Confidence & leadership
Standing up, making calls and managing a game builds real confidence that carries way beyond football.
The basics
What’s a Game Leader?
In Coles MiniRoos (Under 6–11), each game is guided by a Game Leader rather than a qualified Club Referee. The Game Leader keeps the game flowing, applies the simple small-sided rules, settles the odd dispute — and above all keeps it fun and fair for every kid.
At DRUFC many of our Game Leaders are older juniors taking their very first step into officiating. It’s a real role, with real responsibility — and a lot of support from the club behind them.
How & why we run it
Run by the club, for the kids.
We run Game Leaders ourselves because it keeps MiniRoos welcoming and low-pressure, and because it grows our own young people. Leaders are rostered each week, given their gear, and supported by the committee and coaches on the day.
It also takes a big load off a small number of volunteers. The more leaders we develop, the more we spread the opportunity — and the load — around. More power to the people.
Why it’s great for kids
What it does for little people.
A deeper love of the game
Leaders learn the laws and the why behind them — and become smarter players for it.
A first taste of responsibility
Turning up, being reliable and getting it done — a brilliant first ‘job’ and a way to give back.
A pathway to refereeing
Loved it? From Under 12 it’s the first rung toward becoming an accredited Club Referee — see the pathways below.
Zero tolerance
Our Game Leaders are kids.
The club has zero tolerance for abuse of any match official — and our MiniRoos officials are children. Support them, let them learn, and leave the calls to them. Coaching, criticising or arguing with a young Game Leader is never on.
Expectations
What we ask — of leaders and parents.
Show up and have a go.
Arrive a few minutes early, wear the gear, know your format, be fair to both teams, and ask for help if you need it. That’s the whole gig.
Back them, don’t coach them.
Support your young leader and everyone else’s. Leave the calls to them, keep the sideline positive, and remember zero tolerance — then thank them at full time.
On the sideline
Please remember.
- This is a game
- These are children — so relax and let them play
- Game Leaders are human — mistakes will happen
- The coaches and managers are volunteers
This is not the A-League or the World Cup.
Where it can lead
Referee pathways.
Game leading is the first step. From age 13 you can become an accredited Club Referee with Northern NSW Football — the entry-level course includes all your training, kit (shirt, shorts, socks, whistle, flags and cards), registration and insurance. The club is right behind anyone who wants to take it up.
Get involved
Want to be a Game Leader?
Register your interest for this season. Spots are limited — there’s a cap each year — and we fill them in the order they come in. Hit the button and it’ll open a ready-to-go email; just fill in the blanks and send.