There’s no getting around it - we have a shortage of referees in our Club!

We were notified yesterday that with effect from 2022, all clubs will be required to have one referee for every two teams entered in competitions. Clubs who fail to have the required number of referees will not be allowed to enter competitions.

At CCC1 level, U8 – U12, and U7, Clubs must provide their own referees. Traditionally, these referees have been sourced via our Cinnirí TY programme. However, covid has delayed the GAA referee courses. (LGFA & Camogie Go Games referring courses have been available online.)

At CCC2 level, U13 – U16, referees have traditionally been assigned to games by the Referee CoOrdinators.

Bórd na nÓg have advised the County Board Management Committee that they now have an acute shortage of referees at CCC2 level. They are currently prioritising the older age groups and asking clubs to self-referee, but they may be forced to postpone games due to the refereeing shortage. It is also becoming a problem at adult level.

All Clubs have a responsibility to provide individuals to officiate at games.

On Tuesday 28 September, we have to provide a list to Dublin GAA outlining the people in our Club who would be prepared to become a referee, at CCC1, CCC2 and adult level. Training courses will be provided for these candidates. The number of people on this list will affect the number of teams we'll be able to enter!

Referees are remunerated by each team for the games they oversee. €20 for U8-U11 rising to €40 at older & adult level.

To be a ref in St Pats, there are 2 requirements:
•             You must be a member
•             You must be aged 15

Once you satisfy these conditions, there is a clear development path ahead for you:

· Upon completion of the Go-Games level 1 course, you can ref games from U8-U10 (GAA) or U8s -U11 (LGFA / Camogie)

· After one full year of reffing at this level, you can complete the Level 2 course which will allow you to ref U11-U12 (GAA) or U12 – 16 (LGFA / Camogie)

· After another year’s experience – once you’re aged 18 – you can complete the adult course to ref CCC2 U13 – U16 (GAA) or Adult (LGFA / Camogie)

In order to enter our teams for next year, we need more referees!

If you’d like to join our Refereeing Panel, please email info@stpatsgaa.com by next Tuesday; Órlaith & Fiachra will get you on the list.

Please don’t leave it and assume someone else will do it; we need your help now!