The Irish Football Association has launched a free course for beginners with the aim of getting more women involved in refereeing.
The two-part female-only course includes an online module and a classroom/pitch session.
Part one is the online module, which covers the laws of the game and includes a test.
Part two is the classroom/pitch session and two venues have been earmarked for sessions next month. They are: National Football Stadium at Windsor Park (1 February) and Youth Sport Omagh (9 February).
The classroom work will include analysing video clips of refereeing and interpreting the laws of the game, while the pitch session will enable participants to put what they have learnt into practice.
The course comes after Fermanagh referee Louise Thompson (pictured) made history earlier this month by becoming the first female to referee a game in Northern Ireland’s top flight. Thompson took charge of the NIFL Premiership match between Crusaders and Glenavon.
“Females already officiate matches at all levels of the game in Northern Ireland but we would like to see more females get involved, whether as a referee or as an assistant referee,” said Arleen Campbell, the Irish FA’s Female Referee Pathway Officer, who will be leading the beginners’ course.
Anyone interested in taking the beginners’ course should register their interest using the form below.
For further information please contact Arleen Campbell at arleen.campbell@irishfa.com.
