Limerick GAA calls for future referees to ‘Take the whistle. Take the lead’

Limerick GAA calls for future referee enthusiasts to ‘Take the whistle. Take the lead’. Picture via Limerickgaa.ie

Limerick GAA has called for people interested in becoming a referee to get involved and ‘Take the whistle. Take the lead’

With the message that, “Our Games can’t happen without referees. Take the whistle. Take the lead,” Limerick GAA has put out the call for people to get involved and become referees and match officials.

The referee and match officials are entrusted with a vital role – to apply the rules of our games. Gaelic Games is unique in that the team of match officials consists of a referee, two linespersons, 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.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

There are Referee Administrators in each of the Gaelic Games units to help you get started and assist you in progress as a referee.

The GAA says that by becoming a Gaelic Games Referee, members will stay involved with the game as an alternative to playing, it offers a great way to keep fit, and feeds ambition as people could eventually referee a County Final or even an All-Ireland.

The opportunity also allows the opportunity to learn more about the game while giving back to the community by offering players, at the end of their playing days, the opportunity to continue in the sport. It also allows for personal development by developing personal skills that are of value in all walks of life.

Limerick GAA say the qualities sought after in a referee are, “Good knowledge of the playing rules; be physically and mentally fit; have the ability to remain calm; and have the moral courage to take decisions which are correct.”

Those interested in becoming a referee can apply through the Limerick GAA website, they say, “Your local Referee Administrator will be provided with your details and will advise on upcoming Referee Foundation Course in your local area, which you will have to complete before you can referee games. The Club Referee Course is a blended learning course, which comprises of an online Learning course, and in-person sessions delivered by Referee Tutors.”