Amid a shortage of referees in many counties, the GAA is set to launch a major programme of investment in match officials to maximise support, respect and role performance.
Several officials across the country have spoken about a shortage of referees across the association.
In his address to Cork's GAA convention recently, CEO Kevin O’Donovan addressed the matter.
"While there remains a band of outstanding officials operating across the county, it is clear that the numbers are not increasing in line with the number of games now being played at all levels," he wrote.
"An increased focus will be required in all units on the recruitment and retention of referees and a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of officials must be adhered to.
"Indeed, the now seemingly automatic reflex to appeal almost any proposed penalty is most disappointing. Clubs have a responsibility here to discourage those that they must know to be guilty from submitting frivolous appeals and thus undermining the credibility of referees and their reports."
Other counties reported a drift of referees to other codes, struggles to cope with increasing games schedules, or simply not being able to replace officials who stepped away.
Typically, Offaly GAA had in the region of 56 referees operating within the county, but that number dropped to 40, prompting them to launch a recruitment drive last week.
In Mayo, this season there will be in excess of 3,000 games played with between 60 to 65 referees available to cover those games. It means each official will have in the region of 50 games to officiate.
At central level the GAA yesterday revealed its new strategic plan 'Aontas 2026 – Towards One GAA for All’.
Aside from the goal of integrating six codes into one association, another significant statement was the revelation of plans to recruit and retain referees in greater numbers across the board.
The goal is to identify officials, help them officiate games to higher standards arising from an increased investment in training and development, and to experience significantly higher levels of respect from players, managers and supporters.
This will incorporate the allocation of resources needed to grow the pool of referees, to overhaul the culture of lack of respect towards them, and improve officiating standards.
Firstly, an analysis of the requirement for additional resources to support the programme must take place.
From there the GAA plans to build capacity to develop club referees and modernise committee structures and roles for referee administration.
A major annual referee recruitment campaign will be held as well as frequent engagement with referees and match officials to determine what can be done to improve their experiences with players, managers and supporters.
This new initiative is part of a variety of objectives to realise the GAA’s vision as a sustainable community-based and volunteer-led association.
A specialised committee will be formed to implement programmes and will include GAA president Larry McCarthy, director-general Tom Ryan and the four provincial secretaries / CEOs.
The committee will meet on a regular basis and hold a mid-point review in February 2024.
