Referee at the Kanga Cup

Registrations open 1 April  

Referees play a critical role in the facilitation and success of Kanga Cup. Kanga Cup provides an opportunity for referees as well as players to learn and develop in a fun and supportive environment. 

For any referee or Game Leader, Kanga Cup is an unrivalled opportunity to develop, learn, make friends and enjoy the satisfaction of officiating at an international youth tournament. Respect for referees is paramount. 

Kanga Cup referees come from all around Australia and overseas. They are joined by a dedicated team of Referee Coaches and Referee Coordinators, who work closely under a structured program developed by Capital Football’s Head of Referees in line with Football Australia’s curriculum. 

For more information about refereeing please read the Referee Information Pack.

Tournament Referee

Kanga Cup is a fantastic opportunity for referees and Game Leaders to be part of one of Australia’s biggest youth football tournaments. It’s a chance to gain valuable match experience, build confidence, and develop your skills, with coaching and support provided throughout the week. 

You’ll also get the opportunity to meet other match officials, share experiences, and be part of the wider Kanga Cup community. 

We encourage clubs to bring qualified match officials (holding a Game Leader, Junior Football Match Official, or higher qualification) to help meet demand. Referees can travel with their team to the same venue, be assigned to matches at the start of each day, and will receive payment on a per-match basis. 

Who can register as a Tournament Referee 

Game Leaders and referees registered with a Member Federation or Referee Association 

How to get involved 

Referees and Game Leaders can register to participate in Kanga Cup by completing the Tournament Referee Registration Form. 

Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy

The Kanga Cup Referee Youth Academy (KCRYA) is a development pathway for 50 local, interstate and international referees aged 15–18. The Academy provides an intensive tournament-based experience, with expert coaching and mentoring designed to help young referees grow their skills, confidence and decision-making in a high-quality competition environment. 

Who can apply

KCRYA is open to Match Officials aged 15–18 from across Australia and overseas.

You can apply if you: 

  • Are not registered as a Match Official with Capital Football, and apply directly or are nominated by your Member Federation or Referee Association 

  • Are a selected participant in Capital Football’s Cadet or Academy Referee Program (attendance forms part of the program) 

  • Hold a Football Australia Level 4 to Level 2 referee qualification (or an international equivalent) 

  • Have at least one year of refereeing experience 

Member Federations and Referee Associations may run their own nomination process before submitting nominations to the Kanga Cup Organising Committee (KCOC).

How to apply

To apply for the KCRYA, please complete the KCRYA Referee Application Form. 

All applications will be reviewed by the Kanga Cup Organising Committee. Outcomes will be communicated to applicants by