WHO ARE WE.
At Football Queensland, our vision is for football across the state to be united – to be the game of choice, for all, for life.
As the governing body for football in Queensland, we are dedicated to developing and growing the game at all levels. We lead and support our clubs, volunteers, coaches, referees, and stakeholders to deliver exciting and inclusive football experiences – anytime, anywhere.
Whoever you are, whatever your age, wherever you’re from, whatever your story – football has the power to inspire and unite us all.
Primary Purpose of Role
The Officer – Club Referee Programs is responsible for developing and strengthening club-based referee programs across Queensland. This includes fostering a supportive and positive referee culture, delivering ongoing education through formal and informal mechanisms, and providing continuous coaching across all levels.
Working closely with the Manager – Officials Strategy, the Officer will support the delivery of the Football Queensland Referee Strategy by designing, implementing and maintaining sustainable club referee programs. The role will oversee the development of club-based referees, Club Referee Coordinators and the overall effectiveness of club referee programs.
The 2023-2026 Football Queensland One Football Strategic Plan – “Anytime, Anywhere” identifies key strategic pillars that this role contributes to:
Participant & Clubs
- Support referees, clubs and volunteers as football’s frontline.
- Build a strong understanding of participant needs and clearly communicate our value proposition.
- Contribute to increasing referee numbers and supporting more women and girls to become referees.
Unifying Football
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure a consistent One Football approach.
- Support the development and implementation of technology systems that streamline operations.
Key Areas of Responsibility
The Officer – Club Referee Programs will be required to:
Implementation & Support
- Lead the implementation of the Football Queensland Referee Strategy within clubs through
- Provide 1:1 support to clubs to establish, implement and grow their Club Referee Program, ensuring clear understanding of expectations and confidence in delivery.
- Support clubs to establish their program within Squadi, including referee registration workflows, payment processes, appointments, reporting tools and general platform functionality.
- Deliver Squadi demonstrations and walkthroughs (online or in person) for club administrators, Club Referee Coordinators and other relevant personnel.
- Act as the first point of contact for club administrators requiring assistance with system setup, troubleshooting, navigation and operational queries.
- Provide timely, professional and accurate customer service across phone, email, video conferencing and face-to-face interactions.
- Produce and maintain user guides, how-to resources and best practice documentation for Squadi and club referee management.
Monitoring & Collaboration
- Monitor club progress in establishing and maintaining referee programs, providing proactive support to ensure compliance with framework expectations and timelines.
- Work collaboratively with the Customer Services – Officials Team to ensure consistent messaging, efficient escalation processes and streamlined support.
- Assist clubs to collect, interpret and apply data within Squadi to enhance program performance, improve referee retention and increase match appointment quality.
Training & Development
- Develop and maintain a statewide club referee curriculum and framework, including training programs, accreditation pathways and supporting resources.
- Collaborate with region-based referee staff, region managers and general managers to ensure statewide compliance with the club referee framework.
- Develop and deliver a statewide club referee training program.
- Deliver Club Referee Courses across the state.
- Conduct referee assessments and support clubs in developing tailored training and development plans for their referees.
- Deliver theory sessions for all Club Referee Program Coordinators across the state.
- Design, implement and deliver a club referee program assessment and ranking system.
Pathways & Operations
- Support implementation of the Football Queensland referee pathway and guide club referees to transition into the Football Queensland referee pathway when age-appropriate.
- Coordinate distribution of Football Queensland Club Referee uniforms to affiliated clubs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Football Queensland affiliated clubs.
- Provide administrative and operational support to the wider Referee Development Team as required.
- Attend club meetings as necessary.
Key Performance Measures
Growth in statewide referee participation numbers.
Delivery of club referee courses in all regions.
Year-on-year increase in club referees transitioning to Football Queensland referees.
Key Selection Criteria
Essential
A valid Working with Children Check (Blue Card)
Preferred
- Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in Sports Management.
- Qualifications and experience in football officiating in Queensland or Australia.
- Understanding of football in Queensland, including governance and regional structures.
- Experience in delivering educational content and training programs in a sports environment.
- Experience in data analytics and conducting criteria-based program assessments.
- Demonstrated ability to develop strategies to increase participation and retention.
- Ability to prioritise work and manage multiple tasks independently and collaboratively.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- High-level administrative and organisational skills, including strong written and verbal communication.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Dynamics and relevant social media platforms.
- Ability to quickly build rapport with administrators, referees and volunteers.
- Excellent interpersonal communication across phone, email, video call and face-to-face channels.
- High attention to detail and accuracy.
- Current driver’s licence.
Desirable
- Tertiary qualifications in Business, Business Administration or Sports Management.
- Experience working with volunteers and diverse stakeholder groups.
- Experience or knowledge of the football industry and landscape.
Stakeholders and Interactions
- Manager – Officials Strategy
- Senior Manager – Leagues and Officials
- Football Queensland Referee Development Team
- Football Queensland Customer Service – Officials Team
- Football Queensland Competitions Team
- Region Managers
- Referee Development Officers
- Referees, mentors and match day coaches
- Parents and guardians
- Clubs, school associations and other relevant stakeholders
Special Conditions / Additional Requirements
- This role will require a flexible working schedule, including regular after-hours work, such as evenings and weekends, aligned with the nature of football competitions.
- Due to the nature of the role, a flexible and proactive approach to working hours is essential, with an understanding that flexible working arrangements may apply where appropriate.
- Statewide travel may be required, including regular regional visits, as negotiated and approved by the Manager – Officials Strategy and Senior Manager – Leagues & Officials.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your application by clicking ‘Quick Reply’ OR alternatively, submit a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role, along with current CV to fqhq@footballqueensland.com.au
Applications Close: Friday, 5 December at 5:00PM.