Referee Development Lead

Job Title:                                         Referee Development Lead

Location:                                         FAI HQ, Abbottstown & Regionally

Direct Reporting Line:             National Amateur Referee Development Lead

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 Referee Development Lead plays a key operational and development role within the FAI’s national referee structure. Reporting to the National Amateur Referee Development Lead, the postholder will support the delivery of the FAI Football Pathways Plan and the Referee Education Strategy by leading referee recruitment, training, mentoring, and progression across assigned regions.

The role strengthens the amateur and grassroots referee workforce, delivers high-quality education programmes, and ensures consistent, inclusive, and development-focused pathways from entry level through to advanced amateur and potential national-league officiating.

Key Responsibilities

Pathway Delivery & Referee Progression

• Implement the national referee development pathway at regional level in line with the FAI Football Pathways Plan.
• Manage progression from Introductory → Grassroots → Amateur Levels, ensuring consistency and transparency.
• Identify high-potential referees for advanced development and support transitions through grassroots, amateur and LOI Academy pathways.
• Maintain standards of performance, fitness, and LOTG competency in alignment with FAI and UEFA frameworks within designated regions.
• Support the National Lead in tracking annual progression criteria and regional performance trends.

Training, Education & CPD Delivery

• Deliver referee education programmes including:
• Entry-level referee courses
• LOTG updates
• Regional workshops
• Annual CPD modules
• Ensure all training reflects FAI Education Strategy principles: inclusion, blended learning, consistency, and accessibility.
• Support the operation of regional and national talent programmes and the National Referee Instructor Network.
• Keep all materials aligned to the latest IFAB, UEFA, and FAI updates.

Coaching, Mentoring & Match Observation

• Assist with the coordination of regional referee coaches, mentors, and observers.
• Assign coaching/observation support based on individual development needs.
• Promote a supportive coaching culture focused on growth, self-reflection, effective communication, and game management skills.
• Ensure quality assurance of feedback and development plans for referees in talent programmes and development pathways across designated regions.
• Lead Recruitment & Retention
  • Lead local recruitment initiatives across schools, clubs, colleges, and regional affiliates.
  • Support retention initiatives by fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive referee environment.
• Promote refereeing as a pathway for players, coaches, and volunteers transitioning within the game.
• Support campaigns that align with the FAI’s broader participation and inclusion objectives.

Operational Support & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary contact across designated regions for:
  • Provincial Associations
  • Referees, Observers, coaches, instructors and mentors
  • Local leagues (schoolboy/girl, junior, intermediate, women’s amateur)
• Work with leagues to ensure appropriate referee coverage and appointments.
• Provide guidance on matchday behaviour standards and referee–club relations.
• Liaise with the League of Ireland referee development structure to ensure alignment across grassroot, amateur and elite pathways.
• Referee Welfare, Safeguarding & Conduct
  • Promote positive matchday environments and uphold the FAI Referee Welfare Policy.
  • Provide support to referees experiencing abuse, welfare concerns, or performance challenges.
  • Ensure compliance with safeguarding requirements and FAI Codes of Conduct.
  • Encourage a culture of respect, professionalism, and wellbeing.

Monitoring, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track regional data on:
• Referee participation
• Drop-off and retention
• CPD attendance
• Match coverage
• Performance & progression
• Provide monthly and quarterly updates to the National Lead.
• Use data insights to inform regional development planning.
• Contribute to national initiatives such as digital learning, resource development, and pathway clarity enhancements.

Person Specification

• Experience as an active referee at grassroots or elite level in Ireland.
• Experience in referee development, coaching, mentoring, instructing, or observing.
• Understanding of FAI referee pathways, provincial structures, and domestic competition formats.
• Demonstrated engagement with FAI affiliates.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential:

• FAI Referee Qualification
• Safeguarding qualification (mandatory prior to commencement).
• Full clean driving licence (extensive regional travel required).
• Passion for improving and modernising Irish refereeing.
• High standards of personal integrity and professionalism.
• Resilience and composure in challenging matchday or development situations.
• Collaborative, open, and solution-focused approach.
• Growth mindset and willingness to adopt new technologies and development methods.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering referee education or CPD programmes.
• Experience in talent development, performance review, or referee assessment systems.
• Leadership experience in a football or educational context.
• Referee coach/mentor/instructor or assessor accreditation (FAI or UEFA – desirable).

Skills & Professional Knowledge

• Strong leadership, people development, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication (written, verbal, presentation).
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret performance and retention data.
• Organisational strength, efficient planning, and strong administrative capability.
• Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with referees, clubs, leagues, and partners.
• Supportive, approachable coaching style that promotes confidence and continuous improvement.
• Commitment to inclusion, diversity, integrity, and referee welfare.

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 Friday 27th March 2026.
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).