Role description

Job Title:Referees Programme Coordinator
Location:FAI Headquarters, Abbotstown, Dublin 15, Ireland
Direct Reporting Line To:Grassroots Director
Commencement Date:ASAP
Duration:Permanent

The Referees Programme Co-ordinator will have responsibility for delivering the Referees Programme in the FAI, in particular co-ordinating, implementing and monitoring the programmes adopted by the Referees Committee in line with best practice guidelines’ and in accordance with the terms of the UEFA Referee Convention and FIFA Referee . She/he will primarily have the following duties:
Reporting to the Director of Grassroots Football, initially through an assigned Regional Manage, in conjunction with and as advised by the Referees Committee and in keeping with the UEFA Referees Convention and FIFA Referee Regulations the appointed person will:

ensure the delivery of all administrative and logistical tasks pertaining to refereeing within the designated budget
administer approval of payments and monitor activity of all referee specialists’
administer, co-ordinate and where appropriate implement programmes to develop Referees according to the protocols / guidelines approved by the Referees Committee and in line withUEFA Referees Convention
propose, organise and co-ordinate courses – in collaboration with the relevant Head Referee Specialist - for Referees, Referee Instructors and Referee Observers, in accordance with Referees Regulations and the needs of the Referees Committee in line with best practise guideline as advised by UEFA
in collaboration with the Head Referee Instructor, source, prepare and produce teaching materials in line with the Laws of the Game as issued by IFAB and applied in accordance with UEFA best practice.
develop, maintain and administer a range of databases and protocols for refereeing personnel in accordance with the needs of the Referees Committee
prepare, administer and report on budgets and financial matters pertaining to the programme
report, as required, on all of the activities of the programme to theRegional Managerand Referees Committee directly
implement decisions adopted by the Referees Committee


Job requirements

Key Responsibilities
The Referees Programme Co-ordinator will:

In consultation with the Chair of the Referees Committee, ensure the delivery of the strategic plan for Refereeing at all levels of the game that falls under the aegis of the Football Association of Ireland.
ensure, in co-operation with the referees committee, effective management and development of referee services based on local, regional and national needs
ensure the incorporation of refereeing frameworks and regulations in the provision of football services across all levels of the game
promote the inclusion of refereeing across all levels of the game


propose, implement, and deploy efficient and effective succession planning for referees to ensure the required resources to service the game are available; collaborate with and support the talents programme in accordance with Referee Committee strategy


propose, implement, and deploy efficient and effective succession planning for all referee specialist’ roles to ensure the required resources to service the game are available in accordance with Referee Committee strategy


ensure the recognition of the independence and autonomy of refereeing


form strong collaborative links with all stakeholders both nationally and internationally


facilitate the co-ordination of refereeing services on a local, regional, and national basis


represent the FAI services at appropriate regional / national meetings, events and committees as agreed with the Regional Manager


where appropriate to develop, monitor and co-ordinate communication information technology systems for Refereeing Services


be responsible for the administration of appointed referees to Men’s Senior, Women’s Senior, and underage International friendly fixtures
be responsible for the appointment of Referee Liaison Officers to Men’s Senior, Women’s Senior and underage home international fixtures both competitive and friendly and UEFA club competitions, in accordance with Referee Committee policy


be responsible for the collation and dissemination of home match information including accommodation, flight and transport information for all visiting referees for Men’s Senior, Women’s Senior, underage fixtures and UEFA club competitions.


be responsible for flight bookings through the FAI’s travel partner for referees attending international fixtures/tournaments/UEFA club competitions; both Irish referees travelling to international fixtures and referees coming to Ireland


ensure Referee Services are delivered to standards within (i) FAI Handbook, (ii) Regulations for Referees and (iii) in accordance with the terms and conditions of the UEFA Referee Convention


plan and implement all Garda Vetting procedures across refereeing


promote monitoring, auditing and reporting on refereeing activity across all levels of the game


ensure the development, communication, maintenance and review of the highest professional standards of refereeing


strongly advocate and ensure full understanding of the crucial role of ongoing development for the provision of high-quality refereeing services


promote on-going training and development of referees in ensuring a high standard of professional service in accordance with UEFA and FIFA criteria


Liaise with the National Referees Committee in relation to appointment of a designated person ensuring UEFA compliance


provide information and frameworks on appraisal and review systems for referees, observers, instructors / tutors, and mentors and promote the utilisation of individual development planning


adhere to all management processes as directed by the Regional Manager or persons allocated management roles within the Grassroots Department


any other duties as assigned from time to time by the Regional Manager

Person Specification:
The person appointed to the role will ideally have: -

operated as a high-level match official preferably at international level


third level qualification or equivalent experience


substantial experience working in a co-ordinating / management role


be proficient as a Referee Instructor, with a thorough knowledge of best practice’ adult learning methods


ability to meet deadlines in a fast-moving environment


ability to manage data, analyse, compile, generate and distribute reports


computer literacy with a thorough knowledge of MS Word, Power Point, Excel and Teams


excellent Communication skills Customer focus and be highly motivated


flexibility according to seasonal and travel demands


attention to detail and an ability to work on own initiative


high level interpersonal skills and be a Team player

Closing date for applications is Friday 27th of May
Shortlisting will take place shortly after this closing date
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.