National Referee Exam

To be eligible to sit your national referee exam you must be nominated by your local association, or self-nominated and supported by your local association. 

You must: 

  • Be a member of your local association and NZPF 

  • Have been an active provincial referee of good standing for at least two years

The exam consists of an online theory test, and a practical component - both sat at a National level competition. 

Online theory test: 

  • Hosted immediately prior to practical component

  • Observed by an RDO

  • Pass mark is 75%

In the case of failing the theory test, candidates can re-sit at the next national champs. No immediate re-sits. In the case of only 1 or 2 incorrect questions, the RDO can allow the candidate to justify their answers at their discretion. 

Practical component: 

  • Head referee at a National level competition

  • Observed closely by an RDO for 40 squat, 30 bench, 30 deadlifts. 

  • Any unjustifiable calls will be marked as incorrect by the RDO 

  • Pass mark is 90%


In the case that we have more eligible candidates than there are opportunities to sit their exams, the following procedure will apply:

  1. The current RDOs choose and rank the candidates according to the above criteria, in consultation with the candidate's local association

  2. The selection committee determines from the Meet Organizers how many exam slots are available, and allocates who will have the opportunity to sit their exams. 

The amount of candidates able to sit the exam will depend upon the availability of exam timeslots and RDOs to supervise. 

To arrange to sit your National Referee Exam, please contact your local association referee representative.