Referees are classified into one of 3 grades:

Grade 1           The Club Referee
Grade 2           The Provincial Referee
Grade 3           The National Referee

Grade 1          The Club Referee

• Level 1            Juvenile and Adult Club Games

On recruitment, a trainee Referee shall attend the Referee’s Foundation Training Course, and undergo physical and written examinations. Once these have been successfully completed, the Referee is presented with his official kit.

In order to progress to higher standard games, a Referee shall achieve at least 2 positive Assessments, and maintain acceptable standards in a written examination and physical fitness tests.

Grade 2          The Provincial Referee

• Level 1

1. Provincial League and Championship games up to and including U.18 year
2. Provincial Inter-Club leagues
3. Post Primary Competitions          

• Level 2

1. Provincial League and Championship games up to and including U.21, Junior and Intermediate grades
2. Secondary Provincial competitions
3. Third Level Competitions (except Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup)

• Level 3

1. Provincial Club Championships
2. Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups

In order to be recruited to Grade 2, Level 1, a Club Referee must have proven competence at senior Club Championship level within his County. For a Referee to be recruited to Grade 2, Level 2, a Referee must have proven competence at U.18 Championship level within the Province. Progression to Grade 2, Level 3, is dependent upon a Referee having proven competence at U.21 Championship level or Secondary Provincial Championship level within the Province.

In order to be recruited to a new Level, a Referee must attend training courses as required, achieve positive assessments and maintain acceptable standards in written and physical fitness tests.

Grade 3          The National Referee

• Level 1

1. All Ireland Club Championships
2. All Ireland Championships at U.18, 21, Junior and Intermediate grades
3. National Leagues

• Level 2

All Competitions

In order to be recruited to Grade 3, Level 1, a Provincial Referee must have proven competence at Provincial Minor Championship level or Secondary Provincial Competition level. Progression to Grade 3, Level 2, is dependent upon a Referee having proven competence at Senior Championship level. In order to be recruited to Grade 3, Levels 1 or 2, a Referee must attend training courses as required, achieve positive assessments and maintain acceptable standards in written and physical fitness tests.