Football St George MiniRoos games are administered with Game Leaders.

WHAT IS A GAME LEADER?

A Game Leader (GL) is the trained and credentialed game official for the U5-U12 age groups, with learned skills to lead the game in a certain way.

To help us create a great environment for young players. Players and spectators appreciate it when games are led/refereed by someone who understands the rules, lets the game flow, doesn’t break the game with unnecessary stoppages, and helps players orient themselves on the field.

Game Leaders are here to help with all of that!!!

They are the organiser and Leader of MiniRoo small sided football games. The main objective of MiniRoos football is to keep the game flowing, allowing the young players involved the chance to increase their understanding of football in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Game Leader are exactly what their name suggests: they lead the game to ensure players get as much education and enjoyment as possible in a safe environment.

Being a Game Leader is a great introduction to officiating, the Game Leader role is much more important at the early stage of learning for the players.

WHY DO WE NEED GAME LEADERS?                                               WHAT A GAME LEADER NEEDS TO KNOW & BE ABLE TO DO:

When you think of a referee you think of someone who officiates football and enforces the laws of the game.

With the young age of MiniRoos players, many [or most] still don’t understand the rules – so are often penalised for something they do not understand.

Instead of policing the laws of the game, Game Leaders have a number of tools to help young players progress their understanding of football. Some examples include:

  • Showing them how to do throw ins with repeat actions or do overs
  • Getting opposition teams to move back so the team in possession can have the opportunity to play out with the ball, without instant pressure

The role of Game Leaders also educates the sideline with spectators (including coaches) feeling less the urge to “help” the players by shouting instructions.

  • The Rules of the game. Read them, learn them, recall them, and apply them while doing the GL role in a game.
  • Full set of rules can be found here (4 pages)
  • Blow the whistle (loudly!), speak loudly and clearly, and not be afraid to be heard
  • Show and tell the kids the rules
  • Receive and take on board feedback from GL Mentors
  • Allow kids to play football and enjoy the game.

The GAME LEADER role opens the door to you becoming a referee in the future. As the GL role focuses ONLY on the younger age groups (U5-U12), this is a great pathway toward refereeing and other leadership roles further down the track.

MiniRoos Game Leader Rules – Document

WHO CAN BECOME A GAME LEADER?

  • Game Leaders can be anyone turning 12 or older in the current calendar year.
  • Trainers/Mentors must have a maturity of at least 16-years-old (Ideally 18+).
  • Ground Officials must be 18 years or above.

To register as a Game Leader at your local club, Register here

HOW DO I BECOME A GAME LEADER?

Acceptable Age: 11 years and above (inclusive of adults) Candidates under 11 may be acceptable if they demonstrate aptitude and confidence.

  1.          Register your interest here
  2.          Read and learn the rules.
  3.          Attend an onboarding session at your (or any) Club and start the process of becoming a Game Leader. (approximately an hour).
  4.          Participate with Guidance by a mentor in shared MiniRoo games until deemed competent by a Club Assessor/Mentor. (Potentially over several weeks      or 2-5 games).
  5.          Complete a solo game (full game by yourself) until an Assessor/Mentor passes you as a GAME LEADER.
  6.          Recieve your FREE Pink GL vest and start to be rostered onto games at your nominated club location (and charge for your game time to your club).

Note: If you have been a cadet referee previously you will need to undertake a GL onboarding session to become eligible as a GL.

UPCOMING COURSES

FSG is currently working with Clubs to lock in course dates for 2026, this list will be adjusted when they have been set.

Please ensure you have registered your interest via the form above.

BEFORE ATTENDING ONE OF THE GAME LEADER COURSES PARTICIPANTS WILL NEED TO HAVE READ OVER THE GAME LEADER RULES AND HINTS DOCUMENT – CLICK HERE 

APRIL COURSES

  • Monday 18 May
  • Todd Park
  • 5:30pm registration for a 6:00pm start
  • RSVP HERE

Clubs Involved in the Game Leader Program

  • St George Football Referees Association
  • Banksia Tigers FC
  • Bexley North FC
  • Connells Point Rovers FC
  • Dolls Point FC
  • Forest Rangers FC
  • Lugarno FC
  • Peakhurst United FC
  • Ramsgate RSL FC
  • Rockdale City Raiders FC
  • Rockdale City Suns FC