Football Queensland and Total Tools are pleased to announce teenage Brisbane referee Bailey Jacobsen as the March winner of the Total Tools Referee of the Month award.

Jacobsen, 19, will receive a prize courtesy of Football Queensland referee sponsor, Total Tools.

The young referee was nominated by Football Brisbane referee development officer Steve Jones, who said Jacobsen has what it takes to become a top referee.

“Bailey is a quiet, unassuming person who does not like being the centre of attention,” Jones said.

“As a referee you would not know he was on the field until something happens and he is nearly always there, effectively dealing with whatever issues come his way.”

Jones said Jacobsen is a role model for younger referees coming through the ranks.

“He attends all physical training sessions and coaching nights,” Jones said. “He is able to step up to whatever game you appoint him to and officiates every game effectively.

“He has never complained when asked to help on any game, no matter what the age or division.”

Jacobsen said he had no idea he had been nominated for the award.

“It was unexpected,” Jacobsen said.

“Steve (Jones) was one of the main people who has helped me through youth, so it means a lot.

“I just really tried to focus on my refereeing this year and improve on it as much as I can.

“I find it quite enjoyable, it’s something I’ve always been interested in.”

He said his main goal for now is to become a better referee and continue in his development.

“I began refereeing in Rockhampton,” Jacobsen said. ”My brother was playing and they needed someone so I put my hand up and that was it.

“That’s where I really began to focus on it.”

Jacobsen moved to Brisbane in 2013 with his family, since then he has grown from a youth referee and graduated into seniors.

“It’s really taught me skills around conflict management and the ability to talk to people in a heated situation,” he said. “Having a good knowledge of the game is a must, knowing what you are going into.

“Good preparation is key too, whether it’s preparing before the game or getting your fitness up to the level.

“Referees are there to ensure the safety of the players and to ensure everyone is playing by the laws of the game – we make sure the players play a safe and decent game.”

Jacobsen said his recent move to senior football has been challenging, but something he thoroughly enjoys.

“Moving into seniors I had a few tough situations to deal with, it was a bit daunting when you first get into it, but you just have to keep yourself calm and deal with it,” he said. “I just want to focus on being a better referee.

“I want to go as far as I can, make my way through seniors at the moment, kicking those little goals and one day end up in the A-League.”