DDSL launches “Born to Lead”
DDSL Launches ‘BORN TO LEAD’ programme to tackle referee shortage in Dublin.
The DDSL along with its award winning ‘Its My Game’ campaign and media partnersQ102 have launched a programme to attract young players with clubs to Become Junior Match officials (JMO’s) and start assisting in games in the small sided game which has over 1200 games every weekend .
As communicated to clubs a few weeks back ,the league is now launching our programme to address the huge shortage of referees in the Grassroots game in Dublin.
The ‘Born to Lead’ programme is targeting all players in clubs aged 16 and over to get involved and start refereeing all non-competitive games in the league.
All clubs are asked to recruit Two (2) young refs for every six (6) SSG teams in their club with a view to have the programme up and running by the time we return in late January.
We are attaching several posters and asking for your help in the promotion and awareness of the ‘Born To Lead’ initiative for clubs to print off, post on social media etc. to achieve the goal of getting 500 young players involved.
These posters are an Interactive PDF so that the “Click here” text will direct you to the website when clicked.
This will only work when opened and clicked as a PDF. The URL (link below) will have to be added to the post if posted on Instagram, Facebook etc.
We are asking every stakeholder in children’s sport to be very proactive in this initiative over the next 4 weeks encouraging young players to register.
We will be running Radio, social media campaigns over the coming weeks to encourage young people to get involved.
This initiative will involve the League, Clubs, volunteers and parents working together to encourage, develop, mentor young club members to take up refereeing and promote Young Leaders within our Game.
All clubs are asked to recruit two (2) refs per six (6) SSG teams up to under 11 to join and kick start the programme.
The programme will be based on.
1.All candidates must be a club member and/or registered player/official with the DDSL.
2.All must have reached their 16th Birthday as of 1st January 2026.
3.Each Member will receive on-line support, on-line training, Gear, and other benefits whilst on the programme.
4.Each registered member will be fully insured under the DDSL Player Programme.
5.JMO’s will be allocated by their clubs to all games up to U11 in the initial phase.
6.JMO’s will be under the supervision of Clubs BDO’s or nominated persons in a club.
7. There will be serious sanctions on any abuse to JMO’s including no games!
8.It is open to players/people who already referee games in their clubs (Young & Old).
The programme will also
1.be Supported by a team of experienced Referees offering support, training, and help (including on-line and phone support)
2.create a programme that is fun, respectful, and enjoyable for these young referees.
3. allow the ability to earn a Match fees(as per FAI) in the sport they love and recognise their role in the game.
4. More importantly build young leaders for the future and promote respect in life!
5. include a team of observers visiting clubs and helping BDO’s and young refs.
6. fund young referees in FAI courses, seminars should they wish to progress in the game !
We are attaching posters that your club can use to promote the launch along with running campaigns over all social media channels and all media partners.
More information will be provided to all clubs and registered JMO’s in early January.
The registration link for all registrations is
https://ddsl.sportsmanager.ie/sportlomo/registration/event-registration/index/14189
We are launching the programme NOW starting with a registration process and will start communicating with all parties over the next month.
We feel it is now time for all stakeholders (together) to address the future of refereeing in football ,to ensure we continue to provide the respect and culture our young players deserve.
Thanking you in advance and any queries can be directed to jmo@ddsl.ie
