The Tyrone GAA Strategic Plan for 2013-2017 recognised how important Referees are within Tyrone GAA and proposed that an Academy would be formed to identify new Referees with the purpose of educating and training referees at youth level and to eventually integrate them into the refereeing structures at youth, senior and inter county levels as they progress.
In line with the County’s Strategic Plan, Tyrone Referees Committee has developed a Referees Academy for the County. This academy, which will be an essential part of a “Referee Career Pathway”, is aimed at 16-19 year olds and will consist of a series of workshops which will offer candidates structured and comprehensive development opportunities. These workshops will include learning the rules of our games, gaining life skills in communication and interaction with the existing Referee group in the County. These workshops will be organised over the winter months.
Clubs should remember that a club referee is as important to a club as a player as our games cannot proceed without them. Therefore, the same emphasis should be put on the club committees to identify a person or persons within that club that has the qualities and ability to fulfil the Referee’s role and represent your club. For example, you could look at your Minor team and identify the players who might not progress to playing at senior level. This academy offers these young people the opportunity to progress quickly. Early progression into the Ulster Referees Academy is available.
If you have any queries regarding recruitment please feel free to contact Pat McAtee via e-mail or mobile using the following details patmcatee2@gmail.com or 07702 736600. As you identify recruits within your club, can you please forward their names.
