Photo Credit: WaiBOP Football
Words | Rachel Lilburn (WaiBOP Football)
As important as developing the next generation of players, equally so is ensuring a pathway for young, aspiring match officials.
In New Zealand, referee academies are often run during youth tournaments, providing an environment that is ideal for coaches to work with developing talent, providing multiple opportunities across several matches in one day.
In October, one such youth referee development academy was held at the Weir Rose Bowl tournament, at St Peter’s School in Cambridge, New Zealand.
The Weir Rose Bowl is a development tournament for aspiring young footballers, held annually and hosted by WaiBOP Football. More than 50 teams play 9v9 football across four age groups: U-12 Mixed, U-12 Girls, U-13 Mixed and U-14 Girls. The weekend provides a competitive and challenging environment for players, and an ideal opportunity to conduct a referee academy.
Run by WaiBOP Football, the academy was led by OFC and FIFA Referee Anna-Marie Keighley, as Referee Development Officer. She was supported by nine referee coaches, including fellow OFC referee Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh, and Australia A-League referee Beth Rattray.
26 youth referees from Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty spent four days in Cambridge, participating in group and individual training sessions, allowing for regular feedback and analysis. All matches at the tournament were officiated by youth referees.
The youth referees ranged in age from 14 to 17, with all having had previous experience, and most having already achieved their level one refereeing qualification. Many participants have also been refereeing community football in their local region, including at referee academies run by WaiBOP Football in Hamilton and Tauranga during the year.
A Learning Environment
The academy began a day before the matches, with on-field sessions. Throughout the tournament, every match was assigned a youth referee, observed by referee coaches from a central position. At half-time and post-match, the coaches offered two to three key pieces of advice for each referee to work on. This instant feedback allowed the referees to adjust and improve immediately.
The referee coaches rotate between matches, giving all referees the benefit of different coaching styles and perspectives.
Blake Stevens, from Katikati, enjoyed the learning experiences: “It’s been really good to get feedback from different referee coaches over the weekend,” Stevens said.
“The review sessions we did each night were helpful – it really helped me understand how to improve quickly.”
Each morning and evening – before and after the day’s action – group coaching and review sessions were held. This included reflection on performance and analysis of key moments from matches, all aimed at providing a broader understanding of decision-making, positioning, and match control.
Developing a skillset
Being a match official is certainly a challenging job. On the field, they are tasked with enforcing the Laws of the Game, making split-second decisions on fouls, goals, and disciplinary actions, while managing the overall flow of the match. It requires concentration, a thorough understanding of the rules, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Keighley noted the challenges referees face and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for their development.
“Referees often don’t get the same kind of support that players do,” she said.
“Events like the Weir Rose Bowl give young referees a chance to build their confidence and skills in a safe, encouraging space.”
Keighley’s own experience as a FIFA referee, including officiating at three FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023, has shaped her approach to mentoring young referees.
“It’s about more than just knowing the rules – it’s about learning how to manage a game, communicate with players, and maintain authority without being overbearing,” she added.
Fellow FIFA and OFC referee Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh, WaiBOP Football’s Referee Manager, emphasised the importance of creating a positive learning environment for both players and referees.
“Our aim is to ensure young referees, like the players, have a supportive space where they can develop their abilities and take ownership of their growth,” he said.
“Mistakes are part of the learning process, and it’s through events like this that young referees get the chance to learn and improve in a setting that’s both high pressure and supportive.”