Become A Youth Referee

Please note that unfortunately due to capacity constraints this is an opportunity only available to Chelsea FC members

If you wish to be added to the list of Youth Referees, fill in the following form to show your interest - please note: this is only for Chelsea FC members.

For alternative options check out the referee courses offered by Football Victoria

Welcome to Chelsea FC's Youth Referee Programme, a fantastic initiative designed to introduce our young members (aged 13 and up) to the world of football officiating. This programme not only helps develop a deeper understanding of the game but also fosters responsibility, leadership, and confidence in our youth. Below, you'll find all the essential information on how the programme is administered and what you can expect.

Training

Mentorship

Fixture Allocation

Each season, we maintain a detailed record of every youth referee’s experience, including the number of fixtures they’ve officiated and the age groups they’ve covered. We aim to distribute refereeing opportunities as evenly as possible, considering factors like availability, match level, and age groups. However, variables like mentor availability, team levels, and fixture schedules can sometimes affect this balance.

Each week, between Sunday and Tuesday, our Football Manager sends through the upcoming weekend’s fixtures. Based on this, Hannah assigns referees for the weekend matches. Parents are notified via email, specifying which referees are scheduled for that weekend and providing a deadline for confirmation. The email also includes a fixture schedule and the rules for both Football Victoria's U7-U11 competitions and Bayside U7s.

Typically, we aim to assign each referee a minimum of two fixtures per weekend. For newer referees, we start them off with one match to build their confidence and experience. However, the fixture schedule can sometimes be unpredictable, so we ask for your understanding if allocations vary slightly.

Resources

Referees need to download the IFAB Laws of the Game app, a vital resource for understanding the laws of football:

• Download for Android
• Download for Apple

Support & Welfare

The welfare of our Youth Referees is our top priority. Should you have any concerns or questions about their experience, officiating responsibilities, or anything related to mentoring, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact Information:

• Admin (Hannah): - referees.chelseafcaustralia@gmail.com
• Mentoring (Stevyn): - referees.chelseafcaustralia@gmail.com

Join the Youth Referee Programme

If you wish to be added to the list of Youth Referees, fill in the following form to show your interest - please note: this is only for Chelsea FC members.

Our programme is built on support, respect, and a passion for football. We’re here to ensure your child has the best possible refereeing experience.