Game leaders

NWS Spirit FC is proud of our long-standing tradition of Youth League players supporting the JDL program by facilitating Junior matches as game leaders.

This process develops our Youth players knowledge and understanding of the game. It also promotes our club values of being humble, by enabling them to contribute to the wider tribe. It also encourages greater respect and appreciation of the role of officials, while provding opportunity for players to progress towards potential careers in refereeing.

To prepare players for their game leading responsibilties, they complete a referee training course delivered by North West Sydney Football Referees Association. This course is compulsory for all players.

All Youth players are involved in game leading. Allocations are communicated via team managers during the season.

For the day

  • Ensure you have your Spirit FC polo and trackpants ready
  • Ensure you have a whistle
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your allocated timeslot, and report to the JDL leadership staff

Game leading

Football NSW provide a full hand book on the role of the game leader on their website, which we encourage to be read prior to your allocation.

Football NSW JDL Game Leader Handbook

The key information to highlight is that…

Each [JDL match] is to be controlled by one Game Leader
whose main role is to facilitate the development of the
players, keep the game moving fluently, limit stoppages
and assist players with all restarts.

Specifically, the game leader should…

  • Ensure team officials and parents create a safe, enjoyable and positive playing environment for the children and do not emphasis winning or losing.
  • Be enthusiastic, consistent and approachable
  • Let the game flow
  • Ensure the correct number of players are on the field
  • When blowing the whistle make it loud so everyone can hear as this provides a perception that you are in control of the game

Match day guide

Football NSW have also provided a 1-page guide for game leaders to assist with some key roles and rules to be aware of.

A laminated copy of this guide is available at Christie Park.