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Match Officials

Match Officials before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kerry and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin.

Match Officials before the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kerry and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin.

The referee and his fellow match officials are entrusted with a weighty role - to apply the rules of our games. Gaelic Games is unique in that the team of match officials consists of a referee, two linesmen, four umpires and the sideline official.

The essential role, responsibility and privilege of the team of match officials is to apply the rules in order to create the conditions for our games to be played well. Proper application of the rules creates these conditions. In that way we will value those players that play with skill, courage, commitment, genius, flair, strength and legitimate aggression. 

GAA Referee Recruitment

Are you interested in becoming a referee? Think you can do better? Then “Put your whistle where your mouth is” and “Become a GAA Referee”!

The GAA have Referee Administrators & Recruitment Officers in each of the 32 Counties to help you get started and assist you in progress as a referee.

Why Become a GAA Referee?

  • Stay involved with the game as an alternative to playing
  • Fitness – It’s a great way to keep fit
  • Ambition – could you referee a County Final or even an All-Ireland?
  • Learn more about the game
  • Give Something Back - offers players, at the end of their playing days, the opportunity to continue in the sport
  • Personal Development - helps to develop personal skills that are of value in all walks of life

What qualities are required to become a GAA Referee?

  • Good knowledge of the playing rules
  • Be physically and mentally fit
  • Have the ability to remain calm
  • Have the moral courage to take decisions which are correct

How do I become a Referee?

The first thing to do, is to contact your local Referee Administrator or Recruitment Officer who will give you details on upcoming GAA Referee Foundation Course in your local area, which you will have to complete before you can referee games. GAA Club Referee Course is a blended learning course, this comprises of an online GAA Learning course, and a one day in-person session delivered by GAA Referee Tutors. To learn more click HERE.

An exclusive look behind the scenes for Referee Alan Kelly on the day he took charge of Dublin v Cork in the Allianz Hurling League.