05/10/2024
How to become a registered referee under SAFA
We are delighted by the number of applications received from prospective referees in all the of the 9 Provinces.
Please see below requirements that outline the process to follow in order to become a registered referee with the South African Football Association (SAFA).
The following are the steps needed to become a SAFA-affiliated referee:
1. Prospective referees must affiliate themselves with a Local Football Association (LFA) where they reside.
2. The LFA will administer the first three levels of refereeing, of which, there are seven (7) levels in total.
3. The LFA will communicate dates and venues for referee workshops and when examinations will be written.
4. After writing the first three levels, passing the physical fitness test and gaining two (2) or three (3) years of refereeing experience with active officiating, the LFA may recommend the successful individual to their Region to be a part of the Regional Panels.
5. Before being accepted into a regional panel, candidates will need to write and pass a Level Four examination and pass a physical fitness test which will be administered by the regional referees departments. Attendees for regional workshops are by invitation only. NB: Passing your examination level and the regional fitness test does not guarantee promotion to the Regional Panel of Referees.
6. After two or three years of practical refereeing experience officiating on the regional leagues and maintaining high levels of performance and understanding of the laws of the game, the regional referee's department may recommend the candidate(s) for the Provincial Panel. However, the candidate will have to write and pass Level Five, which is administered by the Province, as well as pass the physical fitness test. It must be noted that attendees for provincial workshops are by invitation only. NB: Passing your examination level and the provincial fitness test does not guarantee promotion to the Provincial Panel of Referees.
7. If the individual delivers consistently outstanding performances in their provincial appointments, the Province may recommend them for consideration to officiate at Provincial and National tournaments. If the individual performs consistently well at these tournaments, the Province may recommend the individual for consideration to attend the Youth Development Group National programs.
We hope that the above information has provided some clarity, and we wish you all the best in your journey to becoming a referee.
Regards National Referees Department!
UNFAZED AND FOCUSED:
Referee Akhona Makalima Speaks Out
Despite growing criticism towards match officials, FIFA and CAF-accredited South African referee Akhona Makalima remains resolute, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement.
In an exclusive interview with SABC Sport, Makalima addressed the recent wave of dissatisfaction over refereeing decisions in South Africa's Betway Premiership and Hollywoodbets Super League.
"I don't really get intimidated or hurt by things that people say on social media," Makalima stated. "As long as you don't know the law, as long as you don't know how to interpret the law, as long as you don't know how to enforce the law, what does the law say? What does the interpretation of the law say?"
Makalima acknowledged that everyone has their own analysis and understanding of the game, but stressed the importance of self-reflection and analysis to enhance performance.
"I understand that people will come with their own analysis and understanding of the game. We deal with considerations and everything. I cannot respond to everyone; I need to go and watch myself, analyse myself, for me to improve."
"I will not lie and say I will not make mistakes," Makalima admitted. "We all make mistakes, but at the end of the day, how do we improve from those? Go and watch, analyse, get clips, get considerations, send to somebody else, and then you improve. So, those things don't weigh me down. It's just a matter of, I need to improve every day."
Makalima's dedication and expertise recently earned her a spot alongside compatriot Abongile Tom at the prestigious 2024 CAF Super Cup final between North African giants Al Ahly and Zamalek. This marked the second edition of the tournament, with Makalima and Tom becoming the first South Africans to officiate in the competition.
"I think the most critical thing is that they need to be ready," Makalima advised aspiring referees. "If you want to do something or if you want to go far in refereeing or anywhere in the world, you just need to get yourself ready."
Makalima emphasized the importance of preparation and seizing opportunities.
"Sometimes we kick and scream because opportunities are not coming, and then you are being given that opportunity, you are not ready. So, when you get that opportunity, you need to be ready, grab it with both hands, and run away with it."
*Empowering Women in Refereeing*
Makalima concluded with a powerful message:
"I don't want women to be given opportunities because they are women; I want women to get opportunities because they deserve it and they have worked hard for them."
With her determination and expertise, Makalima is paving the way for referees and women in football, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Mabopane Daily News
