the September edition of the GAA Club Newsletter. - SLIDEBLAST.COM

Nuachtlitir na gClubanna - Meán Fómhair 2015 CONNECT WITH GAA

Welcome to the September edition of the GAA Club Newsletter. The Summer may be over but our Games certainly are not. The GAA Club Championship continues throughout the country with pitches and clubhouses buzzing with activity. This has been a bumper season of activity for our Clubs. GAA Kellogg’s Cúl Camps saw their biggest ever participation this summer, something our Clubs should be very proud of. We are heading into the final stages of the All-Ireland Championship season where the Sam Maguire and Liam MacCarthy cups are being polished and ready for presentation to the 2015 winners. This Sunday is the biggest day in the Hurling calendar where we will see the reigning champions Kilkenny face the challenge of Galway. We will also see our second All-Ireland Football finalist decided in a replay of last week’s semi-final between Dublin and Mayo. The winner will join Kerry to play for the 2015 Championship title on the third Sunday in September. Don’t miss a moment of Championship action. Be There. All The Way. with GAA.ie and OfficialGAA on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Finally, we would like to thank all those who participated in our recent Communications Survey on GAA.ie. Your feedback is valued and will ensure that we can develop and improve our communications channels. Go raibh maith agat, Lisa Clancy, GAA Communications Director

GAA CLUB WEBSITE SOLUTION The GAA Club Website solution is now available for GAA clubs to use. This offers clubs a user-friendly, simple and very affordable way to develop a club site. It is also the replacement solution to the now unsupported Google Site solution. The website solution has been developed with Ergo, a Microsoft Partner who support the GAA around areas such as email, and now club websites. Some of its key features are as follows: • • • •

Website built on Microsoft Sharepoint, so it edits like Microsoft Word Fully mobile-responsive website 20GB of storage available for photos, videos and all other content Full integration with Servasport fixtures and results feed

Examples of live sites using the GAA Club Website solution can be seen here: •

www.conahyshamrocks.gaa.ie • www.melvingaels.com • www.nagaeiloga.ie

The cost for the site is a once-off fee of €100. This includes the build of the site to your custom requirements, support during your population of the website and full on-going support once your site is up and running. The support team will be available to you from 9am-11pm, Monday to Friday. The annual DNS fee (for ownership of your website address) that you normally pay to your provider (Bakers, or other) will still remain but there will be no additional cost for any technical support around the site. Start the build of your club website by clicking here For more information please contact: [email protected]

WIN THE ULTIMATE ALL-STARS EXPERIENCE WITH OPEL Opel, Official Car of the GAA and sponsors of the All-Star Awards are giving away some ultimate fan experiences this September and they want your Club to enter: • •

WIN a training session for your club with an Opel Star Ambassador A VIP table for 10 at the All-Star Awards, PLUS a trip to Texas for 2 on the All-Stars Tour

One lucky GAA club in every county in the Ireland (ex. Six Counties) will get to train with a GAA Opel Ambassadors. That’s 26 training sessions up for grabs with:

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Colm Cooper

•

Jackie Tyrrell

•

Joe Canning

•

Michael Daragh Macauley

•

Eoin Cadogan

•

Ciarán Kilkenny

•

Tomás Ó Sé

Follow Your Heroes Sit with the GAA’s elite and enjoy your very own VIP table for 10 at the All-Star Awards on the 6th November. PLUS join your favourite GAA players and bring a friend to the 2015 All-Star tour to Austin, Texas USA from the 10th to 15th December. HOW CAN YOU WIN? There’s an easy was to enter to win these once in a lifetime experiences: Enter online from the 7th September 2015. Share the competition online and a bonus point will be awarded to you each time a friend enters correctly. For more information visit Opel.ie/GAA and you could be seeing Stars with Opel this winter! www.Opel.ie/gaa

INSURANCE & FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES Major Fundraising events are not automatically covered under the GAA Liability Policy. In order for Insurers to confirm cover the following information must be submitted for review: Event Plan of activities proposed (templates are available from GAA Risk and Insurance Manager or Willis to assist you in this regard) Details to include the following: • • • • • • • •

Where and When Event is taking place Approximate numbers expected to be in attendance Objectives of the event - What is hoped to achieve with this event Full Description of the event & planned activities Who will be participating in the event (are they members of the club etc.) Risk Assessment for event and all activities - Identify possible risks and develop strategies to minimise these risks Details on first aid/security at the event and signage for event Confirmation that your County Board have been notified of this event

