The Northern Suburbs Football Association (NSFA) introduced Game Leaders for Junior Development League (JDL) matches for the 2024 season under the oversight of the Northern Suburbs Football Referees Association (NSFRA).
In its second season, the Game Leader concept has proven popular with NSFA Clubs and has enhanced the match day experience for players, coaches and spectators. There are currently 117 Game Leaders officiating Mixed U8-U11 JDL matches on Saturday mornings and Girls JDL matches on Sunday mornings, including the newly introduced U10 Girls JDL competition. It is pleasing that there are 40 female Game Leaders which we hope will significantly boost the number of fully qualified Female Referees in the NSFRA in the coming years.
Game Leaders are typically aged between 12-16 years. Game Leaders complete a 1-hour workshop to explain their role and are providedwith support material and mentoring from the NSFRA to get them started. The NSFRA envisages that Game Leading is a pathway into refereeing, and it has been pleasing to see a number of our first Game Leaders from the 2024 season graduate to become qualified referees for the 2025 season.
Game Leaders are distinguished on weekend mornings at JDL matches by their orange shirts and enable parents to enjoy watching their children play football rather than having to take their turn as Game Leaders. Game Leaders have enhanced the independence of officiating for JDL matches and significantly increased the match day experience for all involved.
It has also been pleasing to hear from parents of Game Leaders about the growth in confidence and responsibility among Game Leaders, many of whom are experiencing their first form of casual employment. It is not surprising to hear that Game Leading improves the football skills of the Game Leaders, and many Game Leaders have also taken on coaching roles.
Jason Eagar (NSFA Technical Director) – Having a trained Game Leader officiate in JDL and GJDL games enhances the match day football experience for the players, coaches, and parents. Young Game Leaders also benefit by learning more about the game, practicing leadership and management skills, and are role models for the young players. The Game Leaders have the opportunity to develop into our referees of the future.
Lyle Hudson (St Ives FC President) – The use of 12–16-year-old Game Leaders in JDL fixtures has delivered strong engagement across the board. Early feedback highlights increased leadership skills and positive sideline interactions. Who knew a whistle and a orange shirt could unleash such maturity
Voices of Our Game Leaders
Tabby
- When did you become a Game Leader?
I became a Game Leader in March 2025, just before the soccer season began.
- Why did you become a Game Leader?
I became a Game Leader because I have always had a passion for soccer both playing and coaching. I love coaching younger kids and have experience training and coaching summer soccer teams, as well as some one on one and group coaching sessions. It’s been very helpful for understanding the way younger kids play., and so I decided to try reffing. Being a game leader lets me see another perspective of the game and learn more skills around reffing and how refs interact and communicates with players.
- What do you enjoy most about Game Leading?
I enjoy multiple things about game leading. The thing I probably enjoy most is seeing the way that younger players think and react to different game situations. It is always so amazing to see how different each one thinks and plays depending on their different experience and their instincts. It’s always great to see how they develop throughout the season.
- What are the challenges you face as a Game Leader?
As a game leader I have faced a lot of challenges, including the players backchat and also being challenged by parents. I think the best thing to do in those situations is to just stay firm and keep reffing. If a parent or player was causing you a big problem, I would advise you to tell your supervisor. If a player challenges me, I use phrases like “not from my vision” and “Thank you, but it is my job to make the calls”. As a ref, you will face challenges. The best way to overcome them is to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and remember that you are in charge.
- Are you looking to become a qualified referee?
Yes – I am definitely looking to step it up and do qualified refereeing. First, I would love to excel in my game leader reffing role because I think it is a great opportunity to use my skills and knowledge of soccer and get experience at the same time. I have worked as a game leader almost every weekend this season because I want to get as much experience as possible before becoming a qualified referee.
Joseph
- When did you become a Game Leader?
April 2025
- Why did you become a Game Leader?
I became a game leader because I like soccer and wanted to help out with refereeing.
- What do you enjoy most about Game Leading?
I enjoy when people congratulate me for refereeing the games.
- What are the challenges you face as a Game Leader?
It is challenging when the players challenge my decisions
- Are you looking to become a qualified referee?
I may look to become a qualified referee when I am older.
Hannah
- When did you become a Game Leader?
July 2024
- Why did you become a Game Leader?
I became a game leader as I wanted an easy way to make money, love to play soccer and aspire to become a qualified referee in the future
- What do you enjoy most about Game Leading?
I enjoy being more involved in soccer, getting to observe the skills of the younger players, building skills for refereeing and soccer and of course the money that comes with it.
- What are the challenges you face as a Game Leader?
Some challenges I face are the players not listening/hearing the things I tell them, the worry that the call I make is wrong and the occasional difficulty with parents and coaches.
- Are you looking to become a qualified referee?
Yes I am looking to become a qualified referee and I believe that game leading is a great first step to become one.