Rowing Ireland are excited to announce a series of supports for current or aspiring female umpires which will form a pathway for women into umpiring, support those who are developing after qualifing, those who have been umpiring for a number of years and those who wish to umpire internationally. This initiative will be funded by the Women in Sport programme. Read more details and how to access the support below.

In 2020, Rowing Ireland conducted a survey of its female umpires and identified reasons why women enjoyed umpiring as well as some potential barriers to umpiring. In 2022, Sport Ireland conducted a survey of all women in officiating across all sports in Ireland and the in depth report of this survey is being launched today on the Sport Ireland website.

The aim of this initiative is to support women who would like to umpire, to help those who are qualified and wish to umpire more or increase their competencies and also to support those who wish to umpire at a national and international level and promote lifelong participation in sport and physical activity. Umpiring is a great way for people to stay involved in the sport, develop new skills, enjoy being on the water and in the outdoors; perhaps at a time when they are not rowing or coaching.

The Umpires Committee of Rowing Ireland work closely with all our umpires, training them up and delivering exams and will be a vital support to this initiative in terms of supplying expert knowledge. Rowing Ireland’s women in sport officer will facilitate the following supports categorised into 4 areas:

Aspiring UmpiresAnyone can become an umpire and we would love to support you or hear from you if you are interested.Email umpires@rowingireland.ie to find out about upcoming courses.
Qualified Umpires This is open to all umpires in Ireland. Whats involved: 

Women in umpiring Network – online zoom meetings bi -monthly which any female currently umpiring can join conversation with other umpires on discussion topics relevant to assisting the group.

Next steps: 
Fill in the form ‘Umpires Network’  below to join this initiative 
Umpiring Advocates 3 Places are available. What’s involved: 

We are looking for qualified umpires who would be interested in becoming an advocate on a country wide scale. They would receive:  
– Leadership training with expert consultant Sarah O Shea
– Rowing Ireland Softshell Jacket, Hat and Beanie.
 
What you would be expected to do: 

– With support from the women in sport officer, facilitate communities of practice days – events and training days for local umpires to practise skills, shadow other umpires and connect with mentors to improve competencies and network with other umpires
– Post on social media and contribute to website articles about women in umpiring a couple of times per year

Next steps:

Fill in the form ‘Umpiring Advocate’ below 
International Umpires 2 places have been filled and will go on this pathway.We are delighted to have filled these two places and are developing a pathway to expand this initiative. For any information contact umpires@rowingireland.ie

Umpires Network

Umpiring Advocate