Gridiron Victoria

Become a Football Official
Stay fit, earn extra income, keep the game fair.
Get Started
FAQ
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.
View fitness data
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.
Payment structure
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.
Community events
What We Provide
Free Level-1 Course
Complete certification training at no cost. Includes rulebook, online modules, and in-person practical sessions.
Course details
Starter Uniform Pack
Receive your official’s jersey, whistle, flags, and basic equipment to get started immediately after certification.
Equipment list
Mentor Program
Each new official is paired with an experienced mentor who provides guidance and feedback throughout your first season.
Meet our mentors
$45+ Game Fee
Earn $45 per game as a beginner, plus travel allowance. Rates increase with experience and level of competition.
Payment schedule
3-Step Sign-Up Process
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
Registration Form
Full Name
Email Address
Suburb
Age
Previous Experience
None
Played football
Coached football
Refereed other sports
I agree to receive communications about officiating opportunities
Submit Registration
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
A Day in the Life of a Football Official
This 60-second video shows what it’s like to be part of our officiating team. Watch as our officials prepare for games, make calls on the field, and share their experiences.
Ready to blow the whistle? Join our Ref Team today.
Sign Up Now