Officiating Action Plan
Officials, alongside coaches are at the heart of the Play Well mission, shaping sport into a space that is safe, welcoming, inclusive, and fun for all.
The Australian Sports Commission, in collaboration with the sport sector, has made significant strides in reshaping officiating through the Modern Approach - a shift from official-centred to participant-centred practice. This approach recognises the diverse needs, motivations and aspirations of participants, and empowers officials to create positive, supportive and engaging environments where participants can thrive.
Building on this momentum, the Officiating Advisory Group will guide, influence and support the continued transformation of officiating across the Australian sport system. It will elevate the role of officials from community level through to high performance and help more Australians realise their potential through sport, wherever and however they choose to play.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for the Officiating Advisory Group are now open. EOIs will close on Wednesday 10th of December at 11:59pm AWST.
Why is this work important?
The influence of an official extends far beyond knowing every rule; they can shape how people feel, fostering belonging, building confidence and creating environments where participants can thrive. The Officiating Action Plan, developed and led by the Officiating Advisory Group, will reposition officials as key influencers of the competition environment, defining a coordinated system for their attraction, engagement and development.
Officiating Advisory Group
Appointment to the Officiating Advisory Group is via an Expression of Interest (EOI). Complete the short EOI form, outlining your background, experience and interest in joining the advisory group.
Completion of the EOI should take no longer than 15 minutes. If you would prefer to submit your EOI by phone with a member of the Coaching and Officiating team, please register your contact details only at the form below and a member of staff will reach out to you.
The Officiating Advisory Group will serve as a strategic and collaborative body that guides, influences and supports the transformation of officiating across the Australian sport system. The Group will lead the co-design and development of a future-focused Officiating Action Plan, a multi-year roadmap that builds leadership capability, strengthens connection, and embeds positive sporting environments at scale. The Officiating Advisory Group will build system momentum through advocating for the leadership role that officials at all levels play in shaping participant experiences.
The ASC is seeking a balance of perspectives from across the Australian sport system and beyond. Membership of the Officiating Advisory Group will reflect diversity, ensuring the group collectively reflects a breadth of the officiating ecosystem. To support innovation and thought leadership, membership will also reflect perspectives and expertise from outside of the sport system.
The following list of member attributes is intended to be indicative of the breadth of experience from across the group as a whole. It’s not expected or required that any one member will possess all attributes.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen sport participation, workforce development, or system capability.
- Proven ability to offer insightful, solutions-focused advice that supports national planning and decision-making.
- Strong connections across the sport sector and a commitment to surfacing diverse and underrepresented perspectives.
- Commitment to promoting inclusive, safe, and positive environments across all levels of sport.
- Understanding of challenges and opportunities related to recruitment, retention, and long-term engagement in sport workforces.
- Ability to advocate for the visibility, value, and recognition of key contributors to sport, including officials.
- Awareness of emerging trends and innovations that can inform future-focused strategies in sport and officiating.
- Demonstrated experience in leading innovation strategies or change management within complex systems.
- Lived experience and perspectives from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,
- Culturally and linguistically diverse communities,
- People living with a disability,
- People of all faiths,
- People of all sexualities and gender identities, and
- People from a range of locations, life stages and career stages.
- Commit to active participation, including attending scheduled meetings, completing pre- and post-work and engaging in discussions and working groups.
- Contribute constructively in an advisory capacity. This includes offering insight, expertise and considered feedback.
- Review and provide feedback on draft documents, plans, proposals and initiatives related to the transformation of officiating.
- Collaborate with other members and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches and solutions for advancing officiating in Australia.
- Advocate for the voice of officiating by promoting its importance, through engaging stakeholders to build collective commitment and momentum.
- Represent the broader interests of the sport system and officiating community over and above any one group, while bringing their own perspective and expertise.
- Declare and actively manage any perceived and/or actual conflicts of interest to the Chair should any arise during the activities of the Advisory Group.
- Behave in a manner consistent with the agreed values of the Advisory Group which will be established by the Advisory Group when formed.
- Agree to adhere to ASC policies.
- EOI’s open: Monday 24 November 2025
- EOI’s close: Wednesday 10 December at 11:59pm AWST
- Application outcome notification: by December 31, 2025
- Officiating Advisory Group public announcement: January 2026
Are Advisory Group members paid for their work? No, members of the Advisory Group are volunteering their time. Costs for travel (and other reasonable costs as agreed with the ASC) will be covered.
How can I still contribute if I am not appointed to the Group? The Officiating Action Plan will be co-designed with the sport system, meaning there will be opportunities to share your thoughts and contribute to its development. Further, as the Action Plan evolves, required skills to implement the Plan will evolve too.
How much time will Advisory Group members be required to contribute?
Advisory Group members will meet monthly (both online and in person) for the first six months. In between meetings there will be reading and communications via email. After the first six months, the cadence of meetings will be reassessed in consultation with the group.
Who will Chair the Advisory Group?
The Advisory Group will be Chaired by the Director of Coaching and Officiating.
Like to find out more and stay connected?
The Officiating Action Plan will be co-designed with the sport system, meaning there will be lots of opportunities to share your thoughts. If you would like to register for updates, shared regularly via email, please register your contact details below.
Please get in contact with the Coaching and Officiating team at coaching_and_officiating@ausport.gov.au if you have any questions.