More than 80 referees attended a development day at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park at the weekend.
The event, which was organised by the Irish FA’s refereeing department in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Referees Association, was aimed at referees and observers who operate at the Junior and Intermediate levels of football in Northern Ireland.
Those attending heard presentations on dissent/conflict management from Irish FA Grassroots Referee Officer Trevor Moutray and on the severity of challenges by lead instructor Davy Best. And a presentation on the rules around handball was delivered by Irish FA Referee Development Officer Tony Sharkey.
The association’s Senior Refereeing Manager, Andrew Davey, opened the day with an update on refereeing procedures along with clarifications on Laws of the Game updates for the 2025-26 season.
The event closed with a question and answer session featuring FIFA referee Ben McMaster, FIFA assistant referee Adam Jeffrey and NIFL Premiership referee Shane McGonigle.
The three refs discussed their careers to date, including the many ups and downs faced by match officials at all levels, and gave advice to the referees in the room who are aspiring to step up to the next level.
Refs development day at National Stadium