Use of Third Parties / Contractors (examples include but not limited to Music/Lighting/Sound/Security/Food and Beverage provision/temporary structure errection e.g. Marquee or stage / Wellbeing facilities etc.) Details of any third party involvement are required- you will need to verify each third party has their own insurances in place. The following are the GAA’s requirements; • Evidence of Public Liability insurance with a minimum limit of € 6.5 Million • Evidence of Employers Liability Insurance (if applicable) with a minimum limit of € 13 Million • A specific indemnity should be noted on the policy to the GAA Club which they are using and Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Once the above information is provided we will be in a position to confirm if cover can be extended to the club as organisers of the event. Queries in relation to cover can be submitted to [email protected] or [email protected] or to your county board. For further information log on to www.gaa.ie/clubzone/gaa-injury-scheme/ “For general information on Public Liability, Employers Liability, Property Insurance, GAA Injury Benefit Fund and Club Health and Safety Statements, click on the following link, GAA Insurance and Injury Benefit Fund.”

2015 KELLOGG’S CÚL CAMPS 32% 102,384 Participants in 2015

15% Increase on last year’s participation figure

1100 Camps in 32 counties

On-line registration increased by 32% (50,157 participants registered on-line)

The Counties with the largest percentage increase in participation were;

1. WEXFORD 34% 2. CAVAN 33% 3. MONAGHAN 30% 4. ROSCOMMON 26% 5. WATERFORD 20% 6. LOUTH 20%

The Camps provide children with the chance to play and develop their skill in Gaelic football, Hurling, Handball and Rounders. All activities are catered for in a positive playing environment and provide all children with the opportunity to derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement in Gaelic Games. Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps were held this summer in Australia, New York, Saudi Arabia and Great Britain. This area will grow as there is increased interest this year. Thank you to all who attended this year’s camps.

NEARLY 40% REDUCTION IN DENTAL INJURIES SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF MOUTH GUARD RULE The introduction of the rule whereby mouth guards are mandatory for players in Gaelic Football practice sessions and matches has led to a drop of 37% in the number of dental injury claims made via the GAA Injury benefit fund, resulting from incidents in Gaelic football training sessions and matches in grades up to Minor in 2013. At adult level a similar drop of 39% occurred in 2014 proving the benefits of wearing a mouth guard in reducing the risk of dental injuries. The rule has been mandatory for players in grades up to Minor since 2013 and applies to all age grades since January 1st 2014. For further information is available here.

GAA CARDIAC SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE The GAA advise that the most effective way to identify risk of cardiac issues is for players over the age of 14 to undergo cardiac screening on one occasion. It is also advised that this process be repeated before the age of 25. Players should consult their team or family doctor if they wish to get screened and screening should consist of completion of the GAA’s Cardiac Screening Questionnaire, a Physical Examination and an ECG. Download the Cardiac Screening Questionnaire here. Does your club have a Defibrillator? Is it accessible? The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee has produced guidelines which gives GAA Clubs advice and recommendations in key areas such as acquisition, accessibility & storage, training and maintenance of AEDs. GAA Defibrillator Guidelines here. Further information on the GAA Defibrillator Scheme here.

GAA CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES Key Points on Concussion l Concussion is a brain injury that needs to be taken seriously to protect the long term welfare of all players. l Any player suspected of having sustained a concussion, should be removed immediately from the field and should not return to play on the same day. l Where a Team Doctor is present, he must advise the person in charge of the team (i.e. Team Manager) in this regard and the player must not be allowed to continue his participation in the game. l Concussion is an evolving injury. It is important to monitor the player after the injury for progressive deterioration. l Concussion diagnosis is a clinical judgement – if in any doubt consult a doctor. l Players suspected of having a concussion, must have adequate rest of at least 24 hours and then must follow a gradual return to play protocol. l Players must receive medical clearance (by a doctor) before returning to play. Signs and Symptoms Contrary to popular belief, most concussion injuries occur without a loss of consciousness and so it is important to recognise the other signs and symptoms of concussion. Symptoms include: - Headache - Confusion - Nausea - Balance problems or dizziness - Double/blurry vision - Sensitivity to light - Feeling sluggish, hazy or groggy - Just not ‘feeling right’ - Concentration/memory problems - Pressure in hand Return to Play - A player with a diagnosed concussion should never be allowed to return to play on the day of injury. - Return to play must follow a medically supervised stepwise approach and a player should never return to play while symptomatic. Action Plan - Recognise the signs and symptoms - Report if suspicious, don’t hide it - Rehab with rest and medical guidance - Return after following Return To Play Protocol and getting medical clearance Resources The Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee of the GAA in conjunction with Ms. Ruth Whelan (Physiotherapy Manager, UPMC Beacon Hospital) have devised concussion management guidelines based on the findings from the 4th International Conference in Concussion in Sport. See here. For further information and resources see here. *E-learning* Want to know more about Concussion? If you are a player, parent, coach, referee or even medic who wants to know more about concussion, please try our e-learning course on concussion awareness! The course takes 15 minutes to complete and there is a quiz at the end to test your knowledge. You will learn about: 1) Concussion Injuries 2) Signs and Symptoms 3) Action Plan 4) Coping with the Injury 5) Return to Play Protocol 6) Management in Children for information on how to register and access the course, click here.

