The long-awaited rollout of referee training under the new FRC rules is set to begin after being signed off by Central Council on January 18th, 2025. With the framework now finalized, the training of National Tutors will commence this Friday evening in Croke Park, providing these tutors with the necessary resources to begin delivering the program nationwide the following week.

The initiative aims to ensure consistency and professionalism in refereeing, recognizing that the needs of referees differ significantly from those of players and coaches. It is vital that all referees receive standardized training under the FRC guidelines to maintain uniformity across officiating.

In Cork, the GAA Referees Committee has announced a series of meetings to provide training for referees across the county. The schedule is as follows:

• 27th January: Imokilly – Midleton GAA Club
• 29th January: Carbery/Beara – Dunmanway GAA Club
• 31st January: Muskerry/Seandún/Carrigdhoun – SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
• 3rd February: Avondhu/Duhallow – Mallow GAA Club
• 5th February: Muskerry/Seandún/Carrigdhoun – SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh
• 7th February: Páirc Uí Rinn (for referees unable to attend the earlier sessions)

All sessions will begin at 7:30 PM.

Cork referees will benefit from the support of Conor Lane and David Murnane, who have committed to assisting with the rollout. Efforts are also underway to have a representative from the FRC attend some of the sessions to provide additional insight.

The aim is to have all referees trained before the U21 Championships begin on February 9th, ensuring the highest standards of officiating as the season gets underway.