REFEREE AIDAN REDICAN – a senior observer with the FAI – has appealed for those interested in taking up a career in refereeing to get involved.
Redican was speaking at the AGM of the Donegal League, which took place tonight at Diamond Park in Ballyare, where he confirmed there are 65 referees in total Donegal with the average age being “too high” at 48.
“We’ve noticed that the refereeing population tends to go up in times of recession and then down in better times,” he said. “Most of them want to cover schoolboys’ football. The average age of a referee in Ireland is 40 or 41 but it’s 48 in Donegal and that’s too high. It’s not a crisis yet but it’s heading towards it.”
Last year there was a referring course held in Donegal with 17 participants, with only six going on to officiate.
“That’s a substantial drop-off,” Redican added. “It’s a challenging pass time but it gets easier the more people work at it. We plan to hold another course in August but we need at least 15 people taking part or else the FAI will not run it.”
Redican congratulated local official Marty McGarrigle, who was assistant referee for the recent FAI Cup Cup final.
“That proves there is a future and that there are pathways there.,” Redican said. “Please encourage anyone who you know who might be interested in refereeing to give it consideration.”
Whilst Redican was complimentary of the media coverage received by the league from local newspapers, websites and radio stations, he did warn of the perils of social media.
“It’s a great tool,” he said. “We all use Facebook and the Sport Hub and the internet in general. But it’s important to treat things with respect. If people chose to comment on social media, I feel that scathing attacks are unfair. These then can be added to and it can roll on for a month or so.
“The internet can be a dangerous place when it brings integrity into question.”
There will be changes to the laws of the game from June 1. However, Redican did point out that following must first be cleared by the FAI and then the Donegal League.
He added that his personal opinion was that it “might take some time” for the FAI to pass them. so not to expect them locally for the time being.
They – from the IFAB (International Football Association Board) are:
Law 3: National FAs can allow a maximum of five substitutions (except at top level).
National FAs can now allow return substitutions in youth, veterans and disability football.
Law 5: National FAs can allow temporary dismissals (sin bins) for some all cautions in youth, veterans, disability and grassroots football.
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