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36 | AUTUMN 2021 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie REFEREE DEVELOPMENT and the structure and opportunities it presented gave me the confidence to apply and to move onto the next level, when the opportunity of the accelerate course came up. What do you think is the toughest part of refereeing? I think it can be tough accepting that you're only as good as your last game. As with playing, the preparation never stops. You will never please everyone and it can be tough listening to the opinions of others when they are not in your favour. It can be extremely frustrating when you are implementing the rules but getting a hard time from people on the side-line who don't have a knowledge of the ladies game and think the rules are the same as the GAA. What is your favourite aspect of refereeing? I love the feeling of involvement within the LGFA as an official. For example, doing the line is a great way to gain experience and you get to see the game from the sideline as well as the officials' point of view. There is always something to learn from every game that you attend. You can always do better. Mostly, though, it is a lovely way to stay involved and connected with players when you retire from playing. If there was one rule you would like managers/players to be more aware of, what would it be? You cannot tackle when the ball is in at the body and shouldering isn't allowed in Ladies Football. I know that's two! What would you like to achieve from completing the Provincial Referee Accelerate programme? I would like to continue to improve my experience to help make me a better referee every day I to the field. NAME: MARION HAYDEN COUNTY: CARLOW Describe your refereeing journey? I completed the GAA Refereeing programme and then moved onto the LGFA Grab Your Whistle Academy a short time after. I refereed both codes from there on in. What made you sign up for the Provincial Referee Accelerate programme? I had completed the Grab Your Whistle Academy and was really enjoying all the challenges that brought. I was getting a great number of games all throughout as well after completion of the academy. I had a great mentor throughout the programme in Johnny Murphy