In a groundbreaking move that shatters glass ceilings, an all-female team of referees is set to make history by officiating an A-League Men’s match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Macarthur FC on New Year’s Day. This unprecedented lineup of match officials marks a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality in the world of football.
Normalizing Women in Refereeing
While it has become increasingly common to see two or three women officials in an A-League Men’s match in recent years, the selection of an entirely female panel serves as a powerful demonstration of the strides made in creating inclusive pathways for officiating. Jon Moss, Football Australia Head of Referees, expressed his hope that this appearance will encourage young women across the country to consider their own refereeing journeys and seize opportunities to become match officials.
At the end of the day we are just referees, so when we go out there, it should be merit based. If you’re doing well, then you should be refereeing in the top leagues that are available to you.
– Casey Reibelt, referee for the historic match
The Referee Dream Team
The trailblazing team for this New Year’s Day clash consists of:
- Casey Reibelt – Referee
- Emma Kocbek and Maddy Allum – Assistant Referees
- Rebecca Durcau – Fourth Official
- Kate Jacewicz and Joanna Charaktis – VAR Officials
Reibelt and Durcau were among four women in a group of 12 Australians named as FIFA international match officials for 2025 last week. Jacewicz made history herself in 2020 by becoming the first woman to referee an A-League Men’s match. For these experienced officials, working together as a complete female unit won’t feel unusual, despite the historic nature of the occasion.
All six of us, we’ve worked quite a lot in the A-League already, so it’s not new for us. We’re experienced, it’s just the first time we’ve all been together as one.
– Casey Reibelt
Supporting Women in Refereeing
Despite the growing opportunities for women officials, Reibelt emphasizes the need for greater support, particularly in balancing work and refereeing commitments. As a part-time high school teacher herself, she understands the challenges faced by many women referees who juggle multiple responsibilities.
A recent grant under the federal government’s Play Our Way program has funded a much-needed national female engagement lead, but Reibelt believes more can be done. She advocates for increased support for coaches and mentors who understand the unique challenges faced by women referees, to foster their development and retention in the field.
Paving the Way for the Future
This historic all-female officiating team is not just a one-off event, but rather a beacon of hope for aspiring women referees worldwide. It serves as a powerful reminder that gender should never be a barrier to excellence in any profession, including football refereeing.
As Reibelt and her colleagues take to the pitch on New Year’s Day, they will not only be overseeing a football match but also shattering stereotypes and paving the way for future generations of women in sports. Their presence on the field sends a resounding message that women belong at the highest levels of the beautiful game, both as players and as officials.
Having a really supportive employer has helped me in balancing that. Being able to drop back to part-time was helpful, and being really open with my commitments and what I wanted to do, and how I could work with the school.
– Casey Reibelt on juggling teaching and refereeing
As we celebrate this monumental achievement, let us also reflect on the work that still needs to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities and support in all aspects of football. The journey towards true gender equality is far from over, but with trailblazers like Reibelt, Jacewicz, and their colleagues leading the charge, the future looks brighter than ever.
So, as you tune in to watch the Western Sydney Wanderers take on Macarthur FC on New Year’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the six extraordinary women who will be officiating the match. Their presence on the pitch is not just a testament to their individual skills and dedication, but also a powerful symbol of progress and hope for women in football and beyond.
