rare exceptions, but typically all games for Bardon Latrobe club referees are held at Bowman Park, Bardon.
For Miniroos (U6–U12) and Juniors (U13–U18), we try to schedule two games back‑to‑back on a given day. Miniroos refereeing is in high demand, so allocations may be every 2–3 weeks.
Each week referees are asked to submit their availability for the upcoming weekend. Allocations are made based on this availability.
Every Tuesday an email will be sent to referees to submit their availability for the upcoming weekend. Availability needs to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday each week.
Every Thursday night/Friday morning referee allocations are emailed to referees. It is each referees responsibility to review the allocations and take note if required this weekend or not. In addition to the game time, the allocations will also indicate teams playing, field number, ball size, duration of halves and the fees to be paid for refereeing.
It’s important to get the right balance between age, knowledge, experience and confidence when refereeing. As a general rule a young referee will centre referee only up to their own age less 2 years. For example, an U14 player referee could centre referee up to U12. For assistant referees, this will be at our referee co-ordinator’s discretion.
Prior to the season starting, those referees that have submitted an expression of interest will be invited to attend referee training. This is typically split between the different age groups: Miniroos (U6-U12), Juniors (U13-U18) and Seniors. The training covers both centre referee and assistant referee roles. Throughout the session where deemed necessary, further training may be schedule.
Yes. These age groups required a deeper understanding of the rules in particular offside, sin bin and yellow/red cards. Club referees for Juniors (U13-U18) and Seniors games need to complete the Football Australia Laws of the Game (LOTG) free online training module. Please refer to the Referee Resources.
You will be provided with a free Bardon Latrobe club referee shirt. Please wear this shirt when you are refereeing games. In addition you will need to bring your own whistle, digital watch (not phone) and water bottle. Phones are difficult to hold when refereeing and can be distracting and as such a digital watch is recommended.
Should a situation arise where there is irresponsible behaviour either by a player, coach or spectator and you require additional support, there are a number of people that can be called upon:
Bardon Latrobe coach — every game you referee involves a Bardon Latrobe team
Bardon Latrobe team official — each team has an official wearing a high‑visibility vest
Bardon Latrobe ground official — available at Bowman Park for all games
