For the first time this weekend match officials in the Westfield W-League will use a communication system during the Round 4 match between Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar.
For the first time this weekend match officials in the Westfield W-League will use a communication system during the Round 4 match between Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar at Hindmarsh Stadium.
From Round 5, under a sponsorship arrangement with L & W Sports Communications, the equipment will be provided at all matches for the remainder of the W-League season.
The communication system has been used in the Hyundai A-League for the past five seasons and is an additional tool used by referees to make better decisions. The system will enable improved communication and information sharing between officials in the Westfield W-League.
While the use of communications equipment will be new to many officials on the Westfield W-League, FIFA Assistant Referee Allyson Flynn has experienced the benefits of ‘comms gear- at FIFA tournaments, including the 2011 FIFA Women-s World Cup and the Hyundai A-League.
As well as the opportunity to provide additional information to the referee, Allyson sees other benefits for the Westfield W-League officials using the equipment.
“The communication system enables the refereeing team to support and encourage each other throughout the match,” said Flynn.
Flynn also has some tips for her Westfield W-League colleagues who will be using the system for the first time.
“Keep it short, and as an assistant referee, choose your moment to speak carefully.”
The sponsorship of the Westfield W-League referees is also recognition from L & W Sports Communications of the need to promote equality of women-s sport and the importance of women-s football in Australia.
FFA-s Referees Department sees this as a fantastic development for officials in the Westfield W-League. It adds a level of professionalism and brings the Westfield W-League into line with the technology available to referees in the Hyundai A-League.
