SQBD REFEREE MANAGEMENT TEAM

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SQBD is committed to supporting the sport in every way possible.  Our team is ever growing and evolving to meet the needs of the sport.

 

2024 will see increased emphasis placed on grassroots development, with our focus on Junior Development, Referee Coach Development, Recruitment and Retention Practices.

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We would like to thank those who have volunteered their time in 2023 to support our regional approach to referee development, with special mention to: Lee Rossow, Matt Lavery, Joshua Harmer, Matthew Sheppard, Damien Miller, Lawren Sullivan, Rebecca Buzacott, Sarah Butwell and Mark Tewkesbury.

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We are seeking highly motivated individuals to join our team.  With all positions apart from SQBD Director of Referees now vacant, we encourage everyone who wants to make a true difference in our sport to apply.  Please ensure you have read the position descriptions in order to effectively respond to the EOI (which has changed substantially from previous years).

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SQBD has the positions filled by members for 2024:

• Director of Referees - Lee Rossow

• MAKO Coordinator - Josh Harmer

• Junior Development Support Officer - Levi Yeaman

• Coaching and Assessment Support Officer - Mark Sinclair

• Sports Performance Support Officer - Matt Lavery

• SQBD Panel Member - Lee Rossow, Josh Harmer, Levi Yeaman, Mark Sinclair, Matt Lavery, Rebecca Buzacott, Lawren Sullivan

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The management structure, along with position descriptions can be found here.

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For more information, contact Lee Rossow via email lee.rossow@qldtouch.com.au. 

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AFFILIATE REFEREE HEALTH CHECKS

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SQBD is committed to supporting the sport in every way possible.  A new initiative that has commenced recently is our Affiliate Referee Health Checks.  We encourage members to pass on any feedback to their respective Affiliate Director / Competition Manager so that we can collect accurate information from each Affiliate.  This will aid us in formulating unique plans, full of strategies focussed directly on addressing any referee-related issues. We understand the recruitment and retention of officials (referees) is one of the ever-challenging aspects of our sport.  We have a range of strategies that we can provide you with to ensure you are maximising your ability to recruit effectively and maintain positive morale amongst your referee group.

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We understand that every Affiliate is different, and this is why each must be supported in different ways.  As part of the process, not only are initial checks performed and suggested action plans provided by SQBD to each Affiliate, but follow-up mechanisms are agreed to and provisions embedded in an effort to support each Affiliate to become future-proofed (self sustainable).

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For more information, contact Lee Rossow on lee.rossow@qldtouch.com.au

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JUNIOR REFEREE DEVELOPMENT (MAKOS)

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SQBD are very proud of the creation of a regional junior emerging talent program that is a direct pathway for career referees into the QLD JETS Program.

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This program officially commenced in 2021, following applications in March and selections across the three rounds of the Titans Tri-Series.  To be eligible for the MAKOS Program, referees must:

• be aged 12-20

• referee at an SQBD affiliate

• complete an EOI by 1 March of the year of selection

• referee at 2 or 3 of the Titans Tri-Series events

• be able and willing to attend the MAKO Development Day (proposed date: 9 June 2024)

• be able and willing to attend the MAKOS Camp (proposed date: 7-8 September 2024)

• be able and willing to attend at least 3 of the following events:

  • Queensland Junior State Cup​

  • National Youth Championships

  • SQBD Primary All Schools

  • SQBD Secondary All Schools

  • Gold Coast Titans All Schools (Secondary)

  • Queensland Primary All Schools

  • Queensland All Nations

• commit to regular communication with MAKOS Coordinator, allocated referee coach and mentors.

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MEET THE 2024 TEAM

SQBD Director of Referees: Lee Rossow

SQBD Junior Development Support Officer: Levi Yeaman

MAKOS Coordinator: Joshua Harmer

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For more information, contact Lee Rossow on lee.rossow@qldtouch.com.au

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JUNIOR REFEREE DEVELOPMENT (MINI MAKOS)

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SQBD launched the mini MAKOS Program at the commencement of 2022.  This program is for all player-referees in our region who are interested in referee development but are still playing representative touch football.

