Australian referees are continuing to develop their skills – and reputations – at an international level, with a number of local match officials being selected for international appointments.

As reported recently, five Australian referees have been chosen to officiate at the 2012 London Olympic Games Football Tournament.

Sarah Ho, Allyson Flynn, Ben Williams, Matthew Cream and Hakan Anaz were selected by a FIFA selection panel to become a major part of the 15-strong delegation of AFC referees.

Canberra soccer referees Ben Williams and Allyson Flynn will officiate at the London Olympic Games.

Jogging around Lake Burley Griffin one day to running out on the hallowed turf of Old Trafford the next. That's the scenario facing Ben Williams and Allyson Flynn, as the Canberra referees count down the days until they live their dream and officiate at the London Olympic Games.

While Australia might not be playing football at the Olympics, Victoria will still be represented by referee Hakan Anaz.

Victorian match official Hakan Anaz will represent both his state and nation after being selected as one of Australia’s three match officials travelling to the London Olympic Games to officiate in the men’s football competition in 2012. [The others are Ben Williams (ACT) and Matthew Cream (SA), with Sarah Ho (NSW) and Allyson Flynn (ACT) at the women's competition. - AusRef]

The referee’s job is not meant to be a popular one. The referees are there to make sure the game is played within the laws. I can assure you that the last thing the referee wants to be is the centre of attention.

However, sometimes the game does not allow that and the truly great referees are the ones who have the courage to take the big decisions.