The GAA has launched a ‘Respect the Referee Day,’ with President Larry McCarthy claiming the treatment of match officials has “cast a shadow over the entire association.”
‘Referee Respect Day’ will take place on the weekend of October 22/23 with a serious of promotional ads set to be released in the coming days.
It comes in the wake of disciplinary incidents involving referees across several counties, including Wexford, Kerry, Waterford and Roscommon. GAA chiefs are set to bring forward new disciplinary measures to next year’s Congress.
Read next: Carlow manager Niall Carew bemoans seeding system as Leinster Council sticks with status quo
McCarthy, speaking at today’s launch at Croke Park, said: “As we head towards the end of our first designated club season, there’s no denying that the club championship has been a fantastic opportunity for clubs to take centre stage.
"And just as our club players have been put on centre stage, so have our referees and our match officials.
"It’s arguably never more important than at this time to single them out for appreciation.
“But actions need to speak louder than words when it comes to respect for our referees, because the actions of a small number of members of our Association have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the entire association.
“Our GAA manifesto, ‘Where We All Belong’, requires no one is left out and that includes our match officials undoubtedly.
“They make a huge contribution to our games - a contribution that our games cannot exist without them. They’re as important as players, as coaches, as committee members.
“They’re dedicated to our games. They’re passionate about their role and they have families that are very proud of the role that they play.
“But how we treat them says much about us. I would argue, and the only treatment we should tolerate, is one of utmost respect.
“The GAA we want as an entity, as an organisation, is one where respect for all members is not just a slogan but is enshrined in our actions.
“It’s not just our mantra. It really truly is where we all belong.
“We have the opportunity and the ability to ensure that our GAA community sets that tone of respect, and respect for all our members.
“I urge us now, as we launch this Referees’ Respect day, to show courage and to make sure that this opportunity is not lost.”
McCarthy called for members to accept the punishments handed down by disciplinary committees.
“Crucially, when we fall short of the standard we set for ourselves, we need to face up to it and accept the punishment,” he said.
“It can, I would argue, be quite disheartening to see people who have been disciplined have their punishments reduced or even dismissed on the most minute or infinitesimal technicality.”
READ NEXT:
From Donegal to World Cup dreamland - meet Ireland's goal hero Amber Barrett
Brian Kerr full of praise for Liverpool's star men after 7-1 thrashing of Rangers
Ireland ace Heather Payne is ready to write her own World Cup story
Apologies all round from Ireland's WNT camp after 'massive lapse of judgement'
Jurgen Klopp's simple answer to Mohamed Salah's historic hat-trick after being benched
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
