NSW Touch Football is proud to announce the referees selected in the 2026 Elite Referee Squads, recognising a committed group of officials who will form part of the NSWTF Elite Refereeing Program.
The Elite Referee Squads, known as ERS, have been designed to identify, develop, prepare and support referees who demonstrate the capability, commitment and performance behaviours required to progress through the NSW, national and international officiating pathway.
The program provides a structured high-performance development environment for referees, with a focus on performance coaching, fitness, education, mentoring, tournament review, personal development planning and ongoing feedback.
NSWTF Director of Referees Ian Matthew said the program represented an important step forward for referee development in New South Wales.
“The Elite Referee Squads provide a clearer and more structured pathway for our referees, while also creating an environment where they can be supported, challenged and held to high standards,” Matthew said.
“This is not just about selection. It is about building a deeper, better prepared and more resilient group of referees who can perform in high-pressure matches, contribute positively to the referee team and continue to strengthen officiating across NSW.”
NSWTF Head of High-Performance Tony Trad, said the ERS was an important part of creating a connected and consistent high-performance environment across the sport. “Referees are central to the quality and credibility of our game, and their development must sit alongside the performance pathways we provide for players and coaches,” Trad said. “The ERS gives NSW Touch Football a stronger platform to support referee growth, align standards across our high-performance programs and ensure our officials are prepared for the demands of major events, representative football and national pathway opportunities.”
The ERS is made up of three connected squads: the Elite Referees Squad, Emerging Referees Squad and Elite Seniors Referees Squad. Each squad plays an important role in the broader referee pathway, from developing high-potential referees through to supporting officials capable of performing at major NSWTF events, national tournaments and representative environments.
Matthew said each referee named had earned the opportunity through their performance, attitude and commitment to the sport. “Selection into these squads is recognition of both current performance and future potential,” Matthew said.
“Each referee named has demonstrated qualities that align with the expectations of the program, but the real value will come from the work that follows — the coaching, preparation, review and commitment to continuous improvement.”
The program also recognises the important role experienced referees play in mentoring and supporting the next generation of officials. “Our senior referees remain a critical part of the pathway,” Matthew said. “Their experience, leadership and willingness to support others will help strengthen the culture of refereeing across the state. We want our emerging and elite referees learning from those who have performed at a high level over many years.”
NSWTF congratulates all referees selected in the 2026 Elite Referee Squads.
NSW Touch Football looks forward to supporting each referee throughout the program and continuing to strengthen the quality, consistency and reputation of refereeing across the state.
View the NSWTF Elite Referee Squad Program
