Mayo LGFA referee crisis: 'It's the players who pay the price'

The referee shortage in Mayo LGFA has reached a critical point.

In a recent example that illustrates the scale of the challenge, twenty-four U-14 league semi-final fixtures were scheduled for a single evening with only thirteen referees available to officiate.

The Mayo LGFA have now sent out a call for new referees to boost the numbers ahead of a busy championship schedule.

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On their social media, the Mayo LGFA published a message: "It starts with a referee shortage and ends with the game! When we don’t have enough referees, everyone feels it, but it's the players who pay the price."

The numbers are proof of the difficult situation. According to the LGFA, the shortage of referees in Ladies Gaelic Football has reached a critical point in many counties.

Some referees are reported to officiate five to seven days a week. 

The Mayo LGFA acknowledge their commitment: "Our community of referees are brilliant, they’re bending over backwards to make sure that all the scheduled games can proceed, but every week it’s a huge struggle for the referee coordinator to ensure that all the bases are covered."

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REASONS FOR REFEREE SHORTAGE

It's a combination of many factors, writes Mayo LGFA Vice-Chair Helen O'Hara: "It's less numbers available, insufficient support for new entrants leading to early drop-out of those who did train and on the flip side increasing participation and fixtures."

There are legitimate fears, that the current pool of referees will be overworked and eventually the 'well will run dry', O'Hara states.

One of the reasons detected: Recruitment and retention. "There isn’t enough support for new entrants, a lack of mentoring again reflective of the shortage has meant historical high early drop-off, not just in Mayo but nationally."

Mayo LGFA say, they know this has to change, and vow to improve those essential support systems.

New referees aren’t going to gain the confidence they need if they don’t feel a sense of community in the role.

Perhaps the most troubling contributor is the abuse and mistreatment referees sometimes face.

Experienced officials and administrators consistently cite this as a reason many referees hang up the whistle.

The “Give Respect, Get Respect” initiative in Gaelic games exists to curb abuse.

Mayo LGFA are committed to creating a culture thar will not discourage people from officiating.

HOW TO RETAIN REFEREES?

To improve retention, many counties are implementing mentorship and support programs. Mayo LGFA are planning to appoint a Referee Support Coordinator.

"This coordinator’s job is to keep in contact with newly qualified referees, pair each new referee with an experienced mentor, and ensure the newbies get appropriate assignments and feedback in their first year," Mayo LGFA explain.

The mentor might attend the new referee’s early games, or have the novice serve as an umpire/linesperson in a senior ref’s game, to build confidence. The idea is to create a community of practice among referees so they feel supported rather than isolated. 

In terms of incentives for referees, Mayo LGFA have started to increase the match expense payments for referees. While refereeing is still essentially volunteer, raising the stipend shows appreciation and helps cover costs like travel.

In December 2024, Mayo LGFA boosted its referee stipend to €60 for adult championship games, €50 for all other grades and €40 U12/U13 league. These payments are not formal salaries but rather meant to defray mileage, equipment, and maybe a post-match meal, essentially a modest honorarium.

Also a respect campaign is aimed at improving referee recruitment and retention: Supporting the LGFA's "Take A Second… (to respect the ref)" initiative, Mayo LGFA is committed to creating a culture that encourages rather than discourages officiating.

BENEFITS FOR NEW REFEREES

Despite the challenges, there are many personal benefits that current referees highlight to attract new recruits. People choose to referee for a variety of positive reasons :

• Stay involved in the game – Officiating keeps you close to the sport you love, allows you to continue being on the field, and is a lot of fun for those with a passion for football . Many former players become referees to remain part of the action when their playing days wind down.

• Give back to the community – Refereeing is a way to contribute to your club and county. There’s a sense of pride and service in knowing that you are enabling games to happen for the next generation. Without referees, the players would have no games, so officials provide an essential volunteer service.

• Stay fit and active – Running the length of the pitch is great exercise. Referees report that officiating helps keep them physically fit and even mentally sharp, as they must focus and make quick decisions under pressure . It can be a way for ex-players to maintain a training routine and competitive mindset.

• Personal development – Taking on the role of a referee develops valuable skills: confidence in managing groups, knowledge of rules, leadership, and communication. It also teaches conflict resolution and calm decision-making. These personal and professional development aspects can be rewarding . Some employers even value the skills one gains as a sports official.

• Inspire others and uphold the spirit of the game – Referees are custodians of the sport’s values. By refereeing, individuals can inspire younger players to respect the rules and demonstrate good sportsmanship.

It’s often noted that seeing former players or respected community members refereeing encourages youths to consider it too, thereby inspiring the next generation of officials and players.

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