We are working in partnership with Sport Ireland to develop high-quality, sector-leading research in sports officials. The purpose of this process is to inform and develop a technical officials development plan (TODP) which will set out and inform future initiatives for technical officials.
As per the Sport Ireland Statement of Strategy 2023-2027 (page 52), the definition is:
‘Any person who controls the play of a competition by applying the rules and regulations of the sport to make judgements on rule infringement, performance, time or ranking. A technical official acts as an impartial judge of sporting competition (e.g., referee, umpire, line official, scorekeeper, statistician, judge, etc)’
As part of this research, we are launching a survey to gather insight from current and former technical officials (TOs). This survey is being delivered alongside an extensive consultation process with data being utilised to inform the production of a TODP for Ireland. It is, thus, vital that a large number of current and former TOs respond. A high number of responses will allow us to:
- Acquire a more in-depth understanding of the views of those previously or currently in officiating roles.
- Fully investigate the social, physical and practical obstacles that technical officials face with respect to becoming match officials, staying in and/or progressing in these roles.
- Consider what officials themselves consider to be important with respect to their needs and requirements and the options they have to improve and develop in the role.
The findings will help Sport Ireland/Sport NI to assist all sports to recruit, inspire and support the next generation of TOs and inform the future work of national governing bodies of sport (NGBs), local authorities and local sports partnerships (LSPs).
We ask that you share this survey with the current and former officials within your sport: Sport Ireland & Sport NI – Technical Officials Survey
Should you have any questions or queries please email us at michaelcooke@sportni.net