Becoming a GAA referee can be a rewarding experience, and Cork GAA offers support and guidance to those interested in taking up this role. Here’s a general outline of the process to become a GAA referee:

1. Express Your Interest: If you’re interested in becoming a GAA referee in Cork, the first step is to express your interest. You can do this by reaching out to the Referee Administrators or Recruitment Officers in your division. They are there to help you get started and provide you with the necessary information.

2. Attend Referee Training: Once you’ve expressed your interest, you’ll be directed to attend referee training sessions. These training sessions are designed to equip you with a good understanding of the rules of the game, the mechanics of refereeing, and the skills needed to officiate matches effectively.

3. Gain Practical Experience: After completing the initial training, you’ll need to gain practical experience by officiating at matches. This will allow you to apply what you’ve learned in real-game situations and build your confidence as a referee.

4. Mentorship and Support: Throughout your development as a referee, you’ll receive mentorship and support from experienced referees. They will provide guidance, feedback, and tips to help you improve your skills and decision-making.

5. Attend Workshops and Refresher Courses: To continue developing as a referee, you’ll have the opportunity to attend workshops and refresher courses. These sessions will keep you updated on rule changes and best practices in refereeing.

6. Progression: As you gain more experience and demonstrate your competence, you may have the opportunity to officiate at higher-level matches, such as county finals or even All-Ireland matches, based on your ambition and dedication.

Why Become a GAA Referee?

• Stay Involved: Becoming a referee allows you to stay involved in the game as an alternative to playing.
• Fitness: Refereeing is a great way to stay physically fit. 
• Ambition: There are opportunities to officiate at significant matches, including county finals and All-Ireland matches.
• Learn More: Being a referee helps you deepen your knowledge and understanding of the game.
• Give Back: It provides players, at the end of their playing days, the chance to continue contributing to the sport.
• Personal Development: Refereeing helps develop personal skills that are valuable in various aspects of life.