News

The Association has organised a series of events for the week to promote refereeing and to help attract more recruits into the game.

On Sunday the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association held a Conference at the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown with the theme “Improving Standards.”   Speakers included local referees Arnie Hunter, Chris Morrow and Gerry Flynn, and IFA Referee Development Officer, Alan Snoddy. 

On Tuesday (February 26) the focus is on recruitment in the North West with a beginner’s class starting in the Templemore Leisure Complex at 7pm.   Anyone interested in training to be a referee is invited to attend and qualify to officiate in youth and junior football in the North West area.

Northern Irelandmanager Nigel Worthington will also add his support to Referees Week and emphasise the importance of the role of the referee at all levels within the game.

On the evening of Wednesday (February 27) two IFA Youth Cup Finals will be played with both games being looked after by the best young referees in Northern Ireland. They have showed potential during the season and are being rewarded for their performances so far this year.

IFA Referee Development Officer, Alan Snoddy said: “We have improved our structures to identify young talent and I am delighted to see these referees making progress in the game and I am confident some of them will move up the ladder in the near future.”

James Humphries, Northern Ireland Manager, Toyota (GB) Plc, said: “We are delighted to be supporting the IFA’s ‘Referees Week’ and the series of events re-iterates the IFA’s commitment to the on-going coaching, mentoring and support for new and existing referees throughout Northern Ireland.”

On Thursday and Friday (February 28 and 29) a recruitment stand will be open at the Connswater Shopping Centre, Belfast and information on becoming a referee will be available.

For more information on becoming a referee email: referees@irishfa.com