The licensing system was introduced in Ireland in 2004 to ensure that clubs participating in the SSE Airtricity League were maintaining certain standards.
Licensing monitors clubs in five key areas: sporting, infrastructure, legal, personnel and administrative, and finance
The licensing system has helped to bring about a culture of improvement within the SSE Airtricity League. As a result of the licensing system, there are now more qualified coaches, grounds people, stewards, safety officers and event controllers, while improvements in infrastructure and financial reporting have been seen throughout the league.