Referee Maggie Farrelly during the 2023 Currentaccount.ie LGFA All-Ireland Senior Club Championship final match between Ballymacarby of Waterford and Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The three Gaelic Games Associations have today launched a major new initiative aimed at supporting the development and pathway for female referees across football, Ladies football, hurling and camogie. The Camogie Association, LGFA and GAA have collaborated to secure the support of the Sport Ireland Women in Sport Fund and will run the programme throughout 2025.
The Female Referee Academy has been devised to develop aspiring female referees aged 18+ years within the Gaelic Games Family with the aim to increase the number of women officiating within the sports by providing a programme that supports their development as officials and encourages them to achieve their officiating ambitions.
The programme consists of 7 contact days, first day and final day will take place in a Dublin venue, two dates at regional venues and the remaining dates will take place online. There will be a focus on Technical, Physical, Mental and Tactical development whilst also providing practical referee experience on top of ongoing support and advice.
This is a robust referee development programme aimed at ambitious female officials and participants cannot be on a Provincial or National Referee Panel but must be currently refereeing in their county and have a minimum of 3 years’ experience refereeing competitive games from U13+.
The benefits for involvement include:
· Engaging with like-minded officials in Ladies Gaelic Football
· Enhanced communication skills as an official
· Techniques to motivate and inspire you and your team of officials
· Training and advice from experienced trainers and officials
· Practical opportunities at local, provincial and national level
· Feedback and support from assigned mentor
· Confidence in your own abilities through practical learning and application
Applications are now open with a maximum of 20 places available.
Apply now using this LINK.
For further information please contact:
Lizzie Flynn, LGFA Head of Match Official Development Lizzie.flynn@lgfa.ie
Or
Jenny Byrne, Camogie Referee Education & Development Co-Ordinator, jenny.byrne@camogie.ie
Click below to access the full brochure.