With over 670 matches officiated in TTF competitions already this year, the contribution of the referee group has been vital to the success of local touch football.
A total of 1,482 individual referee appointments have been made across those matches, with just 14 matches requiring a solo referee.
This marks a significant improvement from previous years, continuing a positive trend towards more consistent appointment coverage.
Comparing the same period over recent years, 2024 saw 18 solo-refereed matches, 2023 had 55, and 2022 recorded 58.
“This season’s numbers show just how far we’ve come,” TTRA President Kerrod Hall said.
“More triples, fewer solos, and more opportunities for referees to develop in structured environments — it’s a great outcome.”
Hall also acknowledged those who were appointed to the 2025 Colliers Shield Grand Finals.
“These appointments are never just about one performance,” he said.
“They’re a reflection of full-season commitment, consistency, and growth — and we’re incredibly proud of the group that took the field last weekend.”
While winter touch has wrapped up, there’s still plenty more ahead for local referees.
The Summer Mixed competition begins Monday 18 August, followed by the Opens & Over 30’s on Wednesday 20 August, and the return of the INTERSPORT Townsville Juniors competition on 21 and 22 August.
All senior competitions continue to pay $20 per match, with referees welcome to officiate more than one game per night where possible.
This year has also brought major changes to the sport’s education framework, with the introduction of a new national grading system in April.
The former six-level accreditation structure has now been replaced with a streamlined four-tiered system, with all current referees with a profile in Touch Football Australia's The Nest automatically transitioned.
Level 1 referees are now recognised as Affiliate Referees, Levels 2 and 3 are now Representative Graded, Levels 4 and 5 are State Graded, and Level 6 referees are now acknowledged as National Graded.
Another major initiative this year has been the launch of the Saints Referee Programme.
Operated jointly by the TTRA and TTF and coordinated by leading TTRA referee and recent National Referee Squad inductee Lachlan Carey, the programme aims to provide hands-on development opportunities for referees of all ages who are interested in progressing to higher levels of officiating.
“We’ve already seen some great outcomes from the Saints Referee Programme,” Hall said.
“It’s been fantastic to see so many of our referees take up the challenge — and there’s more to come in the summer and representative seasons.”
Several referees were also recognised for their efforts and development throughout the winter season.
Hugh Reu was named Most Valued Referee for the Monday Mixed competition, while Cody Parsloe took the honour for Tuesday Veterans.
Chloe Fitzgerald and Max Driehuis received the Most Promising Referee awards for the 2025 Colliers Shield season.
The prestigious Glen Wilson Award for Most Improved Referee was presented to Max Hoover after a standout season across both the Colliers Shield and Monday Mixed competitions.
In total, 91 referees were appointed to matches across the season, collectively covering approximately 5,900 kilometres on foot — the equivalent of running from Townsville to Adelaide and back, with a few extra laps of Queens Park.
Hall thanked the referee group again for their efforts.
“It’s been a great season, and we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to seeing everyone back out at Queens Park very soon.”
Match payments for the winter season are currently being finalised and are expected to be processed by the end of the week to referees who have completed their TTRA membership application.
Anyone still needing to complete their membership can do so at https://ttra.au/register.