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GAA Strategic Plan 2013-2016 n GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016 CONTENTS

Introductions 3

Methodology 4

History and Background 6

Where Are We Now and Where We Would Like To Be 7

Mission, Vision and Values 8

Strategic Framework 9

THEME 1 – STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION 10

Theme 2 – FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING 11

Theme 3 – COMMUNICATION & PR 13

Theme 4 – CLUB AND COACHING DEVELOPMENT 15

Implementing and Reviewing the Plan 17

Reviewing the Plan 17

Acknowledgements 18

2 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 3 introductions

Teachtaireacht Liam O’Neill – Uachtarán GAA Joe O’Donoghue – Uachtaran GAA Rounders

2 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 3 n GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016

Methodology of the Planning Process

he brief for the association planning parents—and have clear and understandable process was clear. GAA Rounders objectives. The executive committee Twanted a plan that would be acted as an advisory team to the process developed by its members and would allow and added value, developed ideas and it to grow and reach its potential over the encouraged participation throughout the next three years. project. The executive committee comprised of: The plan would: 1. Uachtaran - Joe O’ Donoghue • Be constructed around the values and 2. cathaoirleach - Ger Proctor traditions of GAA Rounders 3. less Cathaoirleach - Michael Dowling • Be volunteer-led; 4. runaí - Alice Clarke • Be managed with excellence; 5. leas Runaí / Registrar - Shirley Roche • Maximise participation across all areas of 6. cisteoir - Philip Keane the association; and 7. Oifigeach Forbartha - Peadar • Provide a roadmap for the association for O’Tuatain the future. 8. Oifigeach Poiblí - Grainne Farrell 9. o Comhairle - Liam Haverty, When completed the plan would be clear, Dannielle Keane, Grace Doyle, Sean practical and ready to put in place. The plan Hughes should be for everyone—most importantly 10. laighean Ionadaí - Christy Hughes the players, ordinary members and 11. Oifigeach Idirchaidrimh – Martin Skelly

4 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 The process began with listening to workshop also asked people to describe the membership of the Association. In the ideal association of the future. late2012, a planning workshop was held with players, administrators, members and A draft of the document was produced and parents which took part. The workshop, was presented to the Executive Committee included members from all levels of the for consideration and review. This resulted Association: in a of additional inputs and the detail of the plan was agreed by all parties. Working in small groups, the teams shared stories of their experiences of The plan has been completed and it Rounders GAA in every aspect of their outlines detailed goals and aspirations in the lives, on and off the field. Through each of following areas: this listening process the workshop 1. Structure & Administration developed a deeper understanding of 2. Club and Coaching Development what was important for people and what 3. Finance and Fundraising GAA Rounders was really about. 4. Communications & Marketing

A wide range of areas were discussed The targets and milestones will be reviewed at the workshop including player annually against the targets defined and will development, coaching, finance, be refined and developed. Other areas may fundraising, communications and well emerge and be included as the planning governance. Each person was given an process evolves. The plan will be tabled at opportunity to outline areas where the executive monthly meeting to ensure improvement could be made. The progress is being tracked.

“When completed the plan would be clear, practical and ready to put in place. The plan should be for everyone—most importantly the players, ordinary members and parents—and have clear and understandable objectives.”

Strategic Plan 2013-2016 5 n GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016