DATA PROTECTION AWARENESS FOR CLUBS

Club administrators are reminded that email address databases or lists should be used for club purposes only. These lists should not be shared with any third parties. When sending an email to multiple contacts you should always use the BCC field. This will ensure that all recipients cannot be seen by others and therefore reduce the chance of third parties’ use of these addresses. If you receive mail from a sender that you deem to be spam or unwanted, you can block future correspondence by right-clicking a mail from the sender and reporting it as junk. These mails will no longer arrive in your inbox. Further guidance on data protection and information security best practice will be issued toward year end.

‘PLAY TO STAY WITH THE GAA’ CUTTING EDGE GAA RESEARCH TACKLES YOUTH SPORT DROP OUT The GAA in partnership with the University of Stirling announced the findings from an extensive research project, which has successfully created new knowledge on how to tackle youth sport drop out. Sport has a significant impact on society. It provides a powerful context for promoting the health and well-being of youth. Given the popularity and benefits that may be derived from sport, it is perhaps surprising that there is a declining sport participation trend from childhood to adolescence and reduced participation in regular sport among youth. Worldwide trends reveal drop out from sport at levels of 50% and higher. A portion of this dropout may reflect sampling of sports, where children and youth are trying out or transferring between different sports. However, some of the dropout from sport may reflect dissatisfaction or negative experiences. ‘Like many sporting organizations around the world, the GAA has recognized the prevalence and health significance of young people dropping away from participation in sport. In 2012, we commissioned a research partnership with the University of Stirling in order to understand why people are disengaging from participation in Gaelic Games and more importantly how the GAA can proactively respond to meeting the needs of young people participating in our games’ explained Pat Daly, Director of Games Development and Research, GAA. Over a 15-month period a National Steering Group compromising of experts from the University of Stirling, 10 local grassroots coaches and representatives from the GAA’s Games Development Department designed and executed a pilot initiative centred around the creation of a new GAA community entity entitled the GAA Super Game Centre. 10 Super Game Centres were set up across 10 counties and offered a 24-week games programme to 430 players aged 12 to 16 years. Players were exposed to small-sided games, which involved a form of coaching support based upon 6 key values identified from a review of evidence from around the world. ‘The objective of our research programme was to assist the GAA in order to test an alternative way to positively engage young players in participating in Gaelic Games. Having reviewed the evidence from around the world we identified 6 key values (positive feedback, respect, belonging, empowerment, enjoyment, effort) which if expressed in a games environment would create the type of participation experience which would positively impact a young player’s desire to Play to Stay with the GAA. Over a 24 week period 430 players created over 3,500 visits to the 10 Super Game Centres. Our research found the players received greater levels of social support which reduced their intention to drop out of Gaelic Games participation. This findings were explained as a result of players developing a greater sense of the belonging to the GAA as a result of experiencing the 6 play to stay values.’ explained Daragh Sheridan, Research Lead, GAA Super Game Center National Pilot Programme. The University of Stirling has prepared a report for the GAA outlining 6 key recommendations designed to enable the GAA to act on the findings identified from the research programme. ‘The Irish Sports Council are delighted to see the GAA take a lead role in tackling youth sports drop out. The use of cutting edge research to get closer to the needs of youth participants has to be commended. The lessons learned from the Super Game Centre research have the potential to be applied right across Irish sport and thus ensure that we can maximize youth participation on a whole sport basis’ explained John Treacy, CEO, Irish Sports Council. The recommendation contained with the GAA Super Game Centre report are aligned with the current GAA strategy which has identified maximizing participation as a key priority goal. ‘Maximising participation in our games is a key strategic priority for the association’ explained Aogán Ó Fearghail, Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael. ‘The recommendations from this research will enable the GAA to become an international leader in positive youth sport engagement. Our aim is to provide a regular programme of meaningful and inclusive games opportunities that set the conditions for life long participation in our games. This is critical in safeguarding the significant role that Gaelic Games play in the health and well-being of local communities’ For more information contact Pat Daly, Director of Games Development & Research at [email protected] or on 018363222

GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW 2016

Following its success over the past two years, in which over €4.5 million has been raised by clubs, we are pleased to let you know that the G.A.A. National Club Draw will be an annual event. As you may be aware, the sole purpose of the G.A.A. National Club Draw is to assist clubs in their drive to raise much needed funds to aid in the development and the promotion of our games. This is an opportunity for clubs to raise up to €20,000. Each club retains all the proceeds from the tickets sold by their club. All prizes are provided by Ard Chomhairle. Further information, including promotional posters and flyers, will be sent by post to all clubs in the coming weeks. Tickets remain at €10 each a maximum of 2,000 tickets may be requested by each club. The next draw will take place on March 11th 2016.

BRADY & REILLY RETAIN WORLD CROWNS

Cavan’s Paul Brady has been crowned Men’s Open World Handball Champion at the University of Calgary for an incredible 5th consecutive time following an impressive 21-8, 21-2 victory over young gun, Cork’s Killian Carroll. Brady will certainly now go down as the greatest handballer to ever play the game. He is the only Irishman to not only win a Men’s Open World title in the modern era, but to also retain his title. And given he has retained 4 times, and held the position as undisputed World Champion for 12 years, there is no questioning his legacy as the greatest ever. The final itself was quite a unique occasion as two Irish men found themselves battling against one another, as Cork man Carroll produced a sizzling run of form to knock out the American #1 Luis Moreno at the semi-final stages. It was Moreno who pushed Brady to his limits at the 2012 Worlds in Dublin, and who was again expected to set up a rematch in the 2015 final. But in the final, Brady produced as close to perfect Handball as we have ever seen, dominating his younger opponent with precision power and accuracy. “It feels incredible to be going back home as the World champion,” said Brady. “The pressure is off me now and there’s going to be a new world champion in three years’ time.” Brady, who announced that this was his last Worlds, dominated the game from the outset and the 22-year-old Mallow handballer was unable to contend with the sheer power and finishing of the defending champion. Brady raced into a 17-4 lead in game one, reaching 18 with a left corner kill before Carroll came slightly into the game. Brady made some uncharacteristic hand errors as the Cork man hit eight before Brady notched off the last few aces to take the first game. In the second game, the Cavan man was ruthless and stormed to a 16-0 lead as Brady ebbed closer to the fifth title. Carroll pulled back two points but a determined Brady closed out the game, with two clinical ace serves and three kill shots. In the aftermath, an emotional Brady, talked about the pressure on him to deliver a fifth crown. “I’ve had to handle pressure for the past twelve years – you get used to it; it becomes your companion,” he said. “But I’ve had a target on my back and winning this one is special because it took a lot of consideration about whether or not to compete for it; I can tell you now I’m definitely glad I did.” Earlier, Antrim’s Aisling Reilly saw off Catriona Casey in a tiebreaker to retain the Ladies Open title. Casey took the first game 21-10, with Reilly finding it difficult to settle into the game. However, it was a dramatically different second game as the Belfast lady dominated to take a 21-16 win and force a tiebreaker. In the decider, Reilly took an early lead and then held on to defend her crown with an 11-6 victory to become a double World Champion. Reilly followed up her stunning singles win by then teaming up with Limerick’s Martina McMahon to take the Ladies Open Doubles title this evening in Calgary. Reilly/McMahon defeated Catriona Casey/Aishling O Keefe 21-15, 21-13 to take the title. The last game of the championships saw Westmeath’s Robbie McCarthy and Clare’s Diarmaid Nash take a Men’s Open Doubles title with a two game victory over Mayo’s Joe McCann and Roscommon’s Rikki O’Gara. The first game was evenly contested, with the Clare\Westmeath combination edging to a 21-18 first game win. In the second game, Nash and McCarthy stormed to an early lead, which the men from the West were unable to claw back, eventually going down 21-6.

