Becoming a CRA Football Referee in 2026
There are plenty of reasons to consider becoming a football referee. You actively engage in the sport, contribute to elevating the standard of football, build a network of close friends, enhance your management and communication skills, exercise, fitness and enjoy the perks of earning tax free pocket money.
Referees play a crucial role in the world of football. The journey to becoming a referee at the FIFA World Cup begins at the grassroots level. The qualifications for becoming a football referee are straightforward:
– Minimum age of 13 years old,
– Passion for Football.
The Canterbury Referees Association (CRA) is actively welcoming new referees to join our community. Individuals of all experience and fitness levels are encouraged to participate. If you would like to be part of this vibrant community, please follow the steps below. For FAQ’s on becoming a new referee with the CRA, refer to the following information HERE.
Step 1 – Complete the online Laws of the Game Certificate
This is a free online training module provided by Football Australia (FA). This course is a pre-curser to the Referee course and contains an exam component. After completing the course, you will receive a certificate which will allow you to continue on your refereeing pathway and attend a Junior Football Match Official Online Course. Both the course components can be accessed using a system called “Etrainu” by following the steps below:
If you are already a registered referee or Player:
Step 1 – Visit https://learn.footballaustralia.com.au/
Step 2 – Select ‘If you are a Football Australia Learner, click here to login.’
Step 3 – You will be redirected to the Play Football website, where you will be able to login with your Play Football username and password
If you are Completely New to Football:
Step 1 – Visit Play Football Online Registration
Step 2 – Click on ‘Get started’
Step 3 – Follow the process to the very end
Step 4 – Once you have completed your registration, you will then need to go and log into Etrainu. Log in details information link: https:// support.playfootball.com.au/support/solutions/articles/22000286143-learning-centre-participant-how-to-login-to-the-learning-centre.
Step 5 – Within 1 business day, you will then be able to visit https://learn.footballaustralia.com.au/ to sign in with your new login details
The Laws of the Game course consists of an examination. You only get one attempt at the examination, so take your time studying the Laws of the Game. If you fail the examination, do not panic! Please contact our Registrar, Frieda Maher via email at registrar@canterburyreferees.org.au or 0402 005 687 to discuss alternative solutions.
You can find your completed Laws of the Game certificate by logging into the Etrainu system at https://learn.footballaustralia.com.au. Once you have logged in, head to your Skills Passport.
If you are unable to access your Etrainu account, please email etrainu@playfootball.com.au
Step 3 – Junior Football Match Official Classroom Recap and Practical
There are three components to complete for the Referee Course – Two theory components and a practical component.
The Junior match official online theory component can only be completed through Football Australia’s Etrainu system and costs $33 (including GST). You can search for a JFMO Junior Football Match Official theory course by selecting the ‘Training Library’ link on the left-hand side navigation then ‘Referee Community – Member Federation’ then ‘Junior Football Match Official. Enter ‘FNSW – Canterbury Referees Association Inc’ in the search bar and then select a course in the calendar. If there are no results matching your filters it could be because the event hasn’t been scheduled yet.
All referees must complete their theory components through Etrainu and then be marked as completed in order to do the practical component (see below). There are no more in-person or branch run Level 4 Referee theory courses.
To attain your Referee qualification, you will need to complete the practical component. The fee for the practical component is $40.00 and MUST be paid when you register for the Course in Play Football.
The Canterbury Referees Association are running the following (JFMO) Junior Football Match official Recap & practical course Components in 2026
- Course details are listed below:
- Course 1 Saturday February 28th 2026 (10.00 am to 3.30pm)
- Venue:Magpie Sports Club
- 46 Hampton Street,
- Croydon Park NSW 2133
- Course 2 Wednesday March 4th 2026 (6.30pm to 9.00pm)
- Venue: Hurlstone Park Wanderers Sporting Club
- Jim Fraser Club Room,
- Ewen Park,
- Tennent Parade,
- Hurlstone Park NSW 2138
- Course 3 Sunday March 8th
- Other Course details will be posted shortly.
- Course 4 Sunday March 15th (Female Only)
- Other Course details will be posted shortly.
- Course 5 Saturday March 21st
- Other Course details will be posted shortly.
Once you have completed the Entrance Referee Course (theory AND practical components), you are then required to register with the CRA as a Junior Referee (13 to 17) or Senior Referee (18 and Over) by following the steps above.
Step 1 – Select Junior member 2026 -(if you are under 18 years of age ) (WWCC Exempt)or Senior member 2026 (if you are 18 years of of age or over) ( PAID WWCC Required )
Step 2 – Complete the process and select ‘Submit order’
Step 3 – You will receive an email that your registration has been submitted
Step 4- Your registration will be approved closer to the start of the season
If you are experiencing an issue with your registration please contact the Registrar, Frieda Maher via email at registrar@canterburyreferees.org.au or 0402 005 687.
Step 4- Working With Children Check (WWCC) Number Requirement. Football NSW requires that ALL REFEREES OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE obtain a PAID Working With Children Check (WWCC). As Referees are paid officials, a volunteer (WWCC) cannot be used.
If you plan on becoming a referee with CRA, and are over the age of 18, you will need to provide CRA with a paid WWCC. Without a WWCC, CRA will not be able to accept your registration, which means you will not be able to referee.
The paid (WWCC) costs $105.00. The CRA recommends that you obtain the (WWCC) well in advance of attending a course, so that you can referee sooner. For information on how you can obtain a paid (WWCC), view CRA’s guide HERE.
Please Note: The paid WWCC number lasts for 5 years from payment and must be renewed thereafter.
If you are still unsure or have any queries about your Working with Children Check, please contact our MPIO officer Peter Skirlis via email at mpio@canterburyreferees.org.au or 0426 361 964.
What do I need to bring on the day of the course?
It is recommended participants bring:
– Comfortable shoes, hat and running attire
– Water (snacks will be provided)
– A positive attitude!