Northern NSW Football has confirmed the members appointed to its inaugural State Referee Committee.
The committee has been formed to manage the development of northern NSW match officials and implement Football Australia’s national curriculum in line with the Australian Officiating Development Schedule.
NNSWF finalised its consideration of nominations received for positions on the 2022 committee last month, with the committee to have a strong match official focus on recruitment, especially of adults and females. Talent identification, career development, training, education, qualification and retention will also be important priorities.
Former leading referee and current A-League referee assessor Rodney Allen has been appointed committee chair. With his knowledge, experience and qualifications Allen will guide the committee to make a positive difference to refereeing at all levels within the member federation.
The other members of the committee are A-League assistant referee Ryan Gallagher, 2020 NPL Referee of the Year Andrew Higgins, former W-League and Asian Football Confederation match official Ellie Hayes, Hunter Valley Football Operations Manager Sarah White, Football Far North Coast Match Official Co-Ordinator Luke Mackney, North Coast Football Referee Development Officer Marty Gadd, former NNSWF Premier Senior Referee Coach Jake Southward and NNSWF Referee Manager Brad Carlin.
Carlin said he looked forward to the committee holding its inaugural meeting in the next few weeks.
“Given their backgrounds in football the members appointed to the committee will ensure that community, premier, elite and school football, as well as the recruitment, development and retention of match officials, will all receive due consideration,” Carlin said.
“I’d like to congratulate the members of the committee on their appointments and I wish them much reward with the important work they will do over the coming year.”
The 2022 State Referee Committee members are:
Rodney Allen (chair)
Ellie Hayes
Sarah White
Ryan Gallagher
Andrew Higgins
Jake Southward
Luke Mackney
Marty Gadd
Brad Carlin
