Job Title: Head of Refereeing
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Director of Football
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Refereeing provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for all aspects of refereeing in Ireland, ensuring a modern, high-performing, and inclusive system aligned to the FAI's wider football strategy. The role is responsible for developing long-term referee pathways, professional standards, education frameworks, welfare initiatives, and national governance that supports match officials from grassroots to elite level.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Lead the design and delivery of the National Referee Strategy aligned to all FAI strategic plans.
* Develop Ireland's long-term referee development model including recruitment, retention, wellbeing, performance, and progression.
* Align all referee structures with UEFA, FIFA and IFAB policies and conventions.
* Produce annual operational plans with KPIs linked to participation, quality and performance.
Referee Pathway & System Management
* Oversee the full national Referee Pathway from Entry Level to FIFA List.
* Lead the implementation of the Referee Education Framework including courses, CPD, mentoring and assessments.
* Ensure targeted recruitment and retention strategies for Women & Girls, Football for All and wider inclusion groups.
* Drive initiatives that strengthen referee welfare, respect, and psychological safety.
Operations, Appointments & Governance
* Oversee national appointment systems for LOI, Underage National Leagues and domestic competitions.
* Lead match official operations including travel, logistics, communication and support.
* Ensure governance, integrity, safeguarding and compliance across refereeing activity.
People Leadership & Department Oversight
* Build and lead a high-performing refereeing department aligned to FAI values.
* Manage budgets, resourcing and workforce planning.
* Embed continuous improvement, professional standards and transparent career pathways.
Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
* Develop strong relationships with Referee Societies, LOI clubs, grassroots leagues and FAI pathway leads.
* Represent the FAI with UEFA, FIFA, IFAB and international partners.
* Act as senior spokesperson for refereeing matters when required.
Culture, Respect & Retention
* Lead national Respect and sideline behaviour initiatives.
* Drive culture change in line with the Pathways Plan's "Environment" pillar.
* Deliver campaigns supporting retention, wellbeing, recognition and safety of match officials.
Person Specification
* A strategic, values-driven leader committed to fairness, professionalism and referee welfare.
* Excellent communication, relationship-building and influencing skills.
* Resilient, composed, and able to work under pressure and scrutiny.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* Qualification aligned to UEFA Referee Convention standards.
* Significant national or elite-level refereeing experience, or senior leadership experience in referee development.
* Strong knowledge of the Laws of the Game, VAR protocols and international best practice.
* Experience within a National Association or elite football environment.
* Proven experience leading strategy, change and high-performing teams in a complex sporting environment.
* Background in referee education, mentoring, coaching or performance assessment.
* Experience managing diverse stakeholders and national-level programmes.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, integrity and governance.
* Experience in technology-supported environments (e.g., VAR, performance systems).
Desirable:
* Knowledge of the Irish football landscape including LOI, Underage National Leagues, regional structures and FFA pathways.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Strategic planning and system-wide programme leadership
* Referee education, training and high-performance development
* Operational planning, logistics and governance
* Stakeholder engagement, communication and representation
* Data-driven decision making and performance reporting
* Understanding of inclusion, welfare, and cultural change in sport
Competencies
Core Competencies
1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)
Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.
2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)
Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)
Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.
4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)
Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.
5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)
Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI's vision of continuous progress and excellence.
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
* Two premium level tickets to each home international game
* Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
* Opportunities to work at international matches
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Bike to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programs
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
* Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 17th December 2025.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).