Professional Football Referees Australia (PFRA) is proud to introduce the Referee Resilience Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to safeguard the mental health and well-being of A-Leagues match officials.
Referees operate in one of the most demanding environments in sport. Every decision is made under intense scrutiny from players, coaches, fans, and media—often amplified by social media commentary. These pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, and burnout, contributing to high attrition rates among officials.
Research shows that sports officials are at elevated risk of mental health challenges, yet structured support for referees has historically lagged behind that provided to players and coaches. The Referee Resilience Project addresses this gap by embedding evidence-based mental health resources into the officiating pathway.
PFRA exists to advocate for and support professional referees across Australia. We believe that mental health is as critical as physical fitness for peak performance. By investing in resilience-building strategies, PFRA is helping referees:
This initiative is made possible through the 2025 People of Post Grants Program, with generous support from Australia Post. Their commitment to community well-being ensures referees have access to resources that make a real difference.We also acknowledge Honorary Professor Richard Keegan, a leading expert in Sport, Exercise, and Psychology, for creating tailored mental health video resources for referees. These videos provide practical, first-aid-style strategies for managing stress and maintaining resilience during and after matches.
Below you’ll find a series of short, practical videos developed by Honorary Professor Richard Keegan. These resources are designed as “first aid for referees”—quick, actionable techniques to help you stay mentally strong before, during, and after the game.