Job Title: National Amateur Referee Development Lead
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Refereeing
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 National Amateur Referee Development Lead will play a central role in implementing the FAI's Football Pathways Plan and Referee Education Strategy by leading the development, retention, and progression of referees operating across Ireland's amateur, community, and grassroots game.
The role provides national leadership in referee recruitment, education, welfare, and performance support—ensuring consistent standards across all regions and building clear pathways from entry-level refereeing through to advanced amateur and potential League of Ireland progression.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Lead the national strategy for amateur referee recruitment, retention, and development in alignment with the FAI Football Pathways Plan.
* Ensure the amateur–to–advanced referee pathway is coherent, inclusive, and consistent across all provinces.
* Work closely with Provincial Associations, Referee Societies, and Schoolboy/Girl & Amateur Leagues to coordinate national implementation.
* Support FAI strategic objectives relating to participation growth, quality of experience, and clear performance pathways.
Referee Development & Progression
* Oversee structured progression from Introductory → Grassroots → Amateur Referee Levels, ensuring transparency and consistency nationwide.
* Identify promising referees and assist their progression toward Underage National Leagues, Women's Premier Division, and League of Ireland pathways.
* Maintain national performance, fitness, and competency standards in line with UEFA and FAI frameworks.
* Develop and monitor clear annual progression criteria, reporting to the Head of Refereeing.
Training & Education (Aligned with FAI Education Strategy)
* Design and deliver nationally consistent referee education programmes, including:
* Entry-level referee courses
* LOTG updates
* Practical officiating workshops
* Annual CPD modules
* Ensure all training materials align with FAI Education Strategy principles: inclusion, accessibility, blended learning, and high-quality tutor delivery.
* Support Provincial Referee Talents and Mentors Programmes and the FAI's National Referee Tutors Network.
Coaching, Mentoring & Observation
* Lead the national referee coaching and mentoring framework, ensuring every amateur referee has access to development support.
* Coordinate match observations, feedback quality assurance, and follow-up development plans.
* Introduce consistent national tools for performance review, self-reflection, and referee development planning.
* Promote best practice in game management, communication, decision-making, and wellbeing.
Operational Management
* Work with competition organisers across the amateur game (junior, intermediate, schoolboy/girl, women's amateur) to ensure referee appointments and coverage meet operational needs.
* Support implementation of the FAI's Referee Welfare Policy, including reporting processes, matchday support, and safeguarding practices.
* Advise leagues and clubs on best practice for referee–club interaction and matchday behaviour standards.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as the primary contact for all amateur referee matters across:
* Provincial Associations
* Referee Societies
* Schoolboys/girls and amateur leagues
* Women & Girls grassroots competitions
* Engage with League of Ireland Referee Development personnel to maintain alignment between amateur and elite pathways.
* Represent the FAI in national working groups, UEFA development forums, and domestic education committees.
Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement
* Lead the collection and analysis of data on:
* Referee participation
* Drop-off rates
* Progression trends
* Match coverage
* Regional variances
* Produce quarterly updates and annual reports aligned to FAI strategic KPIs.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including digital learning, pathway clarity, development resources, and referee experience enhancements.
Person Specification
* Commitment to referee welfare and safeguarding.
* High personal standards and attention to detail.
* Passion for improving and modernising Irish grassroots football.
* Collaborative, inclusive, and solution-focused approach.
* Willingness to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* FAI Referee Qualification (or equivalent recognised by UEFA).
* Coaching, tutoring, or assessor qualification (FAI Tutor Training / UEFA Referee Educator desirable).
* Full driving licence (required due to extensive national travel).
* Significant experience as a referee in grassroots, amateur, or intermediate football in Ireland.
* Experience in referee development, coaching, tutoring, or assessment.
* Strong understanding of FAI referee pathways, provincial structures, and domestic competition formats.
* Demonstrated experience working with referee societies, leagues, or football governing bodies.
Desirable:
* Leadership or coordination experience within a referee development structure.
* Experience delivering referee or coach education programmes.
* Experience in performance analysis or referee assessment systems.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
* Excellent communication—written, verbal, and presentation.
* Ability to motivate, influence, and develop officials at all levels.
* High organisational capability with strong planning and administrative skills.
* Analytical mindset with ability to interpret performance and retention data.
* Strong commitment to integrity, fairness, inclusion, and diversity.
* Ability to work collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across Ireland.
* Commitment to referee welfare and safeguarding.
* High personal standards and attention to detail.
* Passion for improving and modernising Irish grassroots football.
* Collaborative, inclusive, and solution-focused approach.
* Willingness to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.
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).