The GAA has launched RefWell, a first-of-its-kind wellness and performance psychology programme for referees, designed to provide mental health support and performance preparation for officials at all levels of Gaelic Games.

The initiative was unveiled yesterday at Croke Park by GAA President Jarlath Burns alongside leading referees, academic partners, and members of the Association’s National Referee Development Committee.

Developed over nearly three years in partnership with Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast, RefWell is the result of extensive research and direct consultation with referees.

It responds to growing concerns over the mental wellbeing of match officials, particularly in light of increasing levels of abuse and pressure in the modern game.

A national survey conducted during the project’s development revealed that 62% of referees felt ill-equipped to deal with stress and abuse, and nearly 75% expressed a desire for mental health awareness training. Alarmingly, one in four respondents reported symptoms consistent with mild-to-severe anxiety or depression.

“RefWell fills a critical gap,” said Donal Smyth, the GAA’s National Match Officials Manager.

“It’s been designed not just for our inter-county referees, but most importantly for club-level officials, many of whom officiate week in and week out without any structured support. This will also be available to referees overseas, widening its impact across the global GAA community.”

Hosted on the GAA’s Tobar e-learning platform, RefWell comprises six interactive modules that cover key areas, including performance preparation, communication, composure under pressure, and mental wellbeing. The content is delivered by qualified sports psychologists and aims to blend practical strategies with long-term support tools.

The programme is already being described as a world-first in terms of its scope and focus on referee welfare. Research undertaken as part of the project found that almost no national or international governing bodies had formal mental health support structures in place for referees.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Noel Brick from Ulster University, who helped develop the curriculum, said, “RefWell represents a significant step forward in recognising the human side of refereeing. These are individuals who give so much to the game, and they deserve the same level of support we offer to players and coaches.”

Leading referees Chris Mooney and Sean Hurson also attended the launch, backing the initiative and sharing their own experiences of pressure and scrutiny in high-profile matches.

RefWell will now be rolled out to referees nationwide and is expected to become an integral part of the GAA’s official referee education and development pathway.

“This is about respect,” added Smyth. “Respect for the role, for the people doing it, and for their right to feel supported.”

The GAA hopes that RefWell will serve as a model for other sports organisations and raise awareness of the mental health challenges faced by officials globally.

 


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