Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Could you be Australia's next World Cup Representative! 

Tammy Ogston refereed the 2007 Women's World Cup FINAL in China!!!

Jim Ouliaris officiated in the 2007 U17 World Cup in Korea!!!

A. This is where it all starts. Just imagine…

A packed stadium for the 2018 World Cup Finals. A worldwide audience unsurpassed by any other event around the globe. Everyone is on the edge of their seats waiting for the sound of the whistle, to kick off this showcase of the World Game. You are there, but not as a player or spectator. You are in charge of the world’s biggest sporting event. You are the referee – the world awaits YOUR whistle!

Q. What’s in it for me?

A. Opportunity to travel in the National or International arena. Receive remuneration from sport. Greater opportunities as a part of your CV. Play a part in the ongoing development of soccer. The opportunity to develop your interpersonal skills. Taking a leadership role.

Q. Where do I start?

A. It’s not beyond you. Since 1982, a representative of the Australian refereeing fraternity has participated at every major FIFA tournament including Olympic Games, U20 and U17 World Championships…and World Cups. Referees and Assistant Referees, just like players, must undergo intensive training to reach the top in their profession. It has to start somewhere – and here is your starting point. The FFV have the support of Coaches, full time staff (Referee Development Manager and Referee Coordinator) and experienced Referees to assist you in reaching your goals. The career path for Referees starts with the Level 5 Knowledge course, consisting of work book study (DVD on Laws of the Game) followed by a short examination. Upon completion you will be directed to a local Regional Coaching Centre for your future training.

Q. Who can attend the course and become a Football Referee?

A. Football is a game for EVERYONE! Men, women, boys and girls over the age of 13 years are all welcome to register and attend the introductory course.

Q. What’s the next step?

Please use the Referee Induction Course Application form below to register your application for the Level 5 Referees knowledge course.

A work book and a DVD covering the Laws of the Game will be forwarded to you for the initial study period. The LEVEL 5 Course, Level 5 EXAM (covering knowledge of the Laws of the Game) and Level 4 course will be held at:

Melbourne High School: South Yarra Sports Centre.
679 Chapel St Sth Yarra.
(Gym attached to Melbourne High)
NOTE: Details will be sent to registered candidates

After completing the LEVEL 5 EXAM successfully you will be invited to attend a LEVEL 4 "Practical Refereeing" course so that you can become an active referee. Please do not attend any course until you receive the instructional letter with your course materials, advising which course you are to attend.  

Course Dates   

2008 LEVEL 5 

• MARCH Level 5 Course: Tuesday 11th, Thursday 13th, Tuesday 18th, March 2008
• MARCH LEVEL 5 EXAM: Thursday 20th March 2008 (must attend March sessions first)
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• ----------The above course is closed--------------------------
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• APRIL Level 5 Course: Tuesday 15th, Thursday 17th, Tuesday 22nd, April 2008
• APRIL LEVEL 5 EXAM: Thursday 24th April 2008 (must attend April sessions first)
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• ----------The above course is closed---------------------------------------
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• MAY Level 5 Course: Tuesday 13th, Thursday 15th, Tuesday 20th, MAY 2008
• MAY LEVEL 5 EXAM: Thursday 22nd MAY 2008 (must attend 3 sessions before  exam)                                                                
• ---------- The above course is closed--------------------------------------
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• JUNE Level 5 Course: SPECIAL DAY COURSE: Saturday 14th June 2008 (9:00am-3:00pm)
• JUNE Level 5 Exam: Thursday 19th June (7:00pm-8:30pm approx.)
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• ---------- The above course is now closed--------------------------------
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• JULY Level 5 Course: SPECIAL DAY COURSE: Saturday 19th July 2008 (9:00am-3:00pm)
• JULY Level 5 Exam: Thursday 24th July (7:00pm-8:30pm approx.)
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• ---------- This course is NOW OPEN ---------------------------------------
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• PENINSULA COURSE: Applicants from the Peninsula Region will be notified of a course running in this area in July. Location, dates, times will be given when you apply. This region includes Frankston, Somerville, Langwarrin, Baxter and surrounding areas.
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• ---------- This course is NOW OPEN ---------------------------------------
• BENDIGO COURSE: The next Bendigo Level 5 course will be held Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th July 2008. APPLY NOW!
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• ---------- This course is NOW OPEN ---------------------------------------

Applicants from Geelong, Ballarat and other regional areas will be advised if a course is operating in your area when we receive your application.  Please specify on your application form which course you are planning to attend.

2008 LEVEL 4 COURSE: After completing the LEVEL 5 EXAM successfully you will be invited to attend a LEVEL 4 "Practical Refereeing" course so that you can become an active referee.

• APRIL Level 4 Course: Tuesday 8th and Thursday 10th April 2008
• MAY Level 4 Course: Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th May 2008
• JUNE Level 4 Course: Tuesday 3rd and Thursday 5th June 2008
• JULY Level 4 Course: SPECIAL ONE DAY COURSE: Saturday 5th July 2008 (10:00am-2:30pm)
• AUGUST Level 4 Course: SPECIAL ONE DAY COURSE: Saturday 2nd August 2008 (10:00am-2:30pm)

All sessions are at Melbourne High School, South Yarra

 Referee Induction Course Application Form