Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1391459
16 | SUMMER 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie EVIDENCE-BASED REFEREE DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT National Referees Get Set for TG4 Championship Our National Referees have had a very busy LIDL National League campaign with 15 games over each of three weekends before the semi- final and final stages. This has helped the referees with their match fitness and getting back up to speed after Covid-19. They were as delighted as all players and managers to return. In preparation for the 2021 TG4 Championship, the referees have being working on their physical fitness and will meet in the GAA Centre of Excellence in Abbottstown to complete the Yo-Yo fitness assessment in early July, followed by a refresher on the rules. The rules assessment and meeting with be completed online, something that the referees have adapted to brilliantly over the last 12 months. The referees have embraced online meetings and learning, where we have used virtual platforms to meet regularly reviewing incidents, talking as a group, and supporting and learning from each other. The national referees have a real focus on being both mentally and physically prepared for the championship and are ready for the challenges and enjoyment ahead. In 2021, we will be working alongside Performa Respect Your Referee Sport, who will video a number of referees' games every weekend to conduct state of the art analysis specifically on the referee. A referee-specific analysis template has been designed and it will focus on referee performance, foul count, advantage, foul type, positioning and communication (both verbal and non-verbal). With Performa Sport on board, they are revolutionising way we interact with stats, while developing and supporting referees. We are excited to look at referee behaviour, trends in games and build a bigger referee picture for everyone involved. It is essential that we highlight the positive aspects for every referee while also providing them with areas for development. This is an exciting time for everyone involved with refereeing in the LGFA. The Performa Sport system was trialled during the Lidl National League and provided the referees involved with in- depth analysis and insight into their games from a different viewpoint and the feedback was excellent. The national referee panel is expanding annually and this is a hugely committed group consistently striving to provide the best services they can for the game and embrace the new technology and changes. They are ready and raring to go for the TG4 Championship in 2021 and look forward to the challenges ahead. With Performa Sport on board, they are revolutionizing the way we interact with stats, develop and support the referees and we are excited to look at referee behaviour, trends in games and build a bigger referee picture for everyone involved.. Left: Referee Seamus Mulvihill during the Lidl Ladies Football National League Division 1 Final Left Overlaid: Performa Sport specific feedback