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GYW Referee Academy Graduation GYW Referee Academy 2020/2021 GYW REFEREE ACADEMY The inaugural GYW Referee Academy came to an end in November 2020. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, this programme was adapted to become an online programme including an online graduation ceremony! LGFA President Marie Hickey made 'virtual presentations', thanked all the participants for their hard work and dedication over the previous 12 months and wished them luck on the next phase of their refereeing career. In what has been a challenging year, this is one programme that has shone bright, with support from Sport Ireland. The referee mentors and all the participants in this group developed and grew stronger over the last 12 months, with the majority of the referees also gaining experience as linespeople in the 2020 TG4 championship. One referee stated "this was the best thing I ever done, it improved my confidence as a referee and helped me to have a focus in 2020". This referee academy has had a real positive impact and was very rewarding and enjoyable for everyone involved. In total, 22 referees with representatives from all four provinces completed the 2019/2020 GYW Referee Academy and we want to thank them for their adaptability throughout the year and wish them the best of luck for the future. The Grab Your Whistle Referee Academy is a Women in Sport initiative and open to ambitious referees who are currently officiating within their County. The first year of the initiative was an out and out success, and so year two is eagerly awaited. Currently there are a total of 17 participants coming from all four Provinces. The course consists of 6 Modules, 4 online webinars, 1 provincial and 1 national day, to take place in Croke Park in 2021, which will focus on Technical, Physical, Mental and Tactical development whilst also providing practical referee experience along with ongoing support and advice. Participants will also have to attend assigned games and events as part of compulsory practical experience. The programme was launched online in November 2020. The focus for session one was self-awareness and personal development. It was a great evening and a fantastic way to start the new programme, as academy referees had the opportunity to talk and learn from Shane Curley, Siobhan Coyle and Maggie Farrelly from the national referee panel. The three experienced referees passed on their own learnings and participated in a hugely informative question and answer session. Session 2 'Get in the Zone' took place online and the participants tested their knowledge of the rules and reflected on their own officiating style. This is a very exciting and important programme and we are looking forward to following the academy referees on their journey over the next year. 42 | WINTER 2020 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Session 1 Introduction to Programme Session 2 Get in The Zone Session 3 No 'I' in Team Session 4 Head Start Session 5 SMILE Session 6 JOURNEY BEGINS PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE Practical 1 Linesperson at minimum 1 National League Game with National Referee Practical 2 April - June - Referee at Provincial Under 14 Series, Player Development Programme and G4M&O Blitzes Practical 3 Referee at National Gaelic4Mothers&Others Blitz Day