The LGFA have attempted to silence players on topical matters like the Cavan ladies football strike, transgender policy and the rise of players heading Down under to play AFLW.
The Irish Sun have revealed an LGFA document suggesting how players should answer media questions ahead of their upcoming NFL finals launch with each county involved being sent a four-page briefing.
Within this document, players were advised how to answer questions from the media on controversial matters which are currently garnering plenty of attention for the Association.
SunSport was sent the document by one of the participating counties, who are not pleased with its content, with seven โpotential media questionsโ detailed that players can expect at Tuesdayโs launch in Croke Park.
The document also details suggested answers for each of the eight different captains to give with the details around the Cavan ladies squad strike, which centres around an agreed expenses charter with their county board not being honoured, particularly jarring.
โQ: What are your thoughts on the recent strike by Cavan players over what they believe is a lack of support for their team for player welfare and expenses from the county board?” the document said.
“A: Weโre focusing entirely on our game and our performances. We hope that they get the support that they need, but I donโt know the specifics of their situation so I wonโt be getting into it.
“Q: Do you support their stance?
“A: As mentioned, I donโt know the specifics of their situation so I wonโt be getting into it.
“Q: Are you well looked after by your own county board?
“A: Yes, we are very happy with how things are working currently and weโre also aware that the LGFA agreed to allocate all intercounty scheme funding to player funding this year so everything is moving in the right direction.โ
The Association confirmed in February that transgender girls between 12 and 15 will be approved to play ladies football subject to approval by a new Transgender Application Committee and possible questions/answers were also given on this matter.
โQ: What are your thoughts on the recently-announced LGFA transgender policy?
“ANSWER OPTION 1:
A: Iโm aware of the new policy but I do not know enough about it to make any comment.
“ANSWER OPTION 2:
A: I am aware of the new policy but itโs complex. I would need more time to consider it before offering an opinion.โ
The document concludes by highlighting that โthere will be other general questions then around progression to the Final and your teamโs recent form, etc., but media may try to focus on the questions outlined above,” the document read.
“So please be prepared and also be prepared at all times to move the line of questioning back to football matters. We are there on Tuesday to promote the Lidl National League Finals.โ
The full piece by Jason Byrne can be read at https://www.thesun.ie/sport/gaa-football/10514786/lgfa-document-ladies-footballers-launch/
