The GAA has contacted teams across the country stating that it will review the suspension of games after the next two weekends.
BY SHANE STAPLETON
The GAA has contacted teams across the country stating that it will review the suspension of games after the next two weekends.
The association announced at the start of this week that all club matches were to be halted, with a lack of social distancing and excessive post-match celebrations contributing to the decision.
A handful of counties have halted all GAA activity with either their county or club sides, while Offaly GAA this week made a failed bid to the association to complete their hurling finals this coming Sunday.
โThe GAA, Camogie and LGFA have taken the decision that no club games should take place until further notice and for at least the next two weekends,โ reads the GAA update.
โThis position will then be reviewed and we will contact Clubs and Counties with any update on this position when it is available.โ
The inter-county season begins in on the weekend of October 17/18, and it remains to be seen if any unfinished county championships can be completed.
The update in full reads:
Updated Advice to Clubs and Counties โ Oct 7th 2020
Following confirmation that all 26 Counties will move to Level 3 of the Irish Governmentโs Plan for Living with Covid 19, the GAAโs Covid Advisory group has issued the following key updates for those involved in Gaelic Games in the 26 Counties. The Executive in the North is due to meet later this week and it is anticipated that further restrictions may be imposed due to the rising infection levels in the six counties.
CLUB SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
- Club Games
The GAA, Camogie and LGFA have taken the decision that no club games should take place until further notice and for at least the next two weekends.
This position will then be reviewed and we will contact Clubs and Counties with any update on this position when it is available.
- Club Training
In level 3, all underage training must be on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15. Adult teams can continue to train as normal.
All clubs and players are reminded that Health Questionnaires and all other relevant control measures must continue to be followed for club training.
Adult Club players living in a County classified as Level 3 may travel to their Home Counties to participate in Training.
- Use of Indoor Team Facilities
Dressing rooms, showers, gyms and all other indoor training facilities should remain closed for club activities.
- Committee Meetings
No indoor meetings should be held.
- Officer Training
All officer Training must be delivered on line. Outdoor coaching education courses may be held but are subject to a 15 person maximum.
- Club Bars
Club Bars must remain closed until further notice
- Indoor Events on GAA Property
Commercial use of indoor halls continues to be permitted where agreement was in place prior to March and relevant insurance are in place. Use by State bodies e.g. HSE/Schools is also permitted.
These are the only instances in which indoor activity is permitted on GAA Club property.
- Outdoor Events on GAA Property
Gatherings of up to 15 people only are permitted. As such, fundraisers such as fittest family, Couch to 5k etc should not be organised.
Planned drive in events may continue, however patrons must remain in their vehicle for the entire duration of the event with no access to club facilities including bathrooms.
ADVICE FOR 2ND LEVEL SCHOOLS AND 3RD LEVEL INSTITUTIONS
- Games and Training
Neither competitive nor challenge games are permitted in 2nd Level schools.
Training can continue on a non-contact basis in pods of no more than 15 people
No games or training sessions are permitted in 3rd level institutions in either jurisdiction.
INTER COUNTY SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
- Use of Indoor Team Facilities
Inter county activity has been classified as an exemption to the normal restrictive provisions by the Government. Therefore the use of such facilities currently is for Inter County Teams only (Senior, U20, Minor) and should be carried out in accordance with the Return to Training and Play for Inter County Teams advice document issued recently.
Inter County players may use their relevant Club Gym for individual training as long as they are following the advice in the Inter County Return to Training and Play document.
Adult Club players living in a County classified as Level 3 may travel to their Home Counties to participate in Training.
- Inter County Challenge Games
Inter County Challenge games may take place at Senior level only.
From midnight tonight, October 7th, challenge games can no longer take place at U20 or Minor grades.
- Attendances at Inter County Games
In Level 3, all inter county games must be played behind closed doors.
The position with respect to the 6 Counties is currently being reviewed – further guidance for both jurisdictions on spectator arrangements (if any) will issue in due course for the Allianz Leagues, Provincial and All Ireland Championships
For Minor intercounty games or training sessions staged behind closed doors and because they involve players aged 17 and under,
- No more than 1 designated individual (parent/guardian) should attend a training session or game per child/family/group of children.
- The GAA Health Questionnaires MUST be completed by parents/guardians in advance of attendance.
Parents are NOT permitted to be in attendance at adult or U20 games where their child (U18) is participating. However, provision can be made to allow an adult to be in close proximity (e.g. in the car park etc) in case medical or other emergency needs require their presence.
