GAA:The GAA today unveiled a new "Referee Development Plan" which will underpin the role of referees and match officials within the Association for the next five years.
The plan outlines a “clear pathway for the development and progression of referees from club level right up to the inter county scene…and sets out criteria that must be met in order for referees to reach the highest levels”.
The report also outlines refereeing structures plus training and recruitment guidelines for both inter county and club referees.
GAA president Christy Cooney believes the initiative will put refereeing on a stronger footing for the next five years.
“Anyone who interacts with our games, at any level, will appreciate the importance of referees in our games,” said Cooney.
“While there is an onus on us to recognise their crucial role, there is also a responsibility on us to ensure that we offer our match officials every assistance in helping to become the best referees that they can be.
“This is a clearly defined and well structured plan and one that I believe will be to the betterment of everyone who already picks up the whistle or may be considering doing so over the life span of the plan, which runs for the next five years.”