LAUNCH OF NORTHERN IRELAND FOOTBALL REFEREES SPORTS CHAPLAINCY NETWORK SUPPORT
I am delighted to announce the launch of a Sports Chaplaincy Network, with the appointment of a Sports Chaplain in each of the 4 Divisional Referee Associations.
Each Association will communicate their own arrangements to local members shortly.
I am very grateful to Philip Mitchell, the Coordinator for Sports Chaplaincy Ireland, who met with senior divisional Association officer bearers and who identified and engaged with the 4 appointed Sports Chaplain.
Although not essential, 3 of the 4 appointed chaplains are current or ex referees.
So what is the role of a sports Chaplain?
A sports chaplain provides ” ongoing pastoral and spiritual care, by permission, to those of faith or no faith, for the holistic well-being for all involved in sport”.
Sir Ian McGeechan, former Lions rugby coach summed it up well when he said ” Chaplaincy brings a personal touch- people feel they can be listened to as individuals”.
Each Chaplain will attend monthly divisional meetings and generally get to know the local match officials.
Finally, the current pastrol services which Mark Kernohan provides to the Premiership match officials remain unchanged and unaffected.
The arrangements described in this message are additional arrangements .
Trevor Moutray