Queensland's New Referee Journey
As part of Football Queensland’s 10-point Referee Plan, a new referee framework has been implemented to transform refereeing.
Designed to remove barriers, this new structure is a fast, simple and flexible pathway for match officials to start at their club and when ready, progress into the FQ referee ecosystem.
How do I get started?
Individuals under 18 years of age complete a 30-minute online module to get started as a Club Referee OR complete a Junior Football Match Official Course to become an FQ Referee.
Who do I sign up with?
Individuals under 18 years of age can sign up with a club OR fast-track their journey and sign up as an FQ Referee.
Who appoints me to matches?
Individuals under 18 years of age are appointed to matches by their club OR if you become an FQ Referee, FQ will appoint you to matches.
How do I get started?
Current Club Referees and individuals just starting their referee journey, and are aged 18 and older, must complete a Junior Football Match Official course to become an FQ Referee.
Who do I sign up with?
Whether you're a current Club Referee or just starting your referee journey, if you're 18 or older you need to sign up as an FQ Referee.
Who appoints me to matches?
As an FQ Referee, Football Queensland will appoint you to matches.
Become a Club Referee
The innovative FQ Club Referee Program creates a simple, flexible journey that lets young referees start with their club and advance into FQ refereeing when they’re ready.
Club Referees will support the smooth operation of junior competition fixtures within the familiarity of their home club environment. They will primarily be supported by their Club Referee Coordinator but will also gain access to direct support and education from the Football Queensland Referee department.
Find out how to become a club referee below.
How to get your Club Referee Certification
Getting your Club Referee Certification to become a Club Referee is easy and only takes a few steps.
- Watch the Club Referee Certification video on this page
- Pass the quiz linked below
- Receive your certificate via email
- Follow the steps in the confirmation email, or click here, to complete your registration to Football Australia’s National registration platform Play Football, then sign up to Football Queensland’s competition management platform Squadi
- Once completed, you’re ready to get on the pitch!
If you have any questions about becoming a Club Referee, our referee team is available to help via referees@footballqueensland.com.au.
Become an FQ Referee
Read this guide to correctly complete the registration and etrainu enrolment process.
If you have any issues logging in to Play Football, please call: 02 8880 7983
If you are unable to register for a course, please email referees@footballqueensland.com.au with the following details:
- Course name
- Preferred date and location
- Participant name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- FA number (if applicable)
Find an FQ Referee Course
Read this guide to correctly complete the registration and etrainu enrolment process. Learn more about FQ Referee Courses including FAQs here.
Can’t find a course near you? Click here to submit a Referee Course Expression of Interest.
Types of Referee Courses
Community
Club Referee
A Club Referee Certification is the first qualification a referee can get. Football Queensland has made it easier than ever to become qualified with a 30-minute online module. If you’re aged under 18 and want to referee at your club, this is the course for you.
Junior Football Match Official (JFMO)
To undertake this training program you must be at least 13 years of age and have successfully passed the online Laws of the Game quiz within the past two years.
The program consists of theory modules, in person 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 (JFMO) Referee. The qualification is valid for 4 years.
Referees at this level are considered first year Football Queensland referees and receive a registration pack containing a Kappa uniform (teal shirt, shorts & socks), whistle, flag and cards.
Senior Football Match Official (SFMO)
To undertake this training program you must be at least 16 years of age and hold a current Junior Football Match Official (JFMO) Referee qualification.
You now need to complete the Senior Football Match Official National Online Element before registering for the in person Senior Football Match Official (SFMO) 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 Referee. The qualification is valid for 4 years.
Match Day Coach
Community Referee Coach (Assessor Level 3)
To undertake this course you must hold a current Senior Football Match Official (Level 3) qualification.
Emerging Referee Coach (Assessor Level 2)
If you’re interested in this course, please contact the FQ Referee Department at referees@footballqueensland.com.au
Educator (Instructor)
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)
If you’re interested in this course, please contact the FQ Referees Department at referees@footballqueensland.com.au
Futsal
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.
Other Courses
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
