Female Referee Programme – Free Gear
Dublin City Council will be providing free Referee Gear for the 30x Referees for the female only beginners course
Only 30 places available 🤝
Click link to book ⬇️
Dublin City Council will be providing free Referee Gear for the 30x Referees for the female only beginners course
Only 30 places available 🤝
Click link to book ⬇️
Please be advised that a number of changes to the Laws of the Game have come into effect as of 1st July 2025. Kindly take note of the following timeline clarifications:
Attached to this email is a PDF document outlining the changes in detail.
In addition, we have included guidance for referees, which features video examples to support understanding and practical application. You can access that content here: LAW CHANGES GUIDANCE
We kindly ask that you share this information with all Coaches, managers and players in your club to ensure all stakeholders are fully informed of these significant updates to the game.
As promised, we are writing to update all clubs with some key dates and information for the coming season to assist in all clubs being ready to kick off in late August and early September. Clubs are reminded that
communications can only be made with the league via appointed club representatives at any time. Details of all the leagues contacts are listed on the DDSL Website.
Firstly as it has just closed, we would like to thank all those clubs who completed the Expression of Interest Phase 1 in advance of the close out, it has greatly assisted us in understanding the early figures for age groups for the season ahead.
REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS:
REGISTRATION OF TEAMS:
REGISTRATION OF TEAM OFFICIALS:
The second phase of this initiative will require a valid Garda Vetting number as a mandatory field to access the system, this phase will be rolled out during the season dates to be advised.
OPENING DATES OF THE NEW SEASON 2025/2026:
DIVISIONS (Boys/Girls):
SSG DIVISIONS (Boys/Girls)
RULES AND ENHANCEMENTS
Rules:
More to Follow:
Key Dates:
BEHAVIOUR,CULTURE,REFEREE INITIATIVES
There are several new initiatives being launched by the league for the coming season as a result of the feedback from clubs/BDO’s to address the Culture/Behaviour/Respect issues that we all agree needs to change in the children’s game.
These initiatives include:
‘Be A Ref’ The DDSL promotion in conjunction with the FAI for all refs undertaking ref courses will, if they assign to the DDSL receive kit and fee refunds which hopefully will see a much-needed boost to address the shortage of referees in our game. We will also be identifying by way of wristbands any referee who is a minor and ensure everyone who attends the games understands the legal responsibilities we all have to minors refereeing the game.
DDSL Junior Ref Academy will be launched in August where clubs will be asked to supply a minimum of one or two young players per five SSG teams to assist in becoming Refs in the SSG game.
We will create a ‘Born to Lead’ programme for the group and supply them with bespoke Kit, on-line training, agree fees with the focus on creating the right environment starting with very young players to learn
respect. We are really excited with the initial response from clubs and this programme will be run in conjunction with the clubs BDO’s .These academy refs will be allocated to games by clubs in the u10/11
levels in the initial phase. The league will escalate to a zero policy on abuse on refs U18 which will include cancellation of games as part of sanctions.
Team Official Registration is being introduced for all teams that at least one manager/coach this season (as previously advised )is registered, and the league will be supplying Team Official Bibs for all registered official to be worn on match days.
This will clearly identify who oversees the team and responsible for all matters on matchdays (including behaviour of their parents & Supporters)and will be the contact/Support for these young referees. The League
have also extended the insurance cover for all registered coaches (estimated at 3900) at no cost to clubs. It is important that everyone has completed Vetting/safeguarding well in advance to ensure they can register which is likely to open in early august.
Rules, Disciplinary/Sanctions. The new rule book (copy on DDSL web) has now been issued and is important that all clubs and indeed all their members, Coaches & Parents are aware of the rules governing the league. We have also updated terms and conditions on the DDSL website and on our player registration process’s. All clubs are encouraged to have their own member packs and hold induction meetings for all their parents/player to manage their club rules, Behaviours, complaints and most importantly manage expectations in advance of the season starting. The league will upgrade to a zero tolerance on behaviour for the coming season and are seeking all DDSL member clubs to fully support and lead by example,
It’s the least our children deserve.
‘Its My Game !’ This initiative will continue with Q102 with over 50 ads per week, regular themed weekends every month along with several new partners with the objective to stamp out all abusive behaviour and change the culture our children deserve.
It’s time for a zero-tolerance attitude from all involved in children’s sport and no Club, Team, Referee, Coach, Parent or Player should be excused for not committing stamping this out and more importantly leading by example!
We will continue to deliver ‘Kits for Clubs’, ‘Bags of footballs and other promotions to clubs throughout the season through our Partners. We are launching the first DDSL/Q102 ‘Born to Dream’ Camps powered by DB Sports with 120 free spaces being offered In August.
Coach Education & ETP. We are currently finalising our Coach education programme for the coming season which is hoped to provide a session weekly for all clubs along with several one-day sessions throughout the season.
The league is also recruiting a club development officer to assist clubs in many areas which is exciting. The ETP is currently being planned also and Barry and his team will be in touch in mid-august.
We appreciate the workloads that clubs are under currently and feel free to use the help of our people if you need it !
We will be in touch will fuller detail as these initiatives progresses.
DATE FOR DIARY – CLUBS OPENING MEETING MONDAY 18th AUGUST 7.30pm !
Thanking you as always.
