THE ASSOCIATION of Referees of the Leinster Branch (ARLB) have stated they will not be attending any further disciplinary hearings of the Leinster Branch until procedures are clarified and they are legally represented.

The decision was taken at a meeting late last night regarding the recent disciplinary hearing of Clongowes Wood College senior cup player Conor Gilsenan.

“The referees are not happy with the current disciplinary procedures followed by the Leinster Branch and we have asked a few points to be considered,” the referees say in their statement.

“Firstly, the number of people sitting on committees must be reduced.”

The recent Gilsenan hearing on March 5th resulted in the schoolboy being found not guilty of making contact with the eye area of a St Mary’s player in the Leinster Schools semi-final on February 28th. Gilsenan was red carded in the 66th minute of that match.

“There were six people on the committee and only three on the IRB. Normally there would be a four-man committee. No reason was given for this by the Leinster Branch. Until proper procedures are in place our members will not be attending any disciplinary hearings,” continued the statement.

“The touch judge at the centre of the whole affair (James Fegan) made a statement and said it was a very harrowing week for himself and his whole family.

“While we are not disappointed with the result that came from the disciplinary hearing and we have to respect that result we have a problem with the procedures that are laid down by the Leinster Branch.

“The referee can only be examined by the chairman of the committee (Fred Gilligan) and that didn’t happen.

“In future if an official is to attend a disciplinary hearing they will be legally represented.”

After the March 5th hearing the Leinster Branch stated: “The committee was not satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, on the evidence adduced and bearing in mind the video evidence as also adduced, that Conor Gilsenan was guilty of making contact with the eye or eye area of an opposing player. And, accordingly, the committee recommends no further sanction.”

The final between Clongowes and St Michael’s next Wednesday will be refereed by John Carvill.

The Ireland under-20s will take on their Welsh counterparts at Dubarry Park tonight (7.35pm).