Football Queensland (FQ) are pleased to announce Football Brisbane’s Luke Adams as the Referee of the Month for October.
21-year-old Adams, who referees both football and futsal, was nominated by the FQ Referee department.
FQ State Referee Coach Ted Kearney said Adams was continuing to show dedication to his development as a referee even in the off-season.
“Luke has shown significant improvement in his on-field performances during 2018,” Kearney said.
“He hasn’t missed a training session or a senior coaching session this season and rather than take the summer off like many of his colleagues, he has continued with the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League training program and is also continuing to hone his skills in futsal.”
A referee since 2013, Adams said his favourite part of the job is being part of the refereeing community.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of it, you make friends for life in a way that you wouldn’t in any other area,” Adams said.
“That and the challenge of it – every week you can’t be content with mediocrity, you have to try your hardest and put in the effort week after week.”
Currently refereeing in the South East Queensland Futsal Premier League (SEQFPL), Adams said he enjoys the different challenges that futsal brings compared to officiating an outdoor game.
“It’s like football but faster,” Adams said.
“Futsal is everything good about football, but condensed, without the waiting, and more action-packed.
“As well, futsal gives you the opportunity as a referee to work on all the things that you don’t get a chance to in the outdoor game.”
Acknowledging how refereeing futsal complements his skills as a football referee, Adams said he plans to continue refereeing both for as long as he can.
“I enjoy both too much to give either up,” Adams said.
“I’m looking forward to an opportunity in the future to be able to referee both football and futsal all year long.”
Words: Elizabeth Lepre