Story perspectives

Convicted Child Abuser Officiated Junior Football for Years

2/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Timothy McDougall, with two child sexual abuse convictions, has officiated junior Touch Football NSW games for over a decade.
McDougall did so by exploiting a loophole.
Office of the Children’s Guardian says referees are not required to have working with children checks unless conditions apply.
McDougall's attempts to obtain a working with children check were denied, and it remains unclear whether his history was disclosed to the national governing body.

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Story summary

Timothy McDougall, with two child sexual abuse convictions, has officiated junior Touch Football NSW games for over a decade.
McDougall did so by exploiting a loophole.
Office of the Children’s Guardian says referees are not required to have working with children checks unless conditions apply.
McDougall's attempts to obtain a working with children check were denied, and it remains unclear whether his history was disclosed to the national governing body.