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Potential Referee Shortage On The Horizon In Westmeath GAA

Thursday, 27 January 2022 at 16:30

It's an issue that is in the offing for many counties across the country.

Without order there is no democracy and without a referee, there will be no sport. 

It isn't generally a problem for sport at an elite level but officials numbers at grassroots level for GAA, soccer and rugby have been something of a talking point for a long time. 

A more convoluted rulebook for both GAA and rugby, along with the high level of fitness and scrutiny on all referees in the modern day means attracting new whistles to the game is a massive challenge. 

In Westmeath a course for training referees, due to start in February needs between 15 and 20 applicants to proceed - it currently has two. 

A low rotation of men in the middle is could lead to a burnout and drop in standard as some are being called upon five or six evenings a week. 

Solutions proposed at a recent county committee meeting in the lake county varied from every "club in the county should provide one" to a recruitment drive via social media. The latter is something that will be seriously considered. 

The "flak" being taken by officials on the sideline and from the stands was also raised as a point of concern during the meeting. 

Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall is appealing to clubs to make a concerted effort to encourage members to get involved in refereeing at all age grades in the county.  

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