Referees

FFA Laws of the Game system is now in place for people to do the course online.

This educational tool, gives you interactive access to the Laws of the Game including videos, workbooks, exams, procedures, interpretations, additional information and details on how to become an officially accredited referee.

This is a FREE online training module which provides a basic introduction to the Laws of the Game and their interpretations. Successful candidates will receive a certificate identifying they have demonstrated awareness in the Laws of the Game, and have the necessary knowledge to attend the Level 4 Junior Referee course.

Click here to go to FFA's Laws of the Game website

Code of Conduct – Junior Players, Coaches, Parents, Managers

This is aimed at players and their carers between the ages of 5 and 17. They should read the Code and then the player and parent each sign the Code (Under 12-Under 17) or the parent only signs the code (Under 5-Under 11). Once all team members signs the Code it is then signed by the coach and manager before being given to the Club secretary.
Download the Junior Players Code of Conduct here

Code of Conduct – Senior Players

This Code has been setup in MyFootballClub and all senior players (18 and over) must accept the Code during the online registration process.
Download the Senior Player Code of Conduct here

Code of Conduct – Match Officials

This Code has been setup in MyFootballClub and match officials must accept the Code during the online registration process.
Download the Match Official Code of Conduct here

Team Points Competition

This is a competition aimed at bringing together on-field performance, fair play and good administration.
Teams competing in the top level of male and female competitions within the Member Federation (strongly recommended).
Teams competing in all competitions directly conducted by the Member Federation (recommended).
An Excel workbook will be provided to assist competition administrators collate the required information. At the end of the regular season each Member Federation will be asked to nominate their best male and female team to FFA.
Download the Team Competition information here

Silent Saturday / Silent Sunday

This program is aimed at the Under 5 to Under 17 age groups.
It has been used overseas with a great deal of success. Its main purpose is to just let the kids play and have fun without having to worry about how their performance is affecting the adults on the sidelines.

The objectives of holding a "Silent Saturday" or ”Silent Sunday” are:
• To re-emphasise that the game is about letting the kids play and have fun.
• To give the players a chance to play totally on their own.
• To eliminate the verbal questioning of the referees' decisions.
• To help the few parents and coaches who feel they must provide constant direction, and to
understand that the kids can play very well on their own with limited instruction.
Download the Silent Saturday/ Sunday Information here

FFNT have implemented a New Match Official Policy that will take effect in 2011, this policy is to protect new referees from abuse and threat and to encourage participation and development of new referees into the FFNT system.

Download the New Match Official Policy here

Click here to display the disciplinary codes to be used on match sheets and send off reports.

• NO jewellery is allowed
• NO loose wristbands of any kind
• NO necklaces of any kind
• NO taping of jewellery
• NO wedding rings (even taped)

However 'Medicalert' bracelets or necklaces CAN be worn provided they are taped down with only the actual medical information not being taped over.

Want to learn about the Laws of the Game? Click here to go to the FIFA website.

If you want to ask for clarification about the Laws of the Game drop us a line at northernzone@footballnt.com.au

Q:   A goalkeeper or another player draws unauthorised marks on the field of play with his foot. What action does the referee take?
A:   If the referee notices this before the match starts, the offending player is cautioned for unsporting behaviour. If the referee notices this being done during the match, he cautions the offending player for unsporting behaviour when the ball next goes out of play.

Q:   Can a player deliberately leave the field of play to take liquid refreshment?
A:   Players are entitled to take liquid refreshments during a stoppage in the match but only at the touch line. Bottles are not to be thrown onto the field of play.

Q:   A player, other than the goalkeeper, standing in his own penalty area holding a shinguard, hits the ball with his shinguard to prevent it entering the goal. What action does the referee take?
A:   The referee awards a penalty kick and the player is sent off for preventing a goal. The shinguard is regarded as an extension of the player's hand.

Q:   What happens if, in a similar situation, the player in question is the goalkeeper?
A:   The referee stops play, cautions the goalkeeper for unsporting behaviour and play is restarted with an indirect free kick to the opposing team.