Ladies Gaelic Football

44 | SPRING 2024 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie The LGFA Grab Your Whistle Referee Academy was devised to develop aspiring referees aged 18 - 45 years within Ladies Gaelic Football. There is a focus on technical, physical, mental and tactical development whilst also providing practical referee experience on top of ongoing support and advice. Participants attend assigned games and events as part of compulsory practical experience. We hear from Rebecca Brereton from Clane in Kildare who graduated from our last Academy. Graduate Referee: Rebecca Brereton REFEREE FOCUS GYW Referee Academy Where did the Journey Take Me? When did you start refereeing? I started refereeing in 2014 when I was 15. Why did you take up the whistle? I started refereeing GAA on a Friday evening when they were stuck for a Go Games referee for the boys games and then I took up LGFA a few weeks later. I stuck with LGFA as I play the sport and have a massive love for the game while playing, refereeing and watching the game. What motivated you to stay involved? My main reason would be the love for the sport and seeing young refs take up the interest. I also believe when they see a female referee on the pitch it encourages girls to get involved. I know how limited the amount of referees are in every county so that is also a driving factor. What other sports are you interested in? I work for the GAA and play and referee ladies football so I would say my only interest is the GAA and LGFA as it's the only sport I have played. What is the most challenging part of refereeing? The main challenge I would see is managers not knowing the correct playing rules and questioning decisions. What is your favourite aspect of refereeing? Promoting ladies football in my county and seeing girls I would have refereed when they were younger coming up in ages in the sport and developing as a player and person. If there was one rule in LGFA you would like more people to be aware of, what would it be? Stoppage for a head injury. It's frustrating when a girl hurts a finger and you are being shouted at to stop the game. Especially if the opposition team gets a score when the game isn't stopped, you're the worst in the world and it's your fault. You previously took part in the GYW Academy Programme. Tell us what you enjoyed most about the programme? I think what I loved most was hearing other referee stories about when and how they started and also different scenarios they have been in and how they dealt with things. It was great to take away other experiences and see how the connect to your own. Since taking part in the GYW Academy Programme how has your involvement in LGFA evolved? I have now taken part in the LGFA referee developer programme and I was part of Kildare county board as PRO and development officer. Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A: Q: A:

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