Referees play an essential role in every Touch Football competition. They help ensure our game is fair, safe, and enjoyable for everyone — and they’re a vital part of the Hills Hornets family.
Becoming a referee offers a range of benefits:
- Stay fit and active
- Learn new skills
- Build confidence
- Make friends
- And yes… get paid
Whether you’re completely new to Touch Football or already have experience in another sport, refereeing is a rewarding way to get involved.
Where You Can Officiate
Hills Hornets referees have opportunities to officiate at:
- Local Hornets competitions
- NSW Touch tournaments
- Representative and pathway events
Referees are always allocated to games that match their experience and skill level — so there’s no pressure, just support and steady development.
Training and Support
Hills Hornets provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and development for all referees. We regularly host Affiliate Referee Courses and offer hands‑on support throughout the season to help new officials grow in confidence.
Touch Football Australia has recently released a new Referee Education and Development Framework, which streamlines the national pathway and aligns with the Australian Sports Commission’s modern officiating approach. The framework focuses on nurturing referees at every stage and providing clear opportunities for progression.
Key Features of the New Framework
Four referee levels:
- Affiliate Referee
- Representative Graded Referee
- State Graded Referee
- National Graded Referee
Two course types:
- Affiliate Referee Course – delivered face‑to‑face (3 hours)
- Representative Referee Theory Course – delivered online
Three grading opportunities:
- Representative Grading
- State Grading
- National Grading
Referees are supported by Affiliate, State, and National coaches as they work toward their goals — whether that’s officiating local competitions or progressing to State of Origin and international events.
An annual development module is also released each June to help referees stay up to date with trends in the game.
Join Our Referee Team
The development and support available to referees has never been stronger. If you’re new to officiating, returning after a break, or transitioning from another sport, now is the perfect time to start your journey.
To learn more or register your interest, please contact our Referees Director: Lucinda Wehrle – lucinda@hillshornetstouch.com
Training and Support
Hills Hornets provides ongoing coaching, mentoring, and development for all referees. We regularly host Affiliate Referee Courses and offer hands‑on support throughout the season to help new officials grow in confidence.
Touch Football Australia has recently released a new Referee Education and Development Framework, which streamlines the national pathway and aligns with the Australian Sports Commission’s modern officiating approach. The framework focuses on nurturing referees at every stage and providing clear opportunities for progression.
Key Features of the New Framework
Four referee levels:
- Affiliate Referee
- Representative Graded Referee
- State Graded Referee
- National Graded Referee
Two course types:
- Affiliate Referee Course – delivered face‑to‑face (3 hours)
- Representative Referee Theory Course – delivered online
Three grading opportunities:
- Representative Grading
- State Grading
- National Grading
Referees are supported by Affiliate, State, and National coaches as they work toward their goals — whether that’s officiating local competitions or progressing to State of Origin and international events.
An annual development module is also released each June to help referees stay up to date with trends in the game.
Join Our Referee Team
The development and support available to referees has never been stronger. If you’re new to officiating, returning after a break, or transitioning from another sport, now is the perfect time to start your journey.
To learn more or register your interest, please contact our Referees Director: Lucinda Wehrle – lucinda@hillshornetstouch.com
