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 ⬇️
DDSL Referee Promo
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 |
DDSL Strategic Plan
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 !
PLAYER MOVEMENT: RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION & RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING
To All club Secretaries
It has come to the attention of the FSMT that clubs are inviting players to open training days – this is in breach of the DDSL/FAI rules on poaching players
A player who is properly registered to a club remains with that club until mid-night on the 30th June 2025. Any club(s) that advertise open training sessions before that date are in breach of the rules set out below
PLAYER MOVEMENT:
RULE 14. PLAYER INVITATION
1.
No DDSL club is permitted to request or invite a player from another DDSL club for training, coaching, or playing games either within their club, academy, or associated academy during the official playing season August 1st to June 30th the following year.
RULE 15. PLAYER POACHING
1.
When a player becomes a registered player with a club/team in any league it shall be an offence for any official, member of any other club/team or any other person to approach, encourage or influence that player or their or parents/guardians on their behalf to seek a transfer to another team, participate in training coaching or games under the auspices of another team.
2.
Such an offence shall be deemed to be “poaching” and any person found culpable shall render themselves and/or their team/club liable to a fine and/or suspension and their club/team shall be.
– Deducted 15 points for a first offence and a Fine €200
– Automatically relegated for a further offence and a Fine €300
DDSL Mid-Week Games
Following on and as promised at the meeting last, the information around mid-week fixtures is set out below – for the most current information please always check on the official DDSL website and social media platforms.
Mid-week matches will commence from Monday 7th April 2025, the fixture secretaries will decide the matches that will be played mid-week.
The following will apply to any team(s) who change the official fixture date without notifying the relevant fixture secretary, the game will be deemed null & void and no points will be awarded to the 2 teams participating in such a game.
The designated playing days are as follows
Saturday U12/U13/U14 – Monday
Sunday U13/U14 Tuesday
Saturday U12/U15 – Wednesday
Sunday U15 – Thursday
Sundays U16/17/18s. Tuesday & Thursday
In the small sided games there maybe a small number of under 11s fixture to be played.
I reminded those present our rules on walk-over s given by clubs – I have included the actual rule for clarity
RULE 6. FIXTURE WALKOVER 1.
During the season from August till the 30th of April any clubs who give a walkover (which has not been sanctioned by the League) shall be dealt with as follows.
- 11 a-side league clubs will be fined €150, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover.
- 9 a-side league clubs will be fined €100, and the match awarded to the opposition per walkover.
- In all other games the club shall be fined €25, and the match may be refixed at the discretion of the relevant fixture secretary.
- Any team who gives 3 or more unsanctioned walkovers over a season will be relegated from their respective League, have their results expunged and will start the following season with a deficit of 6 points.
- During the season from the 1st of May until the end of season inclusive any club who gives a walkover which has not been sanctioned by the league shall be dealt with additional sanctions as follows:
- First offence:
A deduction of 6 points and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €100 fine.
- Second offence:
A deduction of 12 points, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €300 fine.
- Third offence:
Relegation from the respective division and a starting deficit of 6 points the following season, and the 3 points awarded to the opposing team for that match, and a €500 fine.
- A team already confirmed as relegated, giving 3 or more unsanctioned. walkovers will start the following season with a deficit of 9 points.
DDSL FSMT
THE DDSL CONDUCTS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER UNDERAGE FOOTBALL SURVEYS IN IRELAND
THE DDSL CONDUCTS ONE OF THE LARGEST EVER UNDERAGE FOOTBALL SURVEYS IN IRELAND
In a groundbreaking initiative, the DDSL has conducted one of the largest youth football surveys ever in Ireland, gathering insights from 5,220 players, parents, volunteers, referees, past players, and others involved in the game. The message is loud and clear:
Football needs to be more than competition – it must be enjoyable for all!
This landmark survey of all stakeholders, has been conducted in partnership with S3 Solutions as part of the DDSL’s strategic planning process, ensuring that the findings directly shape the delivery of youth football in Dublin and surrounding areas over the next four years.
By engaging such a diverse group of respondents, the DDSL is ensuring that the voices of everyone involved in the game are heard and acted upon.
Key Messages from the Survey:
- If it stops being fun, they’ll stop taking part. This includes players, coaches and volunteers, referees and all others involved in the game.
- Children should be able to enjoy football in a safe environment. Player enjoyment, safety and wellbeing is paramount and should always be prioritised over winning.
- Volunteers give up lots of their own time. They need to be supported to get involved and stay involved.
- Referees are in it for the love of the game, but they get a hard time. The game day experience needs to improve.
- Very clear views from stakeholders when they want to play! The majority scheduling holidays/breaks in July/August and almost 90% want to play in Sept/Oct/Nov.
“Our goal has always been to enhance the youth football experience for everyone involved. This survey provides a clear, data-driven mandate: we need to refocus on fun, inclusivity, and long-term engagement, not just results,” said Barry Ferguson, Director of Football in the DDSL.
The survey’s results underline the importance of keeping young players engaged by making football a positive, supportive environment—not just for the kids, but for volunteers and referees too.
A game that is enjoyable for everyone is a game that will thrive.
“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their experiences. It is now our job to support the needs of our 130 plus clubs and all stakeholders involved in the DDSL. Their feedback
is invaluable in ensuring that youth football continues to grow and thrive in Dublin and surrounding areas.
The success will be measured by listening and delivering what all stakeholders for children’s football in the capital and indeed further afield.” added Niall O Driscoll, Chairman of the DDSL.
Please see attached, our survey key findings and Summary information for your attention.