On Behalf of everyone in the
Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League
The DDSL will be offering any new Referee who completes the course and joins the DDSL panel for the coming season, A free kit plus the return of the FAI fee after their first season in the DDSL.
Upcoming Courses:
Course Name | Comet Link |
Clare Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085147 |
Cork Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084691 |
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084150 |
Sligo Referee Beginners Course 19th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085598 |
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 23rd & 30th July 2025 (6.30-9.30pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084015 |
Carlow Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084504 |
Cork Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085065 |
Dublin Inner City Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35299694 |
Kerry Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (9.30-3.30pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085460 |
Meath Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085538 |
Donegal Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085560 |
Cavan Referee Beginners Course 26th July 2025 (9.30-3.30pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085723 |
Mullingar Referee Beginners Course 27th July 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085472 |
Cork Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085073 |
Donegal Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085805 |
Mayo Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085615 |
Wicklow Referee Beginners Course 9th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35089111 |
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 13th & 20th August 2025 (6.30-9.30pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084029 |
South Dublin Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35093211 |
Waterford Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084644 |
Dundalk Referee Beginners Course 16th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085552 |
Wexford Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084265 |
Dublin Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35084107 |
Roscommon Referee Beginners Course 23rd August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085620 |
Galway Referee Beginners Course 30th August 2025 (10-4pm) | https://faiconnect.ie/mycomet/private/seminars/35085663 |
Player Registration for season 2025 – 2026
A help video for parents to assist in registration can be found on the Help section of our website.
DDSL Strategic Plan 2025
Thank you to all who attended a brilliant session 🤝
#ddslgrassroots #thefutureisbright
The Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League is recruiting personnel to support the many volunteers in the league and affiliate clubs .
The DDSL is Irelands largest grassroots league in Ireland providing football in the Dublin and greater area. It provides football for over 50,000 players (all under 18) and runs over 2000 games every weekend. The DDSL was founded in 1943 and has 142 affiliated clubs and engages with approximately 55,000 registered club members,12,000 Volunteers.
DDSL also supports the delivery of a wide range of competitive, educational and development programs for its member clubs.
The DDSL are looking for a Club Development Officer working with our team to deliver supports in line with the league’s strategy.
In addition ,the league is also seeking Competition Managers to support our volunteer teams in the delivery of almost 2000 games per week.
Detail of the Job specifications are attached to interested applicants.
How to Apply
Letter of application and detailed CV should be sent (in confidence) by email to hr@ddsl.ie
no later than 5pm Friday 11th July 2025.
HR Team
Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League
E-Mail: hr@ddsl.ie
Webinars to advise on updates to FAI Garda Vetting procedures
The Football Association of Ireland is set to host a series of webinars to support the roll out of an updated Garda Vetting procedure, following notification from the Garda National Vetting Bureau.
Aimed at clubs and leagues from all levels of the game, the FAI Garda Vetting Liaison Persons will host 15 sessions over five days between Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4.
The webinars will go through key information for those submitting applications and it is strongly recommended that relevant club and league personnel attend one of these sessions to ensure applications are compliant with the updated requirements.
Garda Vetting legislation is key to ensuring the protection of children and vulnerable persons within the game. No relevant club or league can operate without Garda Vetting Legislation compliance and the FAI takes a zero-tolerance approach to any breaches.
To facilitate the new and necessary changes, the FAI’s Garda Vetting application portals will be unavailable from Friday, June 27 until Tuesday, July 1.
The FAI is encouraging any applicants to make note of this offline period to avoid disruption to any applications.
To register for the webinar please click on the link below.
As you are aware the DDSL has been working hard on the formulation of a 5-year strategy plan for the league with our partners S3 Solutions.
To date, we have established the aims & objectives, conducted various surveys of all stakeholders as part of the process, and met many other organisations as part of the consultative phase. It is hoped that after this phase ,we will be able to formulate the leagues strategy in September.
Now is the time for our member clubs to input and assist in the creation of the DDSL Strategy based on the needs of their clubs and members.
It is important to understand this is not a tick box exercise but a platform to meet the needs of our clubs and members based on their needs-and no one else!
We are holding two sessions as detailed below and ask that two senior/ appointed people from every club attend to give your clubs input.
All clubs are encouraged and expected to participate and attend to take this opportunity in the creation of your league’s strategy.
Northside clubs
Wednesday 25th June 7pm – Crown Plaza Hotel Dublin Airport,
Southside clubs
Thursday 26th June 7pm – Clayton Hotel, Leopardstown
Sessions & Workshops will be conducted by S3 solutions with teas/coffees provided-Start time will be 7pm and expected to conclude by 9.30pm.
We would ask that clubs would consider their views in advance of the sessions and would recommend that clubs hold their own sessions in advance to ensure all views of your club are reflected and part of your input.
All attendees must register in advance using the link below as venues have capacity limits.
https://admin.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/event-registration/index/14189
Please also note the Football AGM is scheduled for Monday 23rd of June in Abbottstown for club secs ko 7.30pm.
Yours in sport !
The DDSL Football for All players were invited by Dublin City Council to take part in a number of football games & up to 30 of our players participated on the Astro in Smithfield & all received a special Luke Kelly Commemorative Medal & Jersey from Luke Kelly’s niece Paul, brilliant day for the players & well done to Dublin City Council & all involved.
Players/Families were able to enjoy the rest of the activities through-out the day
Anyone looking to join Football for All Teams, please contact Mick Kennedy