We Are Free Riding, I Am Afraid

Post date: Feb 17, 2012 11:58:13 AM

Complaining about the quality of referees is common among supporters of all clubs and Moycullen is no exception but if clubs and members fail to step up and provide referees, what can they expect. Despite the great history we have of referees with Morgan Darcy, refereeing at the highest level, we currently supply no referee to the county. After flying the flag for many years, Tom McDermott has technically stood down, although he continues to help out on occasion. Our next door neighbours by comparison supply three referees. The problem is the same at addult level but clearly because of the number of different grades, club and schools competitions at underage there is a crisis. Volunteers please!!!

COISTE IOMÁNA NA NOG

17u Feabhra, 2012

A Chara,

Last year there were almost 650 hurling games played in the 12 to 16 age group alone in Galway. There are currently forty four hurling clubs affiliated to Coiste Iomana na nOg for 2012. Out of the forty four clubs, nine clubs provide no referee, as a club you must know if you are one of these, nine more provide just one. The situation we now find ourselves in is that eighteen clubs, approximately 40% of clubs are currently providing just nine referees. The situation will prove unsustainable unless we can provide more qualified referees to referee games for our young hurlers in Galway.

Under current rules and regulations for all challenge games, clubs must contact Galway Co Board, John Hynes secretary.galway@gaa.ie. For insurance purposes a qualified referee must be assigned to officiate these games. With both Juvenile and Adult championships in full swing there is going to be a shortage of referees with the result we may be unable to fulfill fixtures. I am asking all juvenile hurling clubs to treat this as an urgent matter. Some areas of the county have no hurling referees and we feel it is imperative that each club should provide 2 referees. A special referee’s course will be provided for in March.

Closing date for all applications is Friday the 24th February.

Le Gach Beannacht

Antaine O Donnabhain

Runai

Coiste Iomana na nOg

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