Review | Club Referee Coordinator Workshop

The Munster Association of Referees, in conjunction with the IRFU, held a Club Referee Coordinator Workshop at Thomond Park earlier this season.

IRFU Referee Development Manager Munster, Chris Harrington, delivered the workshop which included presentations and activities focused on promoting best practice across all areas of refereeing to club representatives.

The Club Referee Coordinator involves looking after the three officiating roles within clubs, which contribute to an overall successful referee programme, (1) Branch Referee Recruitment, (2) Match Official Liaison and (3) Club & School Affiliate Referees.

Branch referee recruitment involves the Club Referee Coordinator identifying suitable Munster Branch referees, i.e. retiring players, injured or people that express an interest in refereeing, providing details to the referee development manager, while also ensuring recruitment marketing is visible in the club.

The Club Referee Coordinator, also oversees match official hospitality on match days, ensuring appropriate changing facilities are available and assists in other logistics pertaining to game day.

The third vital area of responsibility for the Club Referee Coordinator is ensuring the club has an adequate number of club and school affiliate referees to ensure compliance with the IRFU refereeing policy, and assist with the reporting of disciplinary matters.

A total of 15 clubs from across the province were represented at the workshop – Fermoy RFC, Crosshaven RFC, Muskery RFC, Old Christians RFC, Bandon RFC, Waterpark RFC, Waterford City RFC, Newport RFC, Cork Con RFC, Sunday’s Well RFC, Kinsale RFC, Dolphin RFC, Dungarvan RFC, Kenmare RFC, Ennis RFC.