The Weir Rose Bowl is a development tournament for aspiring young footballers. Held annually in Cambridge, it provides an opportunity to showcase and develop skills in a safe and supportive environment. Four categories are offered: U12 Mixed, U12 Girls, U13 Mixed and U14 Girls, and the weekend provides a competitive and challenging environment for players. 

The tournament also offers development for young referees through the WRB Youth Referee Academy. Youth referees. Led by experienced officials and referee educators, the youth academy takes charge of all games over the weekend.

In 2024, 26 youth referees worked with nine referee coaches over the 3 day tournament, with the academy being led by WaiBOP Football Referee Development Officer Anna-Marie Keighley, a FIFA referee. 

The majority of the youth referees were from the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. They ranged in age from 14 to 17, and have been training to referee through one of the two Referee Academies run by WaiBOP Football in Hamilton and Tauranga during the year. All have been refereeing community football during the year. 

They were joined by 3 referees, and 3 referee coaches from Auckland. 

A Learning Environment 

The academy began a day before the games, with on-field sessions. Throughout the tournament, every match was assigned a youth referee, observed by referee coaches from a central position. 

At half-time and post-match, the coaches offered two to three key pieces of advice for each referee to work on. This instant feedback allowed the referees to adjust and improve immediately. The referee coaches rotated between games, giving all referees the benefit of different coaching styles and perspectives.

Referee Team for U-14 Girls Final: (L-R): Maddie Ward, Jordee Jones, Gemma Herbert

Fast-Tracking Referee Development

The referees all stayed onsite at St Peter's School, with group analysis sessions in the morning and evening, before and after games. This immersive nature of the weekend allowed the referees to experience a accelerated learning curve.

The WaiBOP Referee academies throughout the year meet once a week, with participants gaining experience as they officiated community games each weekend. 

Group coaching and review sessions, where they reflected on performances and analysed key moments from the matches, provided a broader understanding of decision-making, positioning, and match control.

Blake Stevens, a young referee from Katikati, enjoyed the learning experiences:  “It’s been really good to get feedback from different referee coaches over the weekend,” Stevens said. “The review sessions we did each night were helpful – it really helped me understand how to improve quickly.”

Referee Team for U-13 Mixed Final: (L-R) Matt Lyford, John Hoffman, William Bott.

The skills required to referee

Being a referee is a challenging job. On the field, they are tasked with enforcing the Laws of the Game, making split-second decisions on fouls, goals, and disciplinary actions, while managing the overall flow of the match. It requires concentration, a thorough understanding of the rules, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

Anna-Marie Keighley, who led the academy, noted the challenges referees face and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for their development. “Referees often don’t get the same kind of support that players do,” she said. “Events like the Weir Rose Bowl give young referees a chance to build their confidence and skills in a safe, encouraging space.”

Keighley’s own experience as a FIFA referee, including officiating at three Women’s World Cups in 2015, 2019 and 2023, has shaped her approach to mentoring young referees. “It’s about more than just knowing the rules – it’s about learning how to manage a game, communicate with players, and maintain authority without being overbearing,” she added.

Half time feedback (U-14 Girls Final) from referee coach Beth Rattray

The Bigger Picture

The Weir Rose Bowl is an example of how junior and youth tournaments can be used to benefit both players and referees, creating a positive, development-centred environment for everyone involved. While young footballers are learning to be creative, take ownership of their development, and manage challenges on the field, young referees are doing the same.

CK Kawana-Waugh, WaiBOP Football’s Referee Manager, emphasised the importance of creating a positive learning environment for both players and referees. “Our aim is to ensure young referees, like the players, have a supportive space where they can develop their abilities and take ownership of their growth,” he said.
He adds: “Mistakes are part of the learning process, and it’s through events like this that young referees get the chance to learn and improve in setting that’s both high pressure and supportive.”

Half time feedback: CK Kawana-Waugh, left, gives feedback to John Hoffman

Article added: Saturday 12 October 2024