The Creative Championship is introducing the Referee of the Year award to its list of seasonal awards given in recognition of top talents in the league.

What is the Referee of the Year Award? 

This award, to be given at the end of the season, will recognize and reward referees who demonstrate consistency, professionalism, integrity, and excellence in officiating throughout the season.

The award will be based on the TCC’s official Referee Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) System and will recognize three (3) referees across Lagos State and Ogun State – the two states that host TCC games. A cash prize pool of ₦1,500,000 will be shared among the three finalists, with winnings paid directly from the TCC to each winner.

What’s the Prize Pool?

A cash prize pool of ₦1,500,000 will be awarded to the three finalists in the order below:

• 1st Place: ₦1,000,000
• 2nd Place: ₦300,000
• 3rd Place: ₦200,000

What is the Selection Process?

• Stage 1: All eligible referees will be ranked based on their average cumulative M&E score for the season.
• Stage 2: The top three referees (highest average ratings) will be shortlisted.
• Stage 3: The TCC will conduct a final review to ensure all eligibility and conduct criteria have been met.
• Stage 4: Winners will be officially announced at the end of the season.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for the Referee of the Year Award, a referee must meet all of the following conditions:

1. M&E System Participation: Only referees fully evaluated through the TCC’s Referee M&E system (including performance ratings, punctuality, communication, and control metrics) will be considered.
2. Minimum Games Officiated: Must have officiated at least 15 TCC League and Cup matches during the season. This includes Center Referee and Assistant Referee assignments.
3. Punctuality & Professional Conduct: Any referee who arrives late to a match venue and causes a delay to kick-off or disrupts match operations will be automatically disqualified from award consideration.
4. Disciplinary Conduct: Any referee involved in a physical or verbal altercation with players, coaches, team officials, fans, or league staff will be immediately ineligible for the award.
5. Integrity & Fair Play: Any referee reported or found guilty of bias, match manipulation, or unethical behavior during the season will be disqualified, regardless of his/her M&E score.
6. Attendance & Availability: Must have maintained a consistent level of availability throughout the season, with no unexcused absences from assigned matches.
7. Training & Development: Referees who attend league-organized training, workshops, or refresher courses will be eligible for additional evaluation points or tie-breaker advantage.

Grounds for Disqualification?

A referee will be immediately removed from being considered for the award if s/he:

• Causes match delay through lateness
• Engages in a physical or verbal altercation
• Receives an official misconduct report
• Misses 3 or more assigned matches without valid reason
• Fails to meet minimum match requirement (15 games)