GAA WORLD: AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP YOUR FELLOW EMIGRANTS ACROSS THE WORLD In the last 6 years over 250,000 Irish people have emigrated. More than any other organisation globally the GAA has helped people to settle into their new homes via their sporting, cultural or social activities. Crosscare Migrant Project is a charity based in Dublin that is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs to provide a pre-departure advice and support service to Irish people thinking of emigrating but also Irish people returning back to Ireland. Crosscare is in the process of strengthening its ties with organisations across the globe that work with Irish emigrants. With over 400 clubs outside of Ireland the GAA is supporting Crosscare‘s efforts to make sure that Irish people across the world are going through the process of emigration in a more supported and informed way. As part of this process Crosscare are conducting a global survey of the GAA’s key people in all international clubs and we are looking for your help. All Officers in international GAA clubs are being asked to give 10 minutes of their time to complete a short four question online survey here. We are asking for your opinion and experiences of the challenges facing Irish emigrants abroad, how they can be better prepared and barriers to returning home. It is hoped that the answers to this survey, your collective wisdom, will form the basis of a resource that will ensure a better experience for all Irish emigrants across the globe and those yet to depart. We would also like to take this opportunity to draw your attention to some resources that will help your fellow Irish emigrants stay mentally health. Visit www.mindhowyougo.ie

TAKE THE SURVEY

UNDERAGE CAMOGIE DEVELOPMENT MODELS FOR UNDER 14 AND 15 The National Blitz competition for Under 15 squads for phase 1 counties took place in Kilkenny on Saturday the 15th August. This is the second year of a competitive tournament at this age group. 13 teams from 10 counties took part in the competition held over 3 venues in the city. Kilkenny defeated Cork in the Cup final in O Loughlin Gaels. Dublin B defeated Kilkenny B in the shield final held in James Stephens. Teams then attended the Liberty Insurance Senior semi-final in Nowlan Park and took part in a Camán and Run relay race at half time with Galway finishing first, Clare second and Kilkenny third in the race. The national blitz competition at under 15 level for phase 2 counties will take place on Saturday 3rd October. The National under 14 All Ireland Championship blitz competition will be held in Dublin on Saturday the 13th September. This is the fourth year of the competition for this age group. 51 teams from 29 counties will participate in the competition this year across 5 divisions. Each Under 14 teams who participate in the competition on Saturday will parade at the Liberty Insurance All Ireland Camogie Finals in Croke Park on 14th September.

SEND YOUR CLUB PLAYERS TO #GAAYOUTH FORUM – SATURDAY 24TH OCTOBER 2015 ‘YOUR VOICE, YOUR LIFESTYLE, YOUR GAA’ LIMITED AVAILABILITY! The National Youth Committee is inviting all Clubs to nominate players to attend the #GAAyouth Forum which will be held on Saturday 24th October in Croke Park (10.30 – 16.30). The Forum is open to male and female club players in two age groups: 12 – 16 and 17 – 21. The theme for the 2015 #GAAyouth Forum is “Your Voice, Your Lifestyle, Your GAA.” The focus of the day will be on: * Healthy Lifestyle – the do’s and don’ts * Practical tips to improve your game – debunking the myths Delegates attending the Forum will be provided with an opportunity to: l Keep a ‘Lifestyle Diary’ l Learn how to improve their lifestyle through proper food & nutrition l Practical tips to improve their game in the Croke Park warm-up rooms l Discuss how young people can influence changes in relation to player welfare in the GAA Workshops on the day are being developed by experts in the field including Brendan Egan (Lecturer in Exercise Metabolism, UCD), Cathal Cregg (Connacht GAA S&C Officer) and Michael Fennelly (S&C Lecturer). The Forum is being run in conjunction with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) with the support of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) and An Cumann Camógaíochta. 200 delegate places are up for grabs for male and female players in two age groups: 12 – 16 and 17 – 21. The online application forms will be available on www.gaa.ie/youth-zone. There are two ways to apply: l

Online Application by an individual: A young player can complete an individual application form online and identify an adult in their Club who endorses their application.

l

Online Application by a Club: A Club can complete an application form to nominate a young player/s from the Club to attend the Forum (max. 2 players, ages 12 - 21).

The application process will open on Friday 7th August and will close on Friday 2nd October and successful applicants will be informed by Friday 9th October. We are asking you to circulate this information to coaches and young players in your Club and to advise them of this exciting opportunity to travel to Croke Park and participate in the #GAAyouth Forum 2015. For further information please see www.gaa.ie/youth-zone or contact Caoimhe Ní Néill ([email protected]; 01 865 8622)

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