This web post aims to share a recent open letter from the Ulster GAA Chief Executive Officer and Secretary Brian McAvoy regarding our planned return to training at GAA grounds. We would also like to share a GAA link to a rich resource of additional information and wrap up the article by reminding everyone of the coaching structure’s detailed training plan for the foreseeable future until we have been advised of any changes to the covid-19 status.
Letter begins:
The NI Executive at their meeting on 1 April 2021 confirmed that structured outdoor training for sports organisations, in groups of up to 15 people (including coaches), can resume in the ’Six Counties’ on Monday 12 April 2021.
This is a cautious first step on the pathway out of lockdown and the following on-pitch group numbers apply;
Adults (18+) – one group size limit 15 on the pitch
Age 13-18 – maximum two groups of 15 on the pitch (no mixing of groups)
Age 12 and below – maximum three groups of 15 (no mixing of groups)
Contact training should be kept to a minimum and the playing of matches is not permitted.
It is essential that both Executive and GAA protocols are observed at all times in particular clubs should ensure that they:
1. Refresh risk assessments/action plans.
2. Promote HANDS-FACE-SPACE messaging via signs.
3. Keep records for contract tracing.
4. Build training plans building up from Pod cohorts (15) to full squads over time.
5. Modify training practices to build from limited contact to close contact over time.
6. Enforce rules on no spectators (including parents) – [the exercise of] dropping children off should be present during training.
7. Keeping all indoor facilities (except toilet/medical) closed at all times.
8. Ensure that each person attending training has completed the GAA online health questionnaire prior to attending – this must be done for every session.
For more detailed guidance on the GAA’s Covid-19 roles and responsibilities see the link below.
Covid-19 Roles & Responsibilities | GAA DOES: https://learning.gaa.ie/covid19roles
An updated version of the GAA Return to Train/Play guidance is being finalised by the GAA’s COVID Advisory Group and this will be issued to clubs in the near future.
Inter-county senior training is scheduled to re-commence on Monday 19th April while outdoor non-contact training at underage level (again in pods of 15 people or less) is scheduled to re-commence in the ‘26 Counties’ on Monday 26th April
Having GAA activity return to our fields is a positive and most welcome development but we remain in a pandemic and there is an onus on everyone to minimise risk and to play their part in ensuring that all protocols are observed. By doing this we will ensure that there is no further undue delay in our desire to ensure a full return to GAA activity at the earliest possible opportunity.
Is mise, le meas,
Brian Mac Fhíobhuí
Rúnaí/Chief Executive Officer
CLG Comhairle Uladh
Letter ends.
You will have received the following message down through your coaching channel and Mr Dorrian has kindly shared this within the school App but it is repeated here for reference:
Training schedules 2021
MONDAYS
(all camogie)
( 6 o’clock- 7 o’clock)
-p4&p5
-U11s
-U15s
– Senior training (including 16 & 17 year olds) 7.15 start
‐—————————————
TUESDAY
(all hurley)
( 6 o’clock- 7 o’clock)
-Nursery & p1
-P2&p3
-p4 &p5
-U11s
-U15s
– Senior training (including 16 & 17 year olds) 7.15 start
‐—————————————
WEDNESDAY
(all camogie)
( 6 o’clock- 7 o’clock)
-Nursery & p1
-P2&p3
-p4&p5
-U13s
-U17s
– Senior training (7.15 start)
—————————————
THURSDAY
(all hurling)
( 6 o’clock- 7 o’clock)
-Nursery & p1
-P2&p3
-p4 &p5
-U13s
-U17s
– Senior training (7.15 start)
—————————————
FRIDAY (camogie)
6-7 pm
-Nursery & p1
-P2&p3
** Nights that U11-u17 coaches have players training with the older age group it would be advised they go to that training to offer help and can use it as a perfect opportunity to work with a smaller group of the weaker players who maybe aren’t capable of making the step up to the older group **
