Northern Football Federation recently caught up with Jamie Mew about his experiences as a referee in the game of Futsal and how it differs to the 11-aside outdoor game of Football.

NFF: When and why did you get into refereeing Futsal?
JM: After a serious football injury that required surgery I was introduced to Futsal at the New Zealand Football roadshow in 2014 and from there I completed the Intro to Futsal Referee course and coaching course and I just loved the speed of the game.

NFF: Are there any local or international referees you look up to?
JM: Referees I look up to would be Anthony Riley and Chris Sinclair, New Zealand’s two FIFA Futsal referees. They are always willing to help with anything.

NF: What has been the highlight of your refereeing journey so far?
JM: The highlights of my refereeing career so far have to be being involved in the New Zealand Football Futsal National League over the past two seasons and being involved in the Men’s and Women’s international series between NZ and New Caledonia.

NF: What are your future goals as a referee?
JM: To continue to be involved with the Futsal National League and to help develop young referees coming through the ranks.

NF: Have you ever refereed Football? If so, what are the biggest differences?
JM: I referee football as well as Futsal. The main difference is the speed of the decisions that you need to make. With Futsal being a very fast paced game your decision making needs to be very quick and accurate.

NF: Any advice for anyone wanting to take up refereeing Futsal?
JM: Just don’t think about it and just get involved, it is great and has fantastic pathways.

Keen to take up the whistle and find out what opportunities being a match official might bring you? Contact Northern Football Federation Referee Development Officer Chris Casey.

Northern Football Referee's are proudly supported by Harcourts Cooper & Co