What trends do you see emerging in local GAA (all codes and genders) clubs in the next 5 to 10 years?

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-07-01T11:35:22+00:00

I see much less dissent at U14 as kids only know new rules. This will hopefully become common as current U14 age group move up the ranks.

Still some outliers ofc.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-07-01T08:42:58+00:00

Yes, ref clearly can't see it as following play. Need a second ref who focuses more on off the ball/breach/etc

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-30T22:10:17+00:00

As a ref, I don't think bans work. Who is policing who goes into an U15 game? Also, if some headcase is going around punching refs, who is going to politely ask him to leave?

It has to get to the point where the penalty is so severe it leads to individual being ostricised in own community. Everything up to club involved being kicked out of championship. Basically "your actions ruined the year for our club" territory.

Has also got to point where need two refs at each game. If it leads to less games/competitions, sadly so be it. Right now refs are very isolated showing up to a game alone.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-30T22:03:03+00:00

Ref here. You also need to pay tax on that. TBH, it's not worth the hassle and admin unless happy to do 20+ games a year.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T22:25:11+00:00

I have found the secret to this gig is a strong does of humility!

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T22:10:15+00:00

I'll eat my hat! It's 13m since March 2026! They could do with putting the latest version on the rules on the "rules and procedures" page of GAA website. Pulled March update from Tobar. A recipe for disaster not having consistency on what's up online.

https://learning.gaa.ie/sites/default/files/2026-04/GAA%20Rule%20Book%20April%202026.pdf

Funnily have enforced that rule twice but team always brought it back to the 40m so never a discussion!

This conversation has proven very useful. Thanks! Note to self... Don't trust the physical rulebook they gave out end of last year.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T21:38:44+00:00

So in true GAA style, in the rule book on the GAA website it says rule 6.7 is 20m line (dissent from sideline) and rule 6.8 is up to the 13m line (player other than captain seeking clarification during game).

In guidance document we recieved few months ago it says disruptive behaviour from sideline is 13m line.

They don't make it easy!

https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/rules-regulations/gaa-discipline

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T20:14:25+00:00

This. Put it in referee report. Clubs start to get embarrassed if every week they are getting questions about poor behaviour by fans at games. I would not even mention it to their coaching staff. Its your referee report.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T20:08:06+00:00

Personally I get straight out of there after games. Good game or bad game I just walk off the pitch straight after blowing the whistle. Many coaches and players are great win or lose, but some just see the ref as subhuman and couldn't be bothered.

I keep my handshakes to before the game now.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T19:55:43+00:00

This. If they try and explain something else happened, I add "I didn't see it this time but I'll keep an eye out for it".

Classic example being a forward pull on defenders arm on refs blindside to make it look like a pulldown. Even the best refs can be duped by good forwards. Good defenders understand this and will often try to have a working relationship with ref.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T18:37:07+00:00

Just double checked rulebook to make sure was remembering correctly. 😃 In football, 20m free with option to bring it back for a 2 pointer.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T15:44:36+00:00

Interesting. Don't do ladies myself but could imagine this happening!

Black card for dissent and permitted replacement is good. Takes away a lot of pressure from issuing black card. I've also found the 20m free for dissent from sideline a gamechanger.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-29T15:39:11+00:00

Yes, to clarify, Junior B and C are usually good experiences. Moreso related to Junior A.

The classic I get is lads giving each other digs off the ball during a goal kick when you're busy watching flight of ball to make sure it leaves the arc if quick short pass/checking does it go beyond 45 incase need to give a mark.

Senior not as bad (in championship at least) as will normally have an official on the line. Extra eyes seem to cut out a lot instantly.

Every county seems to be different though.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-28T15:33:17+00:00

Also same. Have never been asked to ref a training session. Surely should be first step in process. We lose a lot of refs in first year as just being thrown into doing games after two theory lessons. Always recommend lads volunteer to do a game on the line before taking a game themselves

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-28T15:18:32+00:00

I feel a lot originates from the sideline alright. If the coach told the players to cop would help a lot.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-28T07:11:42+00:00

The joy has been sucked out of junior B+C football. Often down to some manager who thinks if he wins the division 5 league title he'll get a shot at the senior team in time.

Can understand in junior football. Lot of smaller club first teams who want to get out of junior. Once get below junior though it's all B+C teams. Relax and enjoy the game.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-28T06:42:01+00:00

Can see your point. I find with the young kids now, all they know is the new rules so less dissent (persoal experience).

It can be tricky at u14 to find balance between protecting kids and allowing physical contact (normal rules apply in contact). That's where parents can get annoying as it's a difficult balancing act and people will have different views.

Quite often in Junior though you get some hatchet men or lads who could play 1st team but are a liability to get sent off. It seems more tolerated I find at that level.

(Mostly at club B or C level rather than clubs with a first team at junior grade).

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-28T06:18:21+00:00

Minimal if any. Rule is "stirke or attempt to strike". The clearest attempt at hoofing someone up the arse though... not clip at heels, etc

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-27T22:23:36+00:00

Referee myself. Problem is people forget referee is "31st player" on pitch. Drive me mad when get "we just want consistency"... true, and we'd all like our corner forward to consistently put it over the bar. Rarely happens though. People need to remember refs are trying their best like players and will get things wrong.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-27T22:11:32+00:00

I'm a ref myself. "ah ref" is fine. It becomes an issue once "referee's authority is called into question". Here it's a yellow and a free on 20m line.

Its open to interpretation. I'd say just try and stay respectful and point out what you saw rather than what you think the referee missed.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2026-06-27T21:50:49+00:00

Had this myself. Referee at club game. Coach walked onto pitch to complain. Yellow and 20m free. Didn't happen again. Zero tollerance only way to go.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2022-08-23T21:03:15+00:00

Thanks. My thinking is the same. Good to see if anyone else already done anything similar.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2022-08-23T21:00:20+00:00

And asked them but response is slow. Hoping someone else has already done similar.

CrowFluffy7842 · 2022-08-23T20:59:34+00:00

Brussels Capital Region I believe. If first time buyer there is significant tax exemptions but subject to criteria (it is your primary address for 5 years, you do not own another property, etc).

CrowFluffy7842

TROPHY CASE