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To be eligible for the mini MAKOS Program, referees must:

• be aged 12-20

• referee at at SQBD affiliate

• complete an EOI by 1 March of the year of selection

• be able and willing to attend the MAKO Development Day (proposed date: 9 June 2024)

• be able and willing to attend Day 1 of the MAKOS Camp (proposed date: 7 September 2024)

• be able and willing to attend at least 2 of the following events:

  • Queensland Junior State Cup​

  • National Youth Championships

  • SQBD Primary All Schools

  • SQBD Secondary All Schools

  • Gold Coast Titans All Schools (Secondary)

  • Queensland Primary All Schools

  • Queensland All Nations

• commit to regular communication with Junior Development Lead or MAKOS Coordinator, allocated referee coach and mentors.

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For more information, contact Lee Rossow on lee.rossow@qldtouch.com.au

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ONE STEP AHEAD (OSA)

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SQBD is proud to announce the release of the first referee development program designed to support the development of referees at all levels of our sport: foundation, talent, elite, and mastery.  Our official launch was early in 2022.

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This program has been specifically designed over the past 7-years to ensure all aspects of athlete development are catered for.  The investment into the investigation of concepts in other sports, from coaches across the world, and in the technical arm of our own sport is second to none.  We would encourage ALL referees to keep their eye out for more information about this program, and join us in whatever capacity you can, to maximise your game outcomes and successes in our sport.

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PROGRAM SPECIFICS

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This program will feature online presentations available to any referee via SharksTV but we will also have tailored sessions, specifically designed to support referees at differing levels / badges.  All will be posted into the SQBD Touch Football Referee Facebook Group where we encourage discussion. 

 

Below is the current list of scheduled release dates:

• 4 April 2022 - Developing Game Awareness

• 12 April 2022 - Preparing for Tournaments / Events

• 26 April 2022 - Conflict Management Strategies

• 10 May 2022 - Disciplinary Measures & Judiciary Processes

• 24 May 2022 - Trends of the Game (Referees)

• 26 July 2022 - Rule Clarity to Achieve Common Application
• 10 August 2022 - The Importance of On-field Positioning & Proximity to the Ball
• 23 August 2022 - The Off-Field Referee: Positioning, Role & Interchanging
• 6 September 2022 - Game Awareness with Tristan Mana
• 11 October 2022 - Trend of the Game (Referee Coaches)
• 13 December 2022 - 2022 Wrap-Up & Opportunities in 2023
• 24 January 2023 - Refereeing 101: Back to Basics
• 7 March 2023 - Referee Mentoring Versus Referee Coaching
• 13 October 2023 - Rule Application
• 25 October 2023 - Referee Testimonials
• 8 October 2023 - Referee Body Preparation and Maintenance
• 22 October 2023 - Referee Stories: Why Refereeing?
• 6 December 2023 - Refereeing - Processes and Protocols
• 20 December 2023 - 2023: Refereeing in Review

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Building on the formal presentations, we have a Facebook Group, open to all referees in our region (to ensure safety, you must be accepted by a member of our Admin team).  The primary focus of this group will be to share experiences, provide a safe platform for questions and discussion, and to not only share ideas but clarify any interpretations of the rules of the game.  You are welcome to join this group at any time and we welcome every referee in the region to join.  Simply click on the image below to join.

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Social Activities:

Program participants will be invited to attend social activities designed to either stimulate or challenge, or be fun and relaxing.  Activities are in the process of being set.  Stay tuned for more information soon.

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You can be as involved in this program as you like.  Obviously, the more involved you are in this program, the bigger the benefits and growth.  We would love to see you take up every opportunity of support we can offer.  If there is anything specific you need, please reach out to us.

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Referees who commit to the program, may be offered interstate and international refereeing opportunities, in accordance with our region policies under the leadership of our Director of Referees.

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For more information, contact Lee Rossow on lee.rossow@qldtouch.com.au

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SOUTH QUEENSLAND

REFEREE TRAINING PROGRAM

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SQBD is proud to announce the release of the first referee training program designed to support the development of referees at all levels of our sport: foundation, talent, elite, and mastery, totally free of charge with online support for those who cannot make it in person.  Our official launch was early in 2023. However, don't hold back on trying any of our program advice. 

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