To all Dublin Branch Irish Soccer Referees Society Officials
Formal Statement on the Appointment of Match Officials
The Society’s constitution clearly states that members should officiate in the company of fellow Society members. This principle has long served to protect standards, ensure accountability, and uphold the values that define our organisation.
However, the modern refereeing landscape has changed significantly. The availability of qualified officials, the increasing number of fixtures, and the operational pressures on allocators mean that forming full Society trios is, in many cases, no longer feasible. Strict enforcement of the constitutional requirement is therefore not practical in the current environment.
Our priority remains the same:
to ensure that Society members are appointed on merit to the most important games and continue to play a central role in the officiating of football at all levels.
If we were to refuse appointments where nonmembers are included, we would risk diminishing our presence on key fixtures and reducing opportunities for our members. The game will proceed regardless, and it is essential that our members remain involved, visible, and influential.
Accordingly, while we continue to respect the intent of the constitution, we acknowledge that its application must reflect presentday realities. We will therefore participate in appointments where full Society trios cannot be formed, ensuring that our members remain at the forefront of refereeing in this region.
At the same time, we will initiate a review of the relevant constitutional provisions to ensure they remain fit for purpose, uphold our values, and reflect the operational demands of modern officiating.
Our commitment is to protect the integrity of the Society, support our members, and ensure that merit, professionalism, and fairness remain the guiding principles of all appointments.
Yours faithfully
JJ Walsh Secretary Dublin Branch Irish Soccer Referees Society
Formal Statement on the Appointment of Match Officials
The Society’s constitution clearly states that members should officiate in the company of fellow Society members. This principle has long served to protect standards, ensure accountability, and uphold the values that define our organisation.
However, the modern refereeing landscape has changed significantly. The availability of qualified officials, the increasing number of fixtures, and the operational pressures on allocators mean that forming full Society trios is, in many cases, no longer feasible. Strict enforcement of the constitutional requirement is therefore not practical in the current environment.
Our priority remains the same:
to ensure that Society members are appointed on merit to the most important games and continue to play a central role in the officiating of football at all levels.
If we were to refuse appointments where nonmembers are included, we would risk diminishing our presence on key fixtures and reducing opportunities for our members. The game will proceed regardless, and it is essential that our members remain involved, visible, and influential.
Accordingly, while we continue to respect the intent of the constitution, we acknowledge that its application must reflect presentday realities. We will therefore participate in appointments where full Society trios cannot be formed, ensuring that our members remain at the forefront of refereeing in this region.
At the same time, we will initiate a review of the relevant constitutional provisions to ensure they remain fit for purpose, uphold our values, and reflect the operational demands of modern officiating.
Our commitment is to protect the integrity of the Society, support our members, and ensure that merit, professionalism, and fairness remain the guiding principles of all appointments.
Yours faithfully
JJ Walsh Secretary Dublin Branch Irish Soccer Referees Society
