Officiating is a vital part of sport, yet it’s not always a role that many consider—especially women. Natasha Sheehan shares her journey into refereeing, the challenges faced by female referees, and her advice for those looking to take on the whistle.
Starting the Journey
My decision to become a referee was actually a bit unexpected. There was a free course coming up in Bunclody, and I thought, why not give it a go? I had always wanted to get into coaching and never even considered refereeing.
So far, the journey has been mostly positive. It’s still quite new for me—I only started in September 2024—so I have a lot to learn. I’m sure a few coaches and managers would agree! Any challenges I face are just part of the learning process. You only improve by doing, and every game is an opportunity to get better.
Challenges for Female Referees
I think the biggest challenge for female referees is confidence. To be a good referee, you have to be strict and decisive, and that’s not always easy. Women tend to express emotions more openly, and when you’re out on the pitch being shouted at from all angles, you have to stay composed and trust yourself.
I also feel that refereeing isn’t something widely advertised for women. You rarely see it promoted in the media, and that could change. If more courses were specifically targeted at girls and women, I’m sure many would love to give it a try. It’s a great experience, and the more visibility it gets, the more women will step forward.
Support and Recognition
From my own experience, I have to say that the referees in the Carlow league have been incredibly supportive. They’ve given me advice, shared tips, and some of them have even refereed me in matches before. The referees’ branch also reaches out to offer support, which makes a huge difference when starting out.
However, I know that not every woman gets the same level of support when stepping into this role. There’s still room for change, and I believe that in the future, female referees will get more recognition and backing.
One thing that has really helped me is being part of a WhatsApp group for female referees. It’s great to see women at different levels—some are just starting out, while others are officiating League of Ireland games. The encouragement and advice shared in that group are amazing. Women really have each other’s backs, but more visibility and promotion of female refereeing would make a huge impact.
Advice for Aspiring Referees
Go for it! It’s an experience like no other, and if you’re interested in progressing your career in sport, there’s a real gap for female referees. Be disciplined, be confident in your decisions, and keep a strong mindset—but most of all, enjoy it.