Airlie Keen

“Nobody likes being abused.  We have no problem recruiting referees because it can be fun and rewarding, but it's hard to keep them because when they get abused they give it away.  Please respect referees - give them a go and don't abuse them. Remember if there's no ref, there's no game.”

Place of Birth

Adelaide, Australia

Current Football Position

Match Official in the Football Federation SA Competitions

Highest Level Reached

Appointed to FIFA Women’s Assistant Referee Panel in 2001, retired from National and International officiating in 2011

Officiating Career

Commenced officiating in the local leagues in 1995
Appointed FIFA Women's Assistant Referee Panel – 2001
FIFA U19 Women’s World Cup Canada - 2002
FIFA Women’s World Cup USA - 2003
Athens Olympic Games - 2004
FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Russia - 2006
FIFA Women’s World Cup China - 2007
FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup - 2008
Youth Olympics Singapore - 2010
FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Trinidad & Tobago – 2010
A number of other AFC and OFC tournaments and qualifying rounds

Most Memorable Moment

Officiating in the opening game of the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup at Shanghai's Hongkou Football Stadium in front of 28,000 fans. It was a spectacular opening ceremony

Important Message about Officiating

Opportunities for officials are endless and would urge all aspiring referees, particularly females, to keep at it.

A lot of commitment, dedication and persistence is required but the rewards are endless. Officiating can take you right around the world

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