About the opportunity

ACU Football Club is seeking an organised and enthusiastic volunteer to coordinate our Club Referee Program for the 2027 football season.

Established in 2024, the programme recruits and develops university students and community members to officiate local football matches when referees have not been appointed through the Canterbury Referees Association.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sports administration, football operations and referee development while making a meaningful contribution to community football.

Key responsibilities

• Recruit and onboard new club referees, particularly ACU students.
• Coordinate referee registration, training and development opportunities.
• Prepare weekly referee rosters using DRIBL and spreadsheets.
• Allocate club referees to matches without appointed officials, prioritising centre referees.
• Communicate weekly allocations and manage occasional last-minute changes.
• Coordinate referee uniforms and equipment.
• Maintain accurate match records and liaise with the Treasurer regarding referee payments.
• Support and recognise club referees throughout the season.

About you

We are looking for someone who is:

• Organised, reliable and proactive.
• A confident communicator who enjoys working with people.
• Comfortable using spreadsheets and online administration systems.
• Interested in football, refereeing, sports management or community sport.
• Able to work independently while collaborating with the club committee.

Previous refereeing or football administration experience is desirable but not essential. Guidance and an existing programme handover will be provided.

Time commitment

This is a flexible, unpaid volunteer position, with most administrative responsibilities able to be completed remotely.

The main commitment is during the football season, generally April to August. Availability on Thursday evenings or Fridays is important, as official referee appointments are generally finalised late in the week.

Occasional weekend communication and attendance at preseason recruitment or training activities in Strathfield will also be required.

About ACU Football Club

ACU Football Club is a community football club based at Australian Catholic University's Strathfield campus, competing in Football Canterbury competitions.

We bring together university students, alumni and members of the wider community through football, providing opportunities to play, volunteer and develop new skills.

Why volunteer with us?

• Gain practical experience in sports administration and programme coordination.
• Develop skills in scheduling, recruitment and stakeholder management.
• Build connections within community football.
• Help create opportunities for new referees and improve the match-day experience for players.