Referees are an essential part of any sport, and in Touch Football, their role is pivotal in ensuring the game runs smoothly at all levels. At Touch Football Australia (TFA), the investment in referee development is as significant as the investment in players and coaches. A key part of this commitment has been the long-standing partnership between TFA and Athlete Assessments, utilizing the DISC Behavioral Profiling tool to enhance communication, teamwork, and performance under pressure.
Luke Saldern, National Referee Program Manager for Touch Football Australia (TFA), has been instrumental in introducing DISC Profiling into their Referee Development Program. First exposed to Athlete Assessments DISC Profiling during his own induction to the organization in 2013, Saldern quickly saw the impact it could have on match officials, particularly through the facilitated sessions that build self-awareness, communication skills, and performance under pressure.
“I hadn’t heard of DISC before, but I went through my profile and talked the DISC process through with my managers,” Saldern explained “Then at our staff conference, Bo Hanson, Athlete Assessments’ Founder & Lead Consultant, facilitated a session with us. It was insightful, and I thought it’d be really relevant to match officials, helping them learn more about themselves and each other in high-pressure scenarios.”
Why Referees Deserve the Same Investment as Players and Coaches
Saldern’s personal experience with Athlete Assessments DISC Profiling led to the integration of DISC Profiling within Touch Football Australia’s National Referee Squad (NRS), where all 20 referees completed their DISC Profiles and shared them with one another. “One thing people often forget, is that the referees on the field are a team as well.”
“DISC became a really good way of interacting with each other, getting the best out of our people and getting to know each other as individuals.”
Referee development is often overlooked in many sports, but Saldern emphasizes that without referees, there is no game. “It’s probably a cliche, but it’s very true that if there’s no referee, there’s no game. So, investment in referees is just as important as developing coaches and players.”
A Game Changer in Developing Officials
TFA’s High-Performance Referee Program, places a particular focus on enhancing the quality of officiating, recognizing the direct impact match officials have on the product being delivered. With growing exposure through television broadcasts, including a recent deal with Sky Sport New Zealand, ensuring elite-level officiating is paramount.
“We’re trying to grow and promote our sport, and it’s important that we continue to invest in our match officials just as much as our players and our coaches, because at the end of the day, it takes everyone to drive the sport forward.”
A Comprehensive Year-Round Development Program
Touch Football’s unique structure means that referees officiate at all levels throughout the year. From weekly park competitions to state and national tournaments, referees are constantly engaged in the sport. The Touch Football Australia High-Performance Referee Program closely monitors these officials, not just for evaluation but also for talent identification.
“The program also provides an opportunity to identify younger match officials coming through the pathway, and put time into their development,” Saldern said.
Real Time Results: DISC in Action on the Gold Coast
Early in 2025, a three-day referee development program on the Gold Coast showcased the power of DISC Profiling in real-time. Building upon the earlier work using Athlete Assessments’ DISC Profiling with the officials in 2024, the program kicked off with an in-depth DISC session led by Bo Hanson, setting the tone for the weekend.
“We wanted to work on building the connection between referees from all over Australia. It was about understanding each other as individuals but also recognizing how everybody reacts under pressure.” - Luke Saldern
The session went beyond theoretical learning, incorporating physical challenges designed to push officials outside their comfort zones. “Our game has become so quick. Responding to that challenge, we put our referees through fitness testing to get their heart rates up, then had them complete tasks under fatigue. It was interesting to see how different behavioral styles interacted, some styles helped the task, while others made it harder,” he noted.
The DISC principles continued to be reinforced over the weekend, with activities such as cognitive challenges under pressure, rules quizzes after physical exertion, and memory tasks combined with physical sets. These exercises emphasized the need for adaptability and effective communication.
From Insight to Impact: What Referees Learned About Themselves
The DISC Profiling session was widely regarded as the most impactful part of the program. “We had a feedback session at the end, it was definitely the most popular session. The group found it the most insightful. They learned about themselves and how they default to their natural state under pressure,” Saldern shared.
One standout moment was witnessing a high Dominance ‘D’ style referee actively working on adjusting the directness of their communication. “He had a goal of not always being the first to speak. You could see him physically holding back, tapping his foot, crossing his hands, trying to let others go first. It was fascinating to watch.”
Sustaining Success: The Long-Term Role of DISC at TFA
The success of DISC Profiling within TFA’s referee program has cemented its place as a permanent fixture in future development plans. “It’s something we’re not going to just do once and move on. It will continue to be part of our onboarding process for new referees and an ongoing part of our high-performance program,” Saldern stated.
The impact of DISC Profiling extends beyond the referees themselves, influencing the coaching staff as well. “Our volunteer coaches found it so valuable to understand the individuals they work with. Some explained how they even review a referee’s DISC Profile before one-on-one meetings so they can tailor their approach,” he said.
"‘DISC Profiling' will continue to be a part of our onboarding process for new referees and an ongoing part of our high-performance program."
13 Years of Partnership: A Model for Best Practice in Sport
“So often we hear, ‘Oh, we’ve done DISC,’ but the reality is, it’s something you continue to build upon. Having a consistent framework, rather than reinventing the wheel each year. This consistency is what makes Touch Football Australia’s approach a best practice example.” – Rebekah Box, Athlete Assessments
Touch Football Australia’s partnership with Athlete Assessments stands as a testament to the power of investing in people. With 13 years of collaboration the relationship exemplifies how behavioral profiling can enhance team dynamics, leadership, and performance. As Touch Football Australia continues to grow as a sport, so too does the commitment to developing elite referees who can perform at their best under pressure, ensuring a stronger and more professional game for all.
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If you would like to explore how Athlete Assessments can contribute to the development of your professional staff, coaches, referees, or athletes, we encourage you to reach out. Our tailored approach means that we can collaborate with you to build a personalized program that is designed to address the areas that matter the most to your organisation and teams.
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