The FFA Referee Seminar for Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League Referees and FIFA Assistant Referees has concluded at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra.

Led by Director of Referees Ben Wilson, FIFA Referee Instructor Steve Bennett and a team of FFA Referee Instructors, match officials participated in a series of theoretical and practical sessions to prepare them for the upcoming season.

FFA Director of Referees Ben Wilson spoke about the benefit of FFA investing in this annual seminar, “We only get one opportunity to get these match officials together each year to prepare them for the season ahead. The seminar enables us to improve consistency across the group and this is the key to successful performances.”

Practical sessions simulated match scenarios and match officials received immediate video feedback and coaching from FFA instructors. Match Officials also took part in a FIFA Category 1 fitness test including sprints and a high intensity interval run to ensure everyone meets the high standards expected at the elite level.

Theoretical sessions focussed on the new offside interpretation and the correct identification of tactical fouls, handball and reckless tackles. FFA instructors also highlighted and discussed incidents from the 2014/15 season to ensure the laws are applied correctly and consistently.

In Season 2015/16, there will be renewed focus on protecting the image of the game and managing unacceptable behaviour in the technical area. “This message has already been strongly conveyed to all Hyundai A-League club coaches and will be delivered to players over the next month,” concluded Wilson.