A further Foundation Level 1 Referee Course for new referees will take place in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Thursday 29^th September and Thursday 6^th October (7pm to 9:30pm).

I am requesting that your club make every effort to recruit a new referee so as to ensure that the increasing volume of games from underage to adult can take place with a suitably qualified referee.

Already this year we have trained  42 new referees through 3 courses. I thank the clubs who have helped in the recruitment of referees in the recent past but I especially ask that clubs who haven’t a club referee to make every effort, by actively asking  a suitably able club member to go forward to do the new referee course.

Over the last number of months the Referee Development Working Group consisting of County Referees Administrator Niall Barrett, Jim McEvoy Rebel Óg Referees Secretary and myself as Referee Recruitment Officer have been working together to see how we can recruit, retain and develop refereeing within the County. This work is ongoing. Refereeing is an area that really needs more investment in terms of putting in better structures, supports and development.

Some of the work to date has been to survey to all clubs in the County garnering suggestions as to how to make refereeing more attractive to members. A further survey conducted was to see how our 42 new recruits were fairing and see how they feel they can be better supported. The next questionnaire will be for all 234 referees in the county.  By analysing the feedback and input from new and established referees we aim to develop a proper strategic plan for refereeing in order to raise the profile of refereeing and to make it a better supported system and a more attractive role in the association. A further part of the work in developing the plan will be to engage with Officers and Referee administrators from all Divisions including Rebel Og Regions along with the County Board Executive.

 Sharing of Information about the new course

In the coming days there will be social media postings on twitter/facebook and I ask that you share these on your social media accounts. Information is already available on the Cork GAA website https://gaacork.ie/referees/

Before attending, participants must do a 1 hour online module in order to attend the two face to face sessions in Páirc Ui Chaoimh. This course is specifically for new referees who wish to referee Gaelic Football and Hurling. Please note that all new referees will have to be Garda Vetted before officiating at any games.

Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to take part in this course. Closing date for applications is Friday 16th September and successful applicants will be informed by email on Tuesday 20th September. Places are limited. Course tutors will include All Ireland Referees Conor Lane, Diarmuid Kirwan, Michael Collins, and myself. For specific queries about becoming a referee you can email refereerecruitment.cork@gaa.ie

The direct link to apply for the Foundation Level 1 Referee Course is at this link https://forms.office.com/r/nUxqiXgMya

Thanking you in advance for your co-operation.

Colm Lyons