FQ Removes Fourth Officials
Words: Staff Writers
Image: Paul Smith
Football Queensland has moved to alleviate the demand on referees by removing fourth officials from the remainder of the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland 2017 Season.
Starting this weekend, all matches will be managed by one referee and two assistant referees.
The existing four-person structure (one referee, two assistant referees and a fourth official) was designed to give developing referees the chance to work alongside Queensland’s elite.
While it has provided valuable exposure for more of the state’s referees, the arrangement has created scheduling challenges at multiple levels.
State Referee Manager David Wiebe said the change will support both referee development and community competitions.
“More teams and matches at zone level means our referees are increasingly being asked to cover a larger area,” Wiebe said.
“This move allows them to be utilised at local level while also gaining important match experience.”
The change will remain in place until the PS4 NPL Queensland 2017 Finals Series begins in late August, when the officiating teams will again feature the full complement of four referees.
The decision will be reviewed at the conclusion of the season.
Comments
Comment Guidelines: The SportsTG Network is made up of players, families and passionate sports followers like you who have a strong opinion about sport. That's great - we want you to have your say and share your thoughts with the world. However, we have a few rules that you must follow to keep it fun for all. Please don't be rude, abusive, swear or vilify others. Apart from some pretty serious sport sanctions, we also can ban you and report you if things get out of hand. So play fair and have fun, and thanks for your contribution.