BECOME A REFEREE

Be Part of the Game. Become a Referee.

Referees are vital to football at every level. Whether you’re a player, parent, supporter, teenager looking for part-time work, a former player, or new to the game, refereeing is a fun, flexible, and rewarding way to stay involved.

Stay active, earn match fees, and build confidence and leadership skills with opportunities to progress from community football to national and international levels.

Our Referee Development Team supports you every step of the way.

No experience needed. We provide training, guidance, and a clear pathway to help you succeed.


​​​​​​​Ready to get started? Become a Referee.​​​​​​​

The Referee Pathway

Our referee pathway is designed to support you from your first game through to higher levels of the game.

Typical progression includes:

  • Introduction to Refereeing – Online learning
  • Community Referee – Local football & futsal
  • Youth / Talent Pathway – Academies and hubs
  • Advanced & Performance Refereeing – Regional & national competitions​​​​​​​

Referee Education & Courses

All referees complete their education through NZF Learn and federation-delivered courses.

Getting Started

To get started as a referee, you will begin with one of our Introduction courses. These courses are delivered online through NZF Learn, are free of charge, and can be completed at your own pace.

Game Day Leader Award

  • For volunteers leading game day activities for 4–9 year olds.

Mini Football / Futsal Refereeing Award

  • For volunteers officiating smaller-sided games for 9–13 year olds.

Youth & Community Football / Futsal Referee Award

  • For those looking to referee competitive 9v9 and 11v11 football or 5v5 futsal.

Practical & Ongoing Development

In addition to online learning, referees also participate in:

  • Face-to-face practical sessions
    • The practical component begins with the Level 1 Referee Award, which prepares you to officiate youth and local senior matches within your Federation.
  • Ongoing development workshops

Support & Development

We provide comprehensive support and development for referees at all levels. Get in touch with Connol@capitalfootball.org.nz to learn more.


Supporting New Referees With The Green Shirt Programme

The Green Shirt Programme is designed to recruit, protect, and support new referees as they begin their journey in football. A referee wearing a Green Shirt signals they are new to officiating and are being supported as they develop. It promotes positive sideline behaviour and reinforces respect from players, coaches, and spectators.


What new referees receive in the programme:

  • A green shirt
  • Beginner referee equipment
  • A mentor/coach for their first matches who will guide them and monitor sideline behaviour


Other Support Initiatives

Throughout your refereeing journey with us, you will also receive other support and mentoring to help you succeed.


  • Youth Referee Academies – Structured education and mentoring for young referees to support progression through the pathway.
  • Referee Hubs – Local development environments providing ongoing learning, connection, and support for referees at all levels.