Dublin GAA in urgent appeal for referees due to 'chronic shortage'

Dublin GAA have admitted there is a 'chronic shortage' of referees as they urge people to sign up for a training course.

The County Board have put out an appeal for adult games referees due to the shortage and are calling on new sign ups.

Posting an advertisement, they said: "Due to the chronic shortage of referees at adult level and with a new season in sight, Coiste na Réiteoirí are running a new referee course to qualify participants to referee at adult football and/or hurling.

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"Refereeing is a great way to keep fit, learn about the game and its rules and give something back to the game.

"This course will take place in late January/early February with dates TBC. Two in-person modules plus two online modules are mandatory."

Applicants must be over 18 years olds, physically and mentally fit, open to constructive feedback, remain calm under pressure and have good knowledge of playing rules.

Much has been made about referee shortages around the country with many clubs and counties bringing in measures to reduce onfield and sideline abuse.

The new football rules will see a ball brought forward 50 metres if criticising the referee which is seen as a major move forward in stamping out abuse.

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