To advance a referee should:
Be ambitious;
Endeavour to be consistent in their rulings;
Ensure the game is enjoyable for all participants.
In general, if a referee wishes to advance they should ensure that they meet the following:
Have a sound rules knowledge;
Acceptable standard of fitness;
Exhibit the keenness to be coached;
Display acceptable ‘People Skills’ in relation to their handling of game participants;
Be prepared to referee on a consistent basis thus ensuring they gain experience.
Of course all of the above requirements are meaningless if aspiring referees are not aware of:
How, when and where they may receive upgrading;
What is expected from them to advance to the next level;
What qualities are being looked for by the assessors.
LEVEL 1
Eligibility
Attend a Level One Course (4.5 – 5 hours) conducted by a Level Two Referee Course Co-ordinator; Successfully complete the written (or verbal) test, with a pass mark of no less than 27/30. Pass an on-field assessment by a Level Two Referee Course Co-ordinator.
Qualities
Correct, Clean and Tidy Uniform; Capable of executing the seven basic signals; Control major areas such as heavy touches, 5 metres; Clear communication; Basic referee positioning.
LEVEL 2
Eligibility
Attend a Level Two Course (6-8 hours) conducted by a Level Two Referee Course Co-ordinator; Successfully complete the written (or verbal) test, with a pass mark of no less than 27/30. Pass an on-field assessment by a Level Two Referee Course Co-ordinator.
Qualities
Look, act and dress like a referee; Have a confident demeanor; Have a sharp, audible whistle tone (start, finish and penalties); Utilise basic signals; Display the correct penalty sequence; Demonstrate obstruction & disciplinary signals (if required); Keep and mark a consistent 5 metres; Keep ‘eyes on the ball’ and move with the ball to be in the next desired position; See touches & keep out of way on the scoreline; Spring when ball is spun wide; Sprint at change of possession (ie 5 metre to 5 metre); Use the off-field referee; Contribute from the sideline (when required).
LEVEL 3
Eligibility
Attend a Level Three Course (6-8 hours) conducted by a Level Two Referee Course Co-ordinator; Successfully complete the written (or verbal) test, with a pass mark of no less than 27/30. Pass an on-field assessment by members of the State Referees’ Panel at a major championship or, by a member of the State Referees’ Panel, Regional Director and members of the Regional Referees’ Panel at recognised championships.
Qualities
Good whistle tone with fluctuating volume – clear, correct for the purpose with crisp delivery; Signals given with authority, correct stance & posture; Signals mainly performed on the run (whilst moving to the next position); Move about the filed with ease and keep up with play by: keeping close to the ball without getting in the way; keeping most players in view at all times. Read play and anticipate to stay ahead of play; Establish a consistent 5 metres (at all times); Enforce a consistent 5 metres; Use interchange with ease; Use off-field referee for an opinion; Use discreet signals as an off-field referee (if requested); Always stay level with the ball when off-field; Play the advantage rule.
LEVEL 4
Eligibility
Appointment to be made by the State Director of Referees, in conjunction with members of the State Referees’ Panel. The level is awarded upon a practical assessment at a State run championship.
Qualities
Correctly & neatly dressed showing a bearing of confidence; Performing stretching, warm up routines and supervising all pre-game duties; Physically fit and maintaining a good standard throughout match; Demonstrate whistle volume, tone, fluctuation and duration; Demonstrate use of all signals clearly & correctly; Demonstrate good movement with ease; Showing anticipation and proximity to the ball; Demonstrate variation in position and keeps clear of players; Display a sound working knowledge of dual & triple systems; Use the interchange with ease; Control player behaviour – eg. over vigorous play, temperament, language; Show courage & consistency with tough decisions in pressure situations; Have a good rapport with coaches, players & officials; Consistently control the game with ease (including control of the 5 and 10 metres); Verbally control play when entering the field; Demonstrate excellent knowledge and application of the rules; Demonstrate sound application of the advantage rule; Verbally control potential penalty situations (Communications)
LEVEL 5
Eligibility
Appointment to be made by the State Director of Referees, in conjunction with members of the State Referees’ Panel. This level is awarded upon a practical assessment at an ATA controlled National Championship.
Qualities
Person of outstanding character and ability; Signals, voice and control is outstanding; Virtually faultless movement in positioning and anticipation during the games; Impressive style in body movement and interaction with players, coaches and referees; Ability to impart knowledge and experience with lower level referees; Shows a commitment at both Local and Regional level and is actively involved in the conducting of course, coaching and assessing of novice and lower level referees, and actively assists in the development of junior referees; Outstanding verbal contribution when controlling potential penalty situations. (Communications)
LEVEL 6
Eligibility
Appointment to be made by the Australian Touch Association, after recommendation by the complete ATA National Referees’ Panel. This level is awarded upon a practical assessment at an ATA controlled National Championship.
Qualities
This level is awarded to those referees who have demonstrated an outstanding ability as a Touch referee and who are considered an excellent ambassador for the sport; Shows a commitment at both Local and Regional level and is actively involved in the conduction of courses, coaching and assessing of novice and lower level referees, and development of junior referees.
POINTS OF GUIDANCE FOR ALL:
Gratefully accept advice from members of your Referees Coaching Panel, they are qualified to give it; Nothing substitutes for experience. Nominate to officiate at as many championships as you are able to attend; Observe the performance of higher level referees. Discuss refereeing matters with them; Endeavour to arrange a video of your performance, then critically analyse yourself; When observing the performance of a higher level referee, maintain a positive approach and strive to emulate their obvious good points; Maintain a high level of fitness. Physical fitness promotes mental fitness, and give rise to a clear mind, consistent decisions, and less frustration and mistakes; Senior referees – be keen – be seen! Your enthusiasm for the game with be appreciated by your fellow referees, who then will be amenable to approaching you for advice and assistance.
