Irish National Referee Grading

Grade 1 (G1/G1I/G1T)

The grade 1 referees are those that have proven themselves over countless games. They are knowledgeable on the rules and the details of those rules. They are expected to be active at the highest level providing fair and level headed management of fast paced games. Outside of refereeing they offer shadowing to upcoming referees and continuous assessment of existing G2 and G3 referees.

The Grade 1 International(G1I) referee has passed an assessment at an International competition and is regularly called upon to ref at International competitions. This needs to be refreshed every 2 years.

Grade 2 candidates who are considered to have the potential to become grade 1 referees within two years can be recommended by any existing G1 referee to becoming a Grade 1 Trainee(G1T). Grade 1T referees are expected to pass three practical assessments by two assessors within the two-year appointment. On successful completion of the above the assessors will recommend the candidate to be appointment to grade 1(G1).

Grade 2 (G2)

Grade 3 candidates who are considered to have achieved enough experience and have passed a practical assessments administered by a Grade 1 referee can be recommend to be promoted to a Grade 2 referee. A Grade 3 referee can also be recommended if they have been assessed by 2 independent(not from the same club) Grade 2 referees. Grade 2 referees offer shadowing and advice to Trainee and Grade 3 referees. They can also assess Trainees and recommend them for promotion to Grade 3 provided they pass the practical assessment.

Grade 3 (G3)

Those Trainees that have demonstrated a practical understanding of the rules are promoted to Grade 3 by Grade 2 and Grade 1 referees. This allows them gain experience at higher level games.

Trainee (T)

Having achieved a passing grade on the written test the candidate is granted the title of Trainee. They should practice referring league games and seek shadowing from higher grade referees so they can gain valuable practical experience.

Grading Validation

All Referee grades are valid for a period of 2 years from time of assessment. Referees that do not get reassessed within that period will automatically be dropped a grade. Trainees that do not get graded within the 2 year period will be removed from the register and have to sit the written exam again. 

Referee Grades VS Competition Levels 

The following definitions are a guideline only. Each definition refers to the standard of referee required for games in National Competitions, and includes the maximum level game standard that can be refereed.