Gridiron Victoria

Become a Football Official

Stay fit, earn extra income, keep the game fair.

Why Officiate?

Stay Active

Officials run an average of 6km per game, providing excellent cardiovascular exercise while engaging with the sport you love. Perfect for maintaining fitness year-round.

Earn Per Game

Earn $45-$85 per game depending on level, with additional travel allowance. Officials typically referee 1-3 games each weekend during the season.

Join the Community

Become part of our 200+ official network. Uniform and travel expenses covered. Regular social events and mentoring from experienced officials throughout the season.

What We Provide

Free Level-1 Course

Complete certification training at no cost. Includes rulebook, online modules, and in-person practical sessions.

Starter Uniform Pack

Receive your official's jersey, whistle, flags, and basic equipment to get started immediately after certification.

Mentor Program

Each new official is paired with an experienced mentor who provides guidance and feedback throughout your first season.

$45+ Game Fee

Earn $45 per game as a beginner, plus travel allowance. Rates increase with experience and level of competition.

Our Journey

Fill Out the Form

Complete our simple registration form with your name, email, suburb, age, and any previous experience. We'll contact you within 24 hours.

Attend Induction Night

You'll receive an automatic email with details for our next free induction night where you'll meet the team and learn about the program.

Shadow a Senior Referee

In your first month, you'll shadow experienced officials at real games before taking on your own assignments with mentor support.

Quick Steps to Get Started

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to become a football official?

No prior experience is required. We welcome complete beginners who have a passion for the game. Our comprehensive training program will teach you everything you need to know, from the rules to positioning and signals. Many of our best officials started with no experience at all.

What does it cost to become an official?

There is no cost to become an official. We provide free training, a starter uniform pack, and all necessary equipment. Your only investment is your time and commitment. As you progress, you may choose to purchase additional gear, but this is entirely optional.

How much do I get paid per game?

Beginning officials earn $45 per game at the junior level. As you gain experience and officiate higher levels, pay increases up to $85 per game for senior competitions. You’ll also receive a travel allowance based on your distance to game venues. Payments are processed weekly during the season.

Are female officials welcome?

Absolutely! We actively encourage women and girls to join our officiating team. Currently, about 25% of our officials are female, and we’re working to increase that number. We have a mentoring program specifically designed to support female officials and help them advance in their officiating careers.

What are the fitness requirements?

For beginning officials at junior levels, moderate fitness is sufficient. You should be able to jog intermittently for the duration of a game (typically 2-3 hours). As you progress to higher levels, fitness requirements increase. We offer optional fitness training sessions throughout the season to help officials maintain and improve their conditioning.

See What It's Like

Ready to blow the whistle? Join our Ref Team today.