Northern NSW Football launches Respect the Game initiative

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NNSWF

Northern NSW Football has launched its Respect the Game campaign in an effort to spark a genuine culture shift across football and fix the problem of poor behaviour and abuse.

Thousands of people participate and officiate in football every weekend across northern NSW. However, over time a minority of stakeholders in the game have unfortunately contributed the following in what is a detriment to the game:

  • Abuse official and volunteer referees
  • Scream and yell at players, coaches and officials
  • Criticise performance rather than celebrate effort
  • Ignore, manipulate and question rules and decisions

Many have experienced this poor behaviour firsthand. Its impacts include:

  • Reduced playing, refereeing and volunteer numbers
  • Mental health suffers
  • Tensions between clubs
  • Club reputations diminish

NNSWF are determined to change this culture across all levels of football with the Respect the Game campaign.

Part of this campaign is asking the football community to report poor behaviour, sign the Respect the Game pledge, share their experiences and take the laws of the game quiz.

NNSWF Referees Manager Brad Carlin hopes the Respect the Game campaign would help members of the football community evaluate their own behaviour and that of people within their own club.

“It’s our collective job to keep our game strong and provide a safe, enjoyable environment that protects participants, match officials, club administrators, volunteers and spectators,” Carlin said via NNSWF.

“We need members of our football community to call out poor behaviour and report it. We want people to share their support for the Respect the Game campaign by taking the pledge and encouraging others at their club to do the same.

“Sign the pledge, share your experiences and report poor behaviour to help us improve the game at all levels.”

For more information on the Respect the Game campaign click HERE.

Sign the Respect the Game pledge HERE.

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Northern NSW Football referee camp cultivates talent and growth

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Image credit: Andrey Popov via Shutterstock.com

Last month, during the 2024 Champion of Champions tournament in Coffs Harbour, Northern NSW Football conducted a Referees Development Camp, 24 referee participants attended the development initiative.

The week-long, future-focused camp was planned and led by NNSWF Referee Manager Brad Carlin and his ensemble of referee coaches.

The referee coaches conduct daily performance reviews and debriefs, followed by an evening coaching presentation. The initiative represents a structured approach to referee development, combining practical experience and theoretical training.

Presentations covered an array of beneficial long-term successful traits within the field of referring.

  • Body language, confidence, and concentration
  • Positioning, movement, and anticipation
  • Severity and tactical fouls assessment
  • Assistant referee skills
  • Team coordination between officials
  • Conflict management (players and technical areas)
  • NNSWF Referee Development Pathway

NNSWF Referee Manager Brad Carlin expressed positive sentiments towards the growth and success of the camp.

“The aims of our referee camps are to provide consistent, quality coaching to develop young match officials from across our member zones and to identify those referees who have the talent and commitment to potentially be an elite match official of the future,” he said via press release.

“There were many outstanding performances during this year’s camp, but what impressed our referee coaches the most was the clear improvement that every participant showed in responding so well to the coaching we gave them.”

The camp’s success and investment in the collective growth of the referee position within football are outstanding achievements. The opportunity for referee participants to be showcased and identified as future match officials made the camp beneficial for all parties involved.

This program nurtures the industry’s future, enabling the participants with the correct skills for further career advancement and opening pathway opportunities in football officiating careers.

The Referees Development Camp was made possible by the member zones, the partnership between coaches and officials, and the integration with the Champion of Champions tournament.

The Female Referee of the Tournament was awarded to Matilda Armstrong, Harrison Coleman took home the Male Referee of the Tournament and both were appointed to referee the grand final matches.

Northern NSW football prioritises growth in female participation

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Image credit: Football Australia

Northern NSW Football is thrilled to introduce a new department focused on Women & Girls and Participation.

NNSWF has restructured part of its operations to retain existing talent within the organisation, following the NSW Football Legacy Program’s completion and successful funding secured through the Play Our Way program.

NNSWF General Manager of Women & Girls and Participation, Allana Neeve, is optimistic about the future of football in the region.

“I believe that this is an exciting new chapter for us all and I am confident that this new department will significantly benefit the football family. We are in the best position to deliver on our goals and support the game in every corner of northern NSW,” she said via press release.

“This is fully aligned with the 2024-26 Strategic Plan to help increase participation across all member zones.

“I am thrilled to announce that Helen Mosely, Natalie Boyd and Micheal Hugo will all continue on with us in new roles. They have each been strong performers with skills and passion for the game and are vital to NNSWF’s future success. I could not be happier to see them remain as part of our organisation.”

  • Women & Girls and Participation Officer: Helen Mosely

Helen will provide dedicated support to regional member zones and clubs, ensuring NNSWF remains visible and accessible to its football community.

She will collaborate closely with Football Far North Coast, Football Mid North Coast, North Coast Football, and NNSWF – Northern Inland to promote participation initiatives, particularly for women, girls, and underrepresented groups across these regions.

  • Women & Girls and Inclusion Officer: Natalie Boyd

Natalie will assist Hunter region member zones in promoting participation and inclusion initiatives, especially for women and girls.

She will also enhance community engagement with the Newcastle Jets.

  • Participation Officer – Schools & First Nations: Micheal Hugo

Micheal will seek opportunities to increase participation and engage First Nations communities in football, overseeing key programs such as the NAIDOC Cup and First Nations Scholarships, while also leading and coordinating NNSWF’s First Nations Advisory Group.

He will also concentrate on leading the National Schools Program, which NNSWF will implement starting in 2025 as Football Australia hands the program back to member federations.

The Women & Girls and Participation department will align with NNSWF’s 2024-26 Strategic Plan, focusing on expanding participation and supporting local football.

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