Southern Tablelands Referees ranks are changing with a new group of females leading the charge. Today, we profile and celebrate some of our fantastic female referees as we continue Female Football Week.
Name: Chloe Holmes
Age: 13
Playing history (club, reps, how many years)?
I started playing in year 3 when I was 8 and I was playing for my school team St Peter and Pauls up until 2020 then in 2021 I played in an all-girls comp with stags black. Now I am currently playing in all ages women for MBK.
I started to play rep in year 5 and have played since then. I have also been involved with the Catholic Schools trials.
Favourite female player?
Sam Kerr and Chloe logarzo
What got you interested in football?
One of my close friends wanted me to play with her because she was the only girl in a mixed team, and she asked me to play with her and I agreed because I was looking for a sport to play. It was either hocky or soccer and I chose soccer after a season of loving it.
What do you love about the game?
I love getting goals and saving them too, I love playing with a team and meeting people when I play with new teams.
What made you want to become a referee?
I saw a friend that was a game leader doing it and it looked fun, so I tried to sign up and we sent my information to the wrong person, and they asked me to become a junior referee instead of a game leader.
What do you enjoy about being a referee?
I enjoy everything about refereeing it’s something I never thought would happen to me and something I would enjoy.
What have you learnt by being a referee?
I have learned a lot when I ref especially how not to foul someone, and I use what I have learned when I play a game too.
What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing?
I want to play for the Matildas but at the rate I’m going I’ll probably end up refereeing them.
For refereeing, I want to ref in the world cup, that’s my biggest goal for now.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be?
Ambitious, energetic, competitive.
What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing?
Playing football is so much fun. I even enjoy playing when it’s snowing.
Referring will be scary to start but when you get into it, I assure you will have the most fun you will ever have. And don’t worry if you make a mistake either, everyone makes a mistake. STFA have been so supportive and encouraging. I had someone with me for my first games until I felt comfortable on my own. If you’re interested in playing or referring, just do it.
Name: Kaysha Scott
Age: 22
Playing history (club, reps, how many years)? I started playing for Toronto Awaba Junior Football Club when I was younger. After a few years at TAJFC, I tried out for a female representative team at Macquarie Football and played with them for a year before going back to TAJFC. I then tried out for Valentine Premier League, but I ruptured 3 ligaments in my ankle, and was unable to play. I then ruptured my ACL and had to take some more time off. In 2020, I moved down to Crookwell/Goulburn and started playing for MBK in 2021/2022.
Favourite female player? Hayley Raso
What got you interested in football? I was super sporty and loved all sports throughout school, always playing soccer, cricket, rugby league, and basically anything that I could. But, soccer was always my favourite.
What made you want to become a referee? My love for the game. I am always wanting to learn more, and be connected to the game in different ways.
What do you enjoy about being a referee? Being involved, and seeing people develop their skills.
What have you learnt by being a referee? Referees do make mistakes. It has helped me be more understanding to the referees that are officiating the games that I play.
What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing? To be involved in the game for as long as I can. And to create a safe environment where people can come and learn about the game without fear of being judged.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? Resilient, Honest & Committed.
What is your favourite inspirational quote? “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” – Winston Churchill
What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing? Get involved. Contact your local association or club, and get some more information. It’s fun!
Name: Sam
Age: 30
Playing history (club, reps, how many years)? I’ve been playing football since I was 5 years old. I currently play for Crookwell Soccer Club, and before that I was playing for Cobram Roar FC in Victoria. I actually started playing soccer as a junior in Crookwell, so it’s nice to return to the club I started at.
Favourite female player? Sam Kerr.
What got you interested in football? My parents signed me up when I was younger, and I’ve loved it ever since.
What do you love about the game? So many things! If I had to choose one, it’s the fact that football allows me to maintain my physical and mental health whilst having fun at the same time.
What made you want to become a referee? I felt like it was a good opportunity to get involved in a different aspect of the game.
What do you enjoy about being a referee? I enjoy being able to see the game from a different perspective, as well as the opportunity to learn new skills. We are really lucky to have some great mentors for new referees at the STFA Referees Branch.
What have you learnt by being a referee? There’s a lot of rules in football!
What are your goals-aspirations in football or refereeing? I’d like to still be playing football by the time I’m 50.
If you had to describe yourself in 3 words, what would they be? That’s a tricky one. I guess I’d have to go with motivated, optimistic and stubborn (sometimes!).
What is your favourite inspirational quote? I don’t really have one- sorry!
What would you say to other females that were interested in football or refereeing? Give it a go! As I said above, the STFA Referees Branch provides excellent support and mentorship, and it’s a great opportunity to be more involved in the game.
