Becoming a Referee

Referees provide a vital function in servicing all levels of the game. Refereeing is also a fantastic hobby and is increasingly becoming a genuine alternative to playing the game.

Whether you have aspirations to referee at the highest level or to referee locally, there is a place for you. There are excellent support structures in place to develop referees and a thriving social aspect too.

Benefits

There are a number of benefits to becoming a referee:

  • Refereeing is a great way to stay involved in the game. You are in the thick of the action on the pitch.
  • Fitness is a key element to refereeing and provides our referees with a great incentive to maintain their fitness.
  • Education is an ongoing part of being a referee.
  • There are monthly meetings to keep all referees up to date with all aspects of the law.
  • This means our referees are constantly learning and up to date with the latest law changes and interpretations.
  • Whatever level you aspire to referee at there is a place for you – refereeing underage games in your area, or adult games throughout your province.
  • For referees who perform at a consistently high level there are opportunities to referee nationally in the Energia All Ireland League.
  • There is an excellent social aspect to refereeing. You will meet a broad range of new people and forge new friendships.
  • You will gain membership to your provincial association/society. Benefits of this include access to tickets.
  • Once you become a full member of your provincial association/society you will have access to all the referee gear.
  • This is exclusive to members and the gear is supplied by the province’s official kit supplier.

Steps to becoming a referee

  • If you are interested in becoming a referee you should make contact with the referee development manager / officer in your province. They will talk you though the process in detail and let you know when the next New Referee Course is set to take place.
  • The New Referee Course is a day long course which takes place on a Saturday or Sunday. Once you complete course you will become a Trial Member of your association/society.

Referees will receive mentoring and support on an on going basis once they begin the trial member process. This will include three follow up workshops which usually run for 90 minutes once a month. Progression to full membership is based on a combination of ability, commitment and fitness.

Referee Development Staff

Andrew Fogarty – Connacht
Referee Development Manager
Andrew.Fogarty@irfu.ie
086 63490818

Sean Gallagher – Leinster
Referee Development Manager
Sean.Gallagher@irfu.ie
086 1003985

Olly Hodges– Munster
Referee Development Manager
Olly.Hodges@irfu.ie
087 8596289

Richard Kerr – Ulster
Referee Development Manager
Richard.kerr@irfu.ie
00 44 (0) 7493868388

 

I only want to referee in my own club

If you only wish to referee in your own club or school then the Affiliate Referee scheme is for you. For more details click here