The South Australian Football Referees Association has a history dating back to 1978, we have been an integral part in the football community being a source of referee development for over 40 years. 

​SAFRA was formed in May 1978. Formally known as South Australian Amateur Soccer Referees Association (SAASRA) until 27th September 2021. The Association has eight objectives. The main two objectives are to provide officials for fixtures played in the South Australian Amateur Soccer League (SAASL) and to promote the interests of football match officials. The Association also provides referees for school competitions and other competitions as required.

"A PROUD history Serving the SA football community for
​over 40 years"

At its inception the Association consisted of about twenty members. It held its first meeting at the Black Lion Hotel located adjacent to Hindmarsh Stadium. The inaugural management committee of the Association comprised Bob Armstrong (President), George Turner (Secretary), Bill Graham, Zoran Kalocsia and Harry Sime. Ian Gossland of the SAASL was the ex-officio.

In October 1984 the Association became an incorporated body under the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act 1956. The President at the time was Norm Gorringe and the first public officer was (John) Gordon Gosnold.
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After formation, the Association continued to hold its meetings at the Black Lion Hotel before moving in 1983 to the Tubemakers Sports and Social Club and then back to the Black Lion Hotel in 1990. The Association used a number of venues after 1997 before settling in at the SAASL Headquarters at Grange from 2001 to 2015, and then from 2015 to 2019 the association again used a number of venues. In 2020 the Association now has its meeting at FSA - VALO Football Centre – The Parks, 46 Cowan Street, Angle Park SA 5010.

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Our association services SAASL with the provision of Referees and Assistant Referees. The SAASL administers Saturday and Sunday competitions at both senior and veteran levels. SAFRA also provides services for school competitions.