Rising Star in Refereeing: The Journey of Waitemata FC's Campbell Miles

Seventeen-year-old Campbell Miles, has been a staple in the local football scene since he began playing at the tender age of four. His journey through the sport has seen him evolve from a passionate young player to a burgeoning referee.

Campbell's football career began with Waitakere United (now West Coast Rangers) before transferring to Waitemata FC, where he has played for the past four years.Early Beginnings in RefereeingCampbell’s interest in refereeing sparked when he was just 13 years old, officiating his younger brother’s 10th grade games at Waitakere United.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary halt, but this break did not dampen his enthusiasm. Upon returning to football, he pursued formal refereeing qualifications, starting with a Community Referee Course and progressing to a Level 1 course later in the year.

His first NRF official assignment was a 13th-grade NRFL match between Western Springs and Ellerslie. "I was nervous and worried about time-keeping, but I really enjoyed the experience and had a good game,". An assessor present at the match provided valuable feedback, emphasizing the importance of confidence in decision-making and using the whistle.

Growing Experience

Since then, Campbell has become a regular fixture in the refereeing community. He officiates weekly in the 13th and 14th-grade NRFL competitions, in addition to volunteering at his school and continuing to referee his brother's games. His commitment to improving his refereeing skills is evident in his consistent performance and the rapport he builds with players.

Campbell is extremely proud to have recently achieved passing the referee level 2 award. His thirst and enthusiasm for knowledge is truly inspiring.

The Joys and Challenges of Refereeing

For Campbell, the most rewarding aspect of refereeing is deepening his understanding of the laws of the game. This knowledge has not only improved his refereeing but has also enhanced his playing skills, helping him understand and share with his team mates what they can and cannot do on the field.

However, refereeing is not without its challenges. "The hardest part is getting a decision wrong and realizing it immediately after the incident or after the game, especially if it impacts the outcome,". Despite these challenges, Campbell remains resolute and even reversed a penalty decision recently, realising his mistake and awarding the correct decision, a move he is proud of for its integrity.

Encouraging Future Referees

Campbell encourages other young people interested in refereeing to attend a Community Referee course. "At the very worst, you’ll learn more about the game. If you enjoy it, it can become a lifelong hobby," he says, highlighting the benefits of staying involved in football regardless of playing ability.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Campbell has ambitious goals. In the short term, he aims to officiate at the Kanga Cup youth tournament in Australia. His long-term dream is to achieve the FIFA referee badge and officiate at the highest levels, including the A-League and international tournaments.

Campbell also emphasizes the need for more referees in the sport. "We are always short on referees. Helping out with your local team makes such a big difference, so give it a go!"

A Lesser-Known Rule

As a parting note, Campbell shares an intriguing rule: "If you score from a direct free kick into your own net, it’s not a goal." This fun fact underscores his comprehensive grasp of the game's laws.

With his passion and dedication, Campbell Miles is a promising referee in New Zealand, embodying the spirit of the game through his commitment and enthusiasm.His family and Waitemata FC are extremely proud of Campbell and we are excited to watch him grow and support his refereeing journey.