Welcome to the Irish Soccer Referees Society
Men and women take up refereeing for a number of reasons. Many are frustrated footballers, some have come to the end of their playing careers and have decided to put something back into the game. Others start their refereeing at a relatively young age. A few will go the very top of the tree and reach FIFA or Eircom League level, whilst the majority will be active on the local parks. All referees however are professional in that we receive a fee. It is only right therefore that we show a professional attitude, and membership of the Referees Society will assist you in this.

Benefits of Membership
There are a number of benefits of membership of the Referees Society. Your local branch meets regularly, usually monthly, during the season, and they undertake recruitment, training and social events on behalf of their members. They also liase with the local FAI Referee Assessor and the local leagues. Perhaps their most important function is that they act as a forum for you to meet and learn from more experienced colleagues which can only be of benefit to you during your refereeing career.

An FAI Affiliated Organisation
The Society, which was formed in November 1959, is affiliated to the Football Association of Ireland. It has representation on the FAI Senior Council, the FAI Referees Committee. This ensures that our members have a voice right up to the highest level of soccer legislation in this country, and therefore make their contribution to the development of the game.

Equal Representation
There are twenty-two branches around the country, and each send representatives to the National Council, which meets up to four times a year. Each individual member has a vote in the election of local officers and the President, thereby ensuring that all members, no matter what level they arc officiating at, have a say in the running of their Society.

The World is Your Oyster
There are many opportunities open today for referees who are dedicated and committed to work hard. You might make the FIFA panel. You might even make the World Cup Finals and European Championships, like Eddie Foley from Cork did in France 1998 and Euro 2000. You might do your local Cup Final. It is up to you. You will get a great deal out of refereeing, but you will need the help, support and encouragement of your refereeing colleagues. By joining the Irish Soccer Referees Society, that resource will be available to you.


Joe O�Brien

President, Irish Soccer Referees Society.