Pick up the whistle.
A regional pathway that helps Auckland referees learn the game, gain experience and progress from their first match through to higher grades.
Since 2019, Auckland's seven clubs have developed referees together rather than running seven separate programmes.
That gives the region one standard, a bigger pool of referees to learn from and more opportunities to gain experience across Auckland competitions. AWP referees work across regional leagues and local competitions, with some progressing to national and international appointments.
Start small. Keep progressing.
Progression combines learning the rules, completing the relevant workshop or exam, refereeing enough suitable games and being assessed by experienced referees.
Local Referee
What each step actually means.
Choose a grade to see the level of competition, learning and assessment that sits behind it.
Local Referee
The process is simple. The standard matters.
Four simple steps.
Learn the basics.
Complete the free Assistant Referee learning before progressing to a graded pathway.
Attend a workshop.
Join the appropriate referee workshop for the grade you are working toward.
Referee games.
Build practical experience in competitions suited to your current level.
Get assessed.
Experienced referees assess your practical performance before you progress.
A full year of games.
AWP assigns referees across Auckland competitions throughout the year, creating different development opportunities depending on grade and experience.
Senior & school competition.
Senior Open League and senior school games suit more experienced grades; junior school tournaments are useful for Local and developing referees.
Under 18 & social.
U18 competition provides strong experience for C, B and A Grade referees, while social competition can help Local referees build senior-game experience.
Under 16 & social.
U16 competition is useful for C and B Grade development, alongside social fixtures for Local referees.
U14, Fast4 & Masters.
U14 suits Local and C Grade referees, while Fast4 and Masters create further opportunities for developing senior officials.
Learn. Test. Progress.
AWP is running four referee workshops in 2026. Workshops are expected to be held at St Cuthbert's College over Saturday and Sunday mornings. Both days must be attended to sit the grade exam, and referees need to attend a workshop annually to retain their grade.
Before you start.
Is there a minimum age?
Assistant referees can start at any age. You must be 14 before attaining Local Referee status, 16 for C Grade and 18 for B Grade.
Do I need to pass a theory test?
Yes. Progression includes the relevant theory learning or exam as well as practical assessment.
Is practical assessment required?
Yes. For example, Local Referee includes practical assessment over suitable games by senior referees.
Can referees progress beyond Auckland?
Yes. AWP also assists with nominations to national events, and the pathway can ultimately lead toward A Grade and international opportunities.
The game needs referees.
If you're interested in learning, getting graded or returning to refereeing, start with the workshop information or contact Fabian.