GAA referees get organised to defend themselves

They are the most maligned group in the games but now the GAA’s referees and umpires are getting organised to defend their brethren.

A former umpire, Clonmel man Alan Nash, is reported in today’s Irish Examiner to be setting up a body called the Gaelic Match Officials Association to help defend a group he feels are increasingly coming under attack.

Nash sent out a questionnaire to referees around the country and the response, with many citing physical attacks on them at games, inspired him to set up the body.

"They [referees] reported these incidents to the GAA but any punishments that were handed down were then overturned or reduced on appeal," he told the paper.

"Referees have been upset and angry when they tried to see if anything could be done to revisit the appeals but under the rules of the GAA that is not possible. Unless they take civil action and are prepared to go on the record, they can’t do anything about it.

"But they are afraid about the repercussions of doing that as they might be overlooked for games in the future.

"There are also representations being made to them to not report incidents. But now if that happens all the referee needs to do is refer them to the association."

The allegation that referees would be overlooked for games if they complain and that they are encouraged not to report incidents is shocking and it shows just what level of respect there is by some in the GAA for referees.

Croke Park have yet to recognise Nash’s group and considering how long it took the Gaelic Players Association to be allowed in it may be some time yet. He has had some, rather unwelcome, contact though.

“I’ve received a couple of phone calls to let sleeping dogs lie and been told that there is no need for any organisation.

"Basically, [I’ve been] told to go away and not rock the boat. We won’t be recognised straight away but if our membership continues to grow things will change in time."

Without referees there are no games so they must be better protected. We think this group could become very big news over the summer months.