Meet Emma Crockford — one of the AIMS Games Football referees.

AIMS Games 2025 had a massive 557 games of football over 5 days!

Keeping things running smoothly were 56 referees, with many of them either graduates of, or currently involved with the NZCT WaiBOP Referee Academies in Hamilton and Tauranga. 

The referees were supported by nine referee coaches, who provided ongoing feedback, guidance and encouragement throughout the week.

For 16-year-old Emma Crockford, AIMS is one of several tournaments she’s officiated as part of the WaiBOP Referee Academy. We caught up with Emma to hear how she got started, what she’s learned, and why she's enjoying the challenge of picking up the whistle. 

Tell us a bit about yourself! Do you play football yourself, and how did you get into refereeing?

I’ve played football since I was 5- both my older brothers played and I was there anyway so it made sense!

When I was younger I played for Papamoa FC but now I play in the Papamoa College First XI- we just were in Auckland for tournament week.

I got into refereeing because a girl in my school team 2 years ago was doing it and it sounded like fun.

My Dad has always volunteered to ref my games, and it’s good to feel like you are giving something back.

With both my brothers playing football there is always football on TV at home and lots of game analysis. I still go to watch my middle brother's games- he plays for TBC First XI. 

Emma Crockford, refereeing at AIMS games

Tell us about your experience in the WaiBOP referee academy?

I am in my second year of referee academy. Last season I reffed AIMS, Weir Rose bowl and Sunday Futsal league. This season I’ve reffed Super 8 [Secondary School Boys] as an AR, and some of my school Second XI games. 

What do you enjoy about refereeing?

I really enjoy the game of football and reffing gives you a better understanding  of the game. 

I really enjoy going away to ref tournaments like Weir Rose and Super 8- the other refs are really nice, I get to catch up with my friends and we get loads of support from the ref coaches.

It also keeps you fit- you do alot of running as a ref and as an AR if you’re doing it well!! 

What have you learned, and why would you recommend it?

I feel like reffing has improved my confidence, both as a player and off the pitch too.

You also get to earn a bit of money from the Futsal reffing which is good. 

Emma Crockford, Left, with FIFA Referee Anna-Marie Keighley, Referee Coach at AIMS Games

Article added: Tuesday 09 September 2025