FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 
Yes – this is the first step into becoming a Referee with Football Queensland and Football Australia.   

The Online Laws of the Game Course is critical  pre-learning for your Junior Football Match Official (JFMO – Level 4) and Senior Football Match Official (SFMO – Level 3) Referee Course.  It can take up to 4 hours to complete and will give you the foundation knowledge needed to referee a football match.  Upon completion you will receive a certificate which must be presented at the face-to-face section of your course, otherwise you will not be allowed to attend.  

To do the Online Laws of the Game Course, it’s a two-step process: 

Process 1: Get your Learner Profile:  

Step 1 – Click on the following link:  
https://registration.playfootball.com.au/common/pages/reg/welcomeregplus.aspx?entityid=30525&id=99474  

Step 2: Click Get Started  

Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions  

Step 4: Sign in with your email address and password or Create an Account  

Step 5:  Select the participant you are registering, and press continue 

Step 6: Select “Learner QLD” 

Step 7: For Sub Role select “Referee” > Then click “Continue”  

Step 8: Check and Complete Personal Details section – all questions must be answered to continue  

Step 9: Upload a profile photograph if there is not one there  

Step 10: Review your order > Read and Accept the T’s & C’s > Click Continue  

Step 11: Payment = Click “Submit”  

  • You now need to wait 24 hours until you can log into ETRAINU  

Process 2: Log Into etrainu and Enrolling to the course: 

Step 12: Log into etrainu:   

https://learn.footballaustralia.com.au/training/index.cfm?event=page.login  

Step 13: Use your FFA# and password to log in  

Step 14: Once logged in Click on “Training Library”  

Step 15: Hover over “Referee Community” > Click on “View Courses”  

Step 16: Hover over “Community – Laws of the Game” > Click on Enrol  

Step 17: Complete the Online Laws of the Game  

On completion you will receive a Certificate for the Online Laws of the Game Course.

 

Once you have completed the Online Laws of the Game Course you then need to do one of the following courses which you can find a list of here: https://footballqueensland.com.au/referee-education/  

C3: Junior Football Match Official (JFMO – Level 4) Referee Course:

This course allows you to referee Community Junior matches and you must be 13 years of age to attend. 

C4: Senior Football Mach Official (SFMO – Level 3) Referee Course (open to those who are 16+ years of age and have a Level 4 qualification or 18+ and has playing experience): 

This course allows you to referee Community Senior matches.   

When attending a course please bring the following: 

  • Food and Drink  
  • Note taking equipment  
  • Comfortable clothing  
  • Sports Clothing  
  • Hat  
  • Sunscreen  

There are three elements to completing a course:  

Element 1: etrainu online training:  

Club Referee Certification: $0

Laws of the Game: $33

Junior Football Match Official (Level 4): $33  

Senior Football Match Official National Online Element: $33  

Element 2: In Person Course (fees incorporated in registration)  

Element 3: Registration in Squadi as a Referee – First Year Referee: $150, Returning Referee Junior: $120, Returning Referee Senior: $200, Match Day Coach, $100  

When you pay your registration fee, you also get a 1st Year Referee Kit which includes:

  • Your First Year Referee Teal Kit  
  • Black shorts  
  • Black socks  
  • A whistle  
  • Set of flags  
  • U18 armband  

The first year referee kit can be ordered when you register as a Match Official to Football Queensland on Squadi.  We will then make sure that the kit is at your in person course for you to collect.

Yes, you can still referee.  You can simply wear a neutral black sports shirt, black shorts and black socks or your school sports kit. With regards to whistles, cards and flags, you may need to make arrangements to purchase your own whistle, but if you ask your local referee community you should be able to find someone who can lend you flags and cards for the day until you receive your kit. If you are refereeing with Assistant Referees, then you can reach out to them to see if they have some equipment they can lend you for the day.   

HOW TO REGISTER FOR A REFEREE COURSE

TYPES OF REFEREE COURSES

Club Referee

To undertake this training program you must be 11 years of age and will be required to complete Football Queensland’s online Club Referee Certification (released soon). Your qualification will remain valid until you turn 18 at which point you will be required to complete a Junior Football Match Official (JFMO) course and join the FQ Referee Pathway.

Junior Football Match Official (Level 4)

To undertake this training program, you must be at least 13 years of age and have successfully passed the online Laws of the Game within the past two years. 

The program consists of theory modules, in person course, practical sessions and practical mentoring in matches as a referee and assistant referee. Upon completion of all components referees will be officially qualified as a Junior Football Match Official (Level 4) Referee. The qualification is valid for a period of up to 4 years.

All first-year referees receive a registration pack containing a Kappa uniform (teal shirt, shorts & socks), whistle, flag and cards.

Senior Football Match Official (Level 3)

To undertake this training program, you must be at least 16 years of age and hold a current Junior Football Match Official (Level 4) Referee qualification.

You now need to complete the Senior Football Match Official National Online Element before registering for the in person Senior Match Official (Level 3) course.

The program consists of theory modules, in person course, practical sessions and practical mentoring in matches as a referee and assistant referee.  Upon completion of all component’s referees will be officially qualified as a Senior Football Match Official (Level 3) Referee. The qualification is valid for a period of up to 4 years. 

Community Referee Educator (Instructor Level 3)

The Community Referee Educator (Instructor Level 3), is designed for individuals with a passion for fostering grassroots officiating. This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to instruct and mentor community-level referees effectively. Emphasising practical teaching methods and tailored communication, participants will learn to facilitate entry-level referee courses, ensuring that new officials receive comprehensive and engaging training. This stage is essential for those committed to nurturing the growth of referees at grassroots level within local communities.

To become an Educator you must hold a minimum Community Referee Coach (Level 3) qualification.

Emerging Referee Educator (Instructor Level 2)

The Emerging Referee Educator (Instructor Level 2), is a more advanced stage for individuals looking to contribute to the development of referees at a higher level. This course focuses on refining instructional techniques, providing insights into advanced officiating concepts, and preparing instructors to work with referees and referee coaches aspiring to to be involved in competitive and talent development environments. Participants will delve into advanced teaching methodologies equipping them to guide referees and referee coaches toward higher levels of proficiency. This stage is ideal for those dedicated to shaping the next generation of skilled and knowledgeable referees and referee coaches within the talent pathway.

If you’re interested in this course, please contact the FQ Referees Department at referees@footballqueensland.com.au

Level 3 Futsal Referee Course

Currently registered football referees can now attain a Level 3 futsal referee qualification for FREE! Download the registration guide and follow the steps to sign up.

Level 5 Community Futsal Referee Course

Individuals that do not have a current football referee qualification must complete the online Laws of the Game and be assessed by their competition manager to attain a Level 5 Community Futsal Referee qualification. To referee at FQ competition level, these referees must then attend an in-person Futsal Referee Course to attain a Level 5 qualification.

Walking Football

The Walking Football referee course is a pioneering initiative designed to introduce participants to the nuances of officiating this unique version of the game. The course serves as the foundational step for those who have completed the online quiz.

Participants must be a minimum of 14 years old and registered to attend this 6-hour program.

Beach Football

Powerchair Football

Para Football