‘’We want our Go Games referees to be friendly guides instead of rule enforcers’’

Leinster GAA, in consultation with county coaching personnel, have begun the roll out of their new Go Games Referee Course throughout the province.

Go Games have become best practise for underage games in counties with teams involved from Under 7 up to and including Under 11. To continue the development of both the referee and the player, Leinster GAA upgraded the pathway for young referees to reflect the need for clarity and independence in each county.

In order to best prepare those who are attending the course, all participants complete the county specific ‘Go Games Rules Quiz’ online through the GAA Learning Portal before arriving for the workshop.

The new course includes the following:

• An Introduction and brief description of the philosophy of the Go Games model.
• Participants explore the qualities of a good referee.
• The identification of the ‘Tools of the Trade’ and what is required for them to perform the role of a referee.
• A demonstration of the ‘GPS’ method of recording scores.
• Introduction of the ‘Give Respect Get Respect’ Programme and how this is reflected on and off the pitch.
• Reflecting on and understanding the responsibilities of safeguarding the welfare of all players.
• Show how effective communication can increase the quality of the game
• Provide the skills and knowledge on how to deal with dissent and lack of discipline.
• An overview of the difference between Go Games referees and full referees.
• Best practise videos on signalling, communication and game management.
• Recap on county specific rules.
• Conclusion and Q & A

Each module is tutor-led and supported by resources including a Power Point presentation, partner and group led discussion, videos and visual aids supporting key principles and practical tasks to underpin and show the benefits of effective communication.

All participants must be aged 16 or over and all clubs are asked to identify those within their club best suited to become regular Go Games referees. This is the first step in the GAA Referee Education Pathway and will give young referees the confidence and know how to make the ’Go Games’ experience fun and enjoyable for all.