FAI runs the rule over scouts

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recently introduced regulations relating both to the activities of scouts from clubs outside the Republic of Ireland and to players going abroad on trials.

The new rules regarding scouts and players visiting senior clubs or going on trials came into force on 1 January.

Speaking at the launch of the regulations, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: "I would urge every scout in Ireland who represents a club from outside the jurisdiction of the FAI to get registered and to operate within these regulations. They and the clubs they represent will benefit from the structure now in place, as will the players, their families, schools, clubs and leagues. "

Among the provisions is the requirement that all scouts attached to clubs not under FAI jurisdiction must be registered with the FAI to operate in the Republic of Ireland.

If a third party wishes to take a player on trial, an official 'request for trial' form must be sent to the secretary of the club the player is (or was last) registered with. Once this form has been completed, the secretary forwards it to their affiliated league, which has the power to grant or decline permission for the trial. No player aged under 14 is permitted to go on trial.

The FAI scouting registration and request for trial forms, the rules concerning scouts and players visiting senior clubs and going on trials, and advice for parents and guardians about trial requests and scouts can all be viewed and downloaded from the football services and education section of the FAI website.