How do I qualify as a community match official in Football Australia?
Guideline- Australia
- Football Australia
- Community football
- Assistant referees
- Laws of the Game
- 2026/27
- All ages
Football Australia's refereeing page sets out these steps:
- Register a free learner account on the Football Network and the Football Australia Learning Centre, then wait for your registration to be approved before logging in.
- Online learning, in order: the Online Laws of the Game course, then an entry-level community course: Junior Football Match Official (JFMO, minimum age 13) or Senior Football Match Official (SFMO, minimum age 18 with at least 2 years of football experience). Going straight to Senior is not mandatory if you have football experience; you may do the Junior course first.
- Face-to-face training: a 3-4 hour session such as the Senior Football Match Official In-Person Event, mixing classroom learning with on-field practice, including performing the assistant referee role.
- Qualifying: you are appointed to matches suited to your age and experience and supported by a referee coach in your first year. By the end of the season (a minimum of five games) you are expected to show competency in both the referee and assistant referee roles.
Help with registration or access: learningcentre@footballaustralia.com.au
Source: Football Australia, Refereeing: https://footballaustralia.com.au/get-involved/refereeing
Added 24 Oct 2026