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How often have you watched a football match and criticised the referee, for what you think is a terrible decision? How often have you thought that I could do a better than that and now here's your chance.
Believe it or not refereeing is very enjoyable, it will keep you fit and it's not a contact sport for the referee (well not usually). Those of you that have retired from the game, it's an opportunity for you still to
be involved in making it more enjoyable and fairer for fellow enthusiasts on a Saturday.
At junior level new referees are needed to fill the shortfall of referees after the upsurge in youth football. For the younger referee it is quite possible to go all the way to the top of the refereeing ladder in
world football, something that only a chosen few will be able to attain as a footballer.
In recent years we have seen an increase in popularity in women's football and here again there is a need not only for male referees but also female members. The rewards for female referees are now huge with the
growth of women's football. There is a golden opportunity to grace the world stage as a FIFA Official.
To qualify as a referee you will need to undertake a six-week course, which normally runs for two hours, one night a week. All necessary materials will be provided and a qualified IFA Referee's Instructor will
take you through the course. Once passed you may referee your first game and you will then be instructed as to how the promotion system works.
Anyone interested in taking up the whistle male or female, young or old then should get in touch with Irish Football Association or your local recruitment officer, this could start you on the path to Irish League and
who knows FIFA or for some just the chance to be involved in local football.
Beginner's courses are organised provence wide and are taken by IFA Referee Instructors. So now your chance to become a referee. Why don't you contact the Referee's Department at the IFA on 02890 669458 or
Raymond Hetherington on 07876617670.
Click here for frequently asked questions
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