Referees are a vital component of powerchair football, just like all other sports. Without our referees, the game does not happen. We’re always looking for new referees to get involved with our sport. Having refereeing experience is a plus, with indoor and outdoor football referees having come across to powerchair football, but any sporting officiating is a benefit.
In NSW, Football NSW is in charge of our referee scheduling. Our referees are added to our pool of officials for our competitions, with Football NSW informing our referees who is rostered on for each round.
If you want to become a powerchair football referee, please reach out to us or Football NSW and express your interest.
Refereeing Pathway
The NSW Powerchair Football Association has two different levels for our referees - Championship League and Premiership League. Our top referees also have the opportunity to officiate at the annual APFA Club Championships, while the best of the best have the chance to referee at international level.
APFA Tournaments
The annual APFA Club Championship is the flagship event for powerchair football in Australia, and as such this event calls for referees from across the nation. This event is generally held in October or January, and our referees are coordinated by our APFA Head Referee.
This also provides guidance and development opportunities, along with refereeing courses for continued growth.
Championship Grade
Our Championship Grade competition is where our rising athletes develop, and is also a good place for referees to learn the differences of our game.
This is also a great place to learn the rules - including 2 on 1s - at a slightly lower pace than in Premier League or other level competition.
Premier League
The NSWPFA Premier League is our top level competition, and this is where our top referees officiate and gain vital match experience.
The Premier League is a fast paced and highly competitive competition, with 30 matches across 5 teams during the season. This gives our referees plenty of scope to learn and grow, honing their skills just like our athletes do.
I Want to Become a Referee! What do I do Next?
If you want to get involved in Powerchair Football as a referee, then we encourage you to come and see what the sport is all about! We are always looking for new referees and would love you to join our team of dedicated people. Our athletes are a unique group of people, but they still want to be treated like any other footballer. An interest in working with people who live with disabilities is a benefit, but at the end of the day, Powerchair Football is like any other sport - highly competitive.
There are two ways you can get involved with Powerchair Football in NSW. You can get in touch with the NSW Powerchair Football Association via the button below to express your interest.
Or, if you're already a registered football referee, you can reach out to Football NSW and express your interest in Powerchair Football. Check out their contact page here.
