Talented referees are identified under a criteria of "have the potential to be Premier referees or better within 4 to 5 years". This Squad of referees is selected in September of each year, and meet once a month for 8 months until June of the following year. Squad size can vary from year-to-year. Anything between 12 and 16 normally.

At the monthly sessions a fitness module is provided - either testing or a group activity, eg: orienteering, team relays, aqua session, spin cycle class. The key is to create "friendly rivalry" and competition to maximise their efforts. The fitness module is followed by a presentation by a "professional" resource, eg: Fitness trainer, Sports Dietician, Sports Psychologist, Physiotherapist, Peripheral Vision Trainer, Professional Referee. The session generally concludes with a Law Test.

The object of the Development Squad is "talent ID", and then provide them with extra training and resources to enhance their fitness, personal development and Law knowledge.

Referee Coaches who have referees in the Squad are invited along to the training sessions to monitor the individual referees they coach.

Referees Sponsor