Referee Academy

Building confident referees through practical training

The Gap FC Referee Academy is a program to help our club referees develop their skills, grow in confidence, and become part of a strong refereeing community at our club.

  • When: monthly sessions starting Tuesday, 26 May 2026
  • Time: 5:30–6:30pm
  • Duration: running through to the end of the Metro season (October 2026)
  • Who can attend: referees of all ages and experience levels
  • Location: the clubhouse

What to expect

Each month will focus on a practical topic that matters to match-day refereeing. Sessions will include:

  • Group discussion – share experiences and challenges from recent games.
  • Focused training – getting into specific aspects of refereeing (laws, positioning, decision-making).
  • Video analysis – watch real game situations and discuss how to handle them.
  • Practical application – hands-on scenarios (weather permitting).

Sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive, and immediately useful for your next game.

Program goals

This isn't a formal FQ certification course, it's practical, club-based enrichment designed to:

  • build your confidence as a referee
  • foster a supportive referee community at Gap FC
  • provide ongoing mentoring and skill development
  • encourage those interested in higher-level games or assistant refereeing roles
  • create a team environment where referees support each other

Sessions are led by experienced referee Steve Wessling who brings practical match-day knowledge and years of refereeing experience.

Participants are also encouraged to complete a Football Queensland referee course.

Why join?

Refereeing can be challenging, especially when you're out there on your own. The Referee Academy aims to give you:

  • a safe space to ask questions and learn
  • practical tips you can use immediately
  • support from fellow referees who understand what you're going through
  • recognition that you're a valued part of the Gap FC team

Whether you're brand new to refereeing or have been doing it for years, there's always something to learn and improve.

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