Referees from across Singapore’s football ecosystem came together for the sixth edition of Referees Connect on 3 and 4 January 2026
On 3 and 4 January 2026, referees from across Singapore’s football ecosystem came together at the SportSG Auditorium (Blackbox) for Referees Connect 2026 – the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) flagship refereeing engagement designed to unite, educate and empower match officials across all levels.
More than just a conference, Referees Connect has grown to become the cornerstone of FAS’ long-term commitment to building a professional, knowledge-driven and supportive referee community.
In a sport where split-second decisions can define outcomes and shape experiences for players and fans alike, the event reaffirmed that to be effective custodians of the laws of the game, the men and women in the middle must also be lifelong students of the game.
A key thread through this year’s edition was shared purpose – a collective dedication to raising standards, nurturing consistency, and equipping officials with both the technical clarity and game understanding required of modern officiating. Participants engaged in thoughtful exchange, reflecting not just on the letter of the Laws of the Game, but on how those laws are applied, interpreted and owned in the fluid context of real matches.
Class 2 Referee Sephora Chua asking a question during the technical session
“Gatherings like this allow me to learn from senior referees, especially when they explain and clarify decisions that may differ from my own. It helps me understand that not all match situations or challenges are the same,” said Class 2 Referee Sephora Chua, the first Singaporean woman enrolled in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Referee Academy.
“The session on tactical fouls, both inside and outside the penalty area, was particularly valuable. I learned that in certain situations and areas of the field, having the correct angle of view is more important than proximity, which will help improve my decision-making moving forward.”
In addition to tactical fouls, Day two of Referees Connect saw sessions focused on penalty area incidents, handball and the often divisive topic of offside.
But for many, Referees Connect is as much about community as it is education.
“It provides a platform to share past experiences and key learnings, ensuring alignment, continuous improvement, and a commitment to excellence across the fraternity,” said Darius Lim, a Class 1 Referee who has been officiating for seven years.
“To me, the referee community is about collective growth, having a space where we can relate to one another while sharing the experiences and insights that help us all excel on the field.”
The event also provided some unusual points of interest.
“The attendance stood out the most, for me,” said 23-year-old Noor Adzdzeeq. “Seeing so many new faces, some of whom I only get to meet once a year, was encouraging.
Attendees of Referees Connect 2026 sharing a light-hearted moment
“Another highlight was the health and nutrition session, particularly the interactive segment where we had the opportunity to create our own energy bars, which made the session both engaging and practical,” added the Class 2 referee.
Grassroots referee Siti Radiah asserted that initiatives like Referees Connect go much further than what is immediately apparent.
“Technically, these sessions help us stay aligned and updated. Personally, they provide reassurance, confidence, and motivation, knowing that there is a collective support system that nurtures growth and development,” said the 34-year-old.
“Gatherings like this reinforce the idea that referees are not alone. Being part of a safe and supportive community allows us to grow together as the game continues to evolve, with new Laws of the Game, increasingly demanding players, and higher stakes at all levels.”
