Football Federation SA is pleased to report that participation numbers for match officials has increased for season 2012.

A total of 182 match officials have undertaken FFSA Match Officials courses so far this year, compared to 227 for the whole of 2011.

102 first-time participants have been involved in the Laws of The Game Certificate this year with over half of those Match Officials registering as Level 4 Junior Referees.

23 Match Officials have been promoted to Level 3 Adult Referees while the Elite Referee Panel has welcomed seven new Match Officials.

FFSA is pleased to have 15 Match Officials selected to the Football Federation Australia National Panels with six selected for the Hyundai A-League, five for the National Youth League and four for the Westfield W-League.

During season 2011, nine of South Australia’s most promising Match Officials were selected to various National tournaments including the National Youth Championships held in Coffs Harbour.

FFSA will continue to ensure the retention, recruitment and education of match officials remains a priority. 

“Football Federation SA is committed to increasing the number of referees via the National Training Programs,” said FFSA Referee Recruitment and Development Officer Nathan Magill.

“The Online Laws of the Game Certificate will play a significant part in the recruitment of match officials. The Referee Department is also increasing its coaching sessions to ensure that the standard of match officials remains high.”