Football Queensland (FQ) is pleased to announce the pink armband initiative, to be introduced for the upcoming season.

In 2020, all Queensland registered referees under the age of 18 will wear a pink armband during matches so that they can be identified as a minor.

The pink armband will be included in the registration pack for first year referees and is free for all returning match officials.

FQ State Referee Manager Jacqui Hurford said the new initiative had been implemented to remind players, coaches and spectators that referees wearing the pink armband are children and should therefore be encouraged and supported.

“Football Queensland is committed to providing increased support for referees across the state, and bettering the experience for our match officials at all levels of the game,” Hurford said.

“The pink armband initiative will encourage respect and support for our young referees as we continue to focus on improving recruitment and retention of referees across Queensland.”

The pink armband initiative follows the recent announcements of the first year referee pack and the teal shirt initiative, introduced for the 2020 season to promote a welcoming environment for young referees and those new to the game.

The series of referee initiatives announced align with the 2020-2022 Strategic Plan for football in Queensland, which outlines a focus on growing the number of referees across the state through greater support and development.