Sport Ireland launches new national plan to address the challenges facing sports officiating

Today (Thursday, November 13th) Sport Ireland has launched the Technical Officials Development Plan 2025–2027, the first national plan of its kind in Europe, which aims to transform and elevate the role of officiating in Irish sport.  

The plan addresses the growing challenges facing officiating, including declining numbers, an ageing workforce, increasing levels of abuse from players and spectators, lack of recruitment strategy and the absence of structured development pathways.  

Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “Technical officials are the guardians of fair play, safety, and integrity in sport. Our plan lays the foundation for a future where they are respected and supported as a vital part of sport.   

“At Sport Ireland we’re committed to making sure officials are valued from grassroots right through to the elite level. We want to ensure that officiating remains a respected and rewarding pathway, and this plan is a key part of that aim.” 

By having inclusive policies, investing in the right areas, and working together with our partners, the plan wants to make sure that officiating is open to everyone, is valued by others, and helps build a strong sports community in Ireland. 

Michael McGeehin, Sport Ireland Director of Coaching, said: “Excellence in sport begins with integrity. This plan ensures that every official is supported to thrive, inspiring the next generation and safeguarding the future of Irish sport.” 

Developed in response to Sport Ireland’s Feasibility Study on Technical Officials (2024), the plan addresses the growing challenges facing officiating, including declining numbers, an ageing workforce, increasing levels of abuse from players and spectators, lack of recruitment strategy and the absence of structured development pathways.  

Many sports are now struggling to recruit and retain referees, umpires, and judges. This has led to fixture challenges, increased pressure on volunteers, and growing concerns around keeping competition fair and safe.  

In response to this urgent challenge, Sport Ireland has acted to coordinate the first national approach to rebuild, support, and safeguard the officiating community. 

Clare Dowdall, Officials Manager at Sport Ireland, said: “This plan is a catalyst for change. For the first time, we have a national plan that puts technical officials front and centre. It provides the structure, support, and recognition they deserve, and it sends a clear message: officiating is a valued and vital part of the sporting workforce. It recognises the vital role officials play in sport and provides the tools, support, and recognition they deserve.” 

Developed in partnership with 38 National Governing Bodies and 17 Local Sports Partnerships, the plan is supported by the formal extension of the Sport Ireland Coaching Unit’s remit to include officiating. This marks a significant shift in how officials are developed and supported within the country’s sporting infrastructure.  

This approach aims to ensure that officials are respected, valued, and empowered to perform to the highest standards, and that officiating remains a sustainable, inclusive, and rewarding part of sport. 

Sport Ireland has identified six key pillars which will be pursued to fulfil the commitments outlined in this plan. 

Key pillars of the Plan Include:  

• Recruitment: Targeted campaigns to attract diverse candidates, including former athletes, para-athletes, women, and volunteers. 
• Retention: Increase support structures to sustain the TO workforce and formalise mentoring and buddy system for officials. 
• Training & Development: Accessible, high-quality education pathways and a new Technical Officials Developer Course to enhance standards and progression. 
• Rewards & Recognition: National visibility campaigns and recognition initiatives to highlight the vital contribution of officials. 
• Abuse Prevention: A national Respect Officials campaign and zero-tolerance policies to promote safe and respectful sporting environments. 
• Data & Information: Standardised data collection to inform evidence-based planning and long-term investment. 

The plan is aligned with Sport Ireland’s broader strategic frameworks, including the Statement of Strategy 2023–2027 and Women in Sport Policy.  It also responds to findings from the Feasibility Study on Technical Officials.