For further information on the survey or to stay updated on the progress of our new Strategic Plan 2025 – 2029, please visit: https://ddsl.ie/
Further information Contact:
Barry Ferguson 087-764 0463 or Niall O Driscoll 086-256 0733
or e-mail at media@ddsl.ie
REMINDER – Expression of Interest for the coming season
Expression of Interest for the coming season.
The DDSL wish to announce the starting process for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in the DDSL for the coming season.
This stage does not require any of the # Established Member Clubs to engage unless they are making an application under the criteria listed below as A2.
# Established Member Clubs applying through A1 will be requested to apply when the Renewing Submissions Phase opens on Friday May 30th 2025.
Clubs wishing to make an Eligibility Application at this time must comply with the Eligibility Table below.
The Eligibility Application Phase remains Open until 5PM on Monday March 31st 2025. Clubs who’s eligibility is deemed to have been met by the league will be invited to make an EOI Submission when the EOI Phase opens on Monday April 7th to Friday May 9th 2025.
Clubs who having reviewed the Eligibility Table yet wish to make an eligibility application where the application is deemed not to have been met will be advised by the league.
All communications to eoi@ddsl.ie only, communications made to other emails or individuals within the league may be considered canvassing which may result in your application being rendered null and void. The decision of the league is final.
Yours in Sport
Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League
Silent Sideline Weekend
Silent Sideline Weekend ⚽️🤫
Let the Refs Referee
Let the Coaches Coach
Most importantly Let the Kids PLAY
NO TOXIC SIDELINE Behaviour!
Remember “it’s their game”
#itsmygame #silentsidelines
Expression of Interest for the coming season
Expression of Interest for the coming season.
The DDSL wish to announce the starting process for Expressions of Interest (EOI) to participate in the DDSL for the coming season.
This stage does not require any of the # Established Member Clubs to engage unless they are making an application under the criteria listed below as A2.
# Established Member Clubs applying through A1 will be requested to apply when the Renewing Submissions Phase opens on Friday May 30th 2025.
Clubs wishing to make an Eligibility Application at this time must comply with the Eligibility Table below.
The Eligibility Application Phase remains Open until 5PM on Monday March 31st 2025. Clubs who’s eligibility is deemed to have been met by the league will be invited to make an EOI Submission when the EOI Phase opens on Monday April 7th to Friday May 9th 2025.
Clubs who having reviewed the Eligibility Table yet wish to make an eligibility application where the application is deemed not to have been met will be advised by the league.
All communications to eoi@ddsl.ie only, communications made to other emails or individuals within the league may be considered canvassing which may result in your application being rendered null and void. The decision of the league is final.
Yours in Sport
Dublin & District Schoolboys/girls League
Silent Sideline Weekend
Following the successful launch of our DDSL ‘IT’S MY GAME’ campaigns , it is important for the DDSL and its clubs to support and act where possible.
Given the escalation of ‘Behavioural & Respect Issues’ particularly from the sidelines from both Coaches/Parents etc, we are holding a ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ on Friday/Saturday/Sunday28/29th/30th March 2025. We are requesting all clubs support this initiative using their clubs BDO’s to start the culture change required to create the right environment for children in the game.
For the weekend of the 28th March, we want to see ‘IT’S MY GAME’ initiative in action on the sidelines at every match within our League. For this to happen, we need you to help implement in some helpful ways of creating a positive environment on the sidelines to ensure the following happens !
Silent Side lines – Rope of spectator areas if possible
Let the players play and think and learn for themselves.
Let the official’s referee without comment
Let the coaches coach and players learn
Don’t let inappropriate comments, shouting, aggression, physical violence, and laughing at others whilst supporting or coaching a match become the norm!
Change it! Challenge it! Live it!
The ‘SILENT FOR ALL WEEKEND’ is there for a purpose to allow our players play & enjoy their football and stop those who are running children’s football.
REMINDERS
Match procedures for teams(compulsory)
Start-Captains bring ‘’LET US PLAY’’ banner to Centre with both teams. Teams line up Centre approaching from opposite halfway-lines, After toss etc. both teams Cross walk and shake hands.
During– all subs ideally seated in technical area, subs will shake hands as they come on/off pitch at halfway line. No player on until he arrives at halfway line.
Match break (Half time)- teams will gather on opposite sides for duration of break. Only manager/Captain can talk to referee if required – no other club official/person
Match end– Captains will bring team (including Management team) in file to halfway line and both teams will shake hands with everyone concerned including the officials who will be thanked by all. The winning team may stand in two lines and applaud the loosing team if they so desire.
Match procedures for club/Team Officials
Children are encouraged to develop themselves via their own experience on the pitch and therefore no excessive Coaching/shouting at any player will be accepted. As we must set examples-No smoking ,foul language or any encroachment by anyone on the pitch is permitted. Monkey see monkey do!
The Captain only, may ask the management (of his own team) to cease such behavior by his own team or raise the matter with the referee.
Match procedures for Parents/supporters
Remember this is their game -not yours ! therefore what children are exposed to seeing on the sidelines must be of the highest standards. Players will be empowered to not accept sub-standard behavior from anyone including their own parents. We all have a legal duty to protect children -The League, The Club, The Coaches, The Referee and more importantly their parents.
Both sets of supporters will be always assembled on opposite sides of the pitch. No coaching or instructions by parents at any time-this is the managements job, and they should not be undermined in their role-it shows a lack of respect to all concerned including your child.
There is no place for aggression, shouting or screaming in children’s sport and should Children really see their Parents or anyone behave like this at THEIR game.
The Dublin and District Schoolboys'/Girls' League (DDSL)