History and Background

AA Rounders is one of the four Lúthchleas Gael. Antrim club Erins Own To try and offset this the annual Feile official GAA . Along with approved the running and funding of a weekend for Juveniles was introduce hoping GGaelic , and , Rounders match under the rules in the to increase participation level at this age Rounders was included in the original GAA Official guide. Over the next twelve years, would the progression of players staying on charter back in 1884. Rounders is a bat and ball the National Development Officer kept to fill Minor and Senior panels. game and is not that dis-similar to . the initiative alive with efforts which led Progression of the game is on-going and Indeed it is now generally accepted that to the formation of teams in the Air Corps over the past 5 years participation of the Baseball is derived from Rounders in some in Baldonnell, Co. and in St. Joseph’s game has been introduced in to Some Cul form or other, as it has been played on this Teacher Training College in . Camps and primary school, with the biggest island for a couple of hundred years now and During 1970 the game of Rounder’s was success to date been the Cumann Na was probably brought over to America by the introduced to the Munster and Leinster mBunscoil competitions held in Laois early settlers. regions by way of a National Rounder’s and . Clubs have been formed also in Rounders is played by all age groups, from League from which many clubs were formed. West meath, Laois, Meath and Roscommon National School children all the way up to Rounder’s under the guidance of late, and the outlook for increased and including senior level. There are mixed of John Golden progressed the game to participation over the foreseeable future is teams, where boys and girls, men and women many areas in the Munster region, while in looking very good indeed. can play on the same team. As Rounders Leinster you had Limekiln, Lakelands, and In 1970, Erins Own club were again to is a limited contact it is perfect for many more clubs introduced to the game. the fore, supporting the launch of the both recreational and competitive play. It It was at this time the All- Senior and Primary Schools Rounders Championships also draws on a different set of skills than Minor Championship was introduced and in the Toomebridge area of County Antrim the conventional GAA games and is very continues in this format to this day. Rounder’s and County . Those championships good for developing hand eye coordination. was also introduced into the Community have continued yearly since then and have GAA Rounders was included in the original Games, which has been of great help to our become more widely played in Derry , GAA charter back in 1884, along with Gaelic organisation. Antrim & Tyrone Schools. Senior & Minor Football, Hurling and Handball. In the early eighties dwindling numbers Championships are played across Ireland and Until 1958, no initiatives were evident in in many of the Rounder’s playing areas and there is an annual Féile weekend for juvenile clubs to play Rounders despite the availability long distance travel slowly took a toll on the players. In 2008, GAA Rounders celebrated 50 of written rules in An Chlár Oifigiúil, Cumann numbers participating in the championship. years since its revival.

6 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 7 Where Are We Now and Where We Would Like To Be

Number Number of Number of of Clubs Players Schools

Current 2013 21 600 100

2016 35 2000 250

GAA Rounders Clubs 14 1. Bagenalstown, Co.Carlow 2. cushenstown, Co. Meath 3. erne Eagles, Co.Cavan 4. Ballintubber, Co.Roscommon 5. , Co. 6. glynnBarntown, Co.

7. clonaslee/St.Manmans Co.Laois 3 8. Killucan/ Raharney, Co. Westmeath 9. Moydew, Co. 4 9 17 10 2 9 19 10. Walterstown, Co. 8 20 11 11. erin Go Bragh C.L.G, Co. Dublin 15 16 12. cuchulainn, Co. Carlow 5 21 13. the Heath, Co.Laois 7 13 14. naomh Mhichil, Co.Derry 18 15. greenhills, Co.Dublin 12 16. limekiln, Co.Dublin 1 17. Ballycomoyle, Co. Westmeath

18. roscrea, Co. Tipperary 6 19. Ballinagore, Co. Westmeath 20. Portmarnock, Co. Dublin 21. Killenard, Co. Laois.

6 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 7 n GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Mission, Vision and Values

AA Rounders has fully adopted the Mission, Vision, Values of the Association. The GAA’s values are the heart and Gsoul of our Association. In every club across the country they are what binds us, what makes us unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers and supporters.

Mission “The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting , culture and lifelong participation.”

The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic Games at the core of Irish identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and the values we live, enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. We are committed to active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all of our members to achieve their full potential in their chosen roles.

Vision Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association.

Value What This Means

Community Identity - Community is at the heart of our Association. Everything we do helps to enrich the communities we serve - We foster a clear sense of identity and place

Amateur Status - We are a volunteer led organisation - All our members play and engage in our games as amateurs - We provide a games programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players

Inclusiveness - We welcome everybody to be part of our Association - We are anti-sectarian - We are anti-racist

Respect - We respect each other on and off the playing fields - We operate with integrity at all levels - We listen and respect the views of all

Player Welfare - We provide the best playing experience for all our players. - We structure our games to allow players of all abilities reach their potential

Teamwork - Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our Association - Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength without working together)

8 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 9 Strategic Framework

What we will be able to say in 2016 when we have delivered on our plan:

1. Structures and Administration “The administration of GAA Rounders is successfully attracting excellent volunteers who provide an outstanding administration and governance framework for GAA Rounders. The workload is shared evenly and officers are being developed at all levels of the Association”.

2. Finance and Fundraising “GAA Rounders is a model of financial excellence and operates in surplus each year. We have the financial stability to plan future developments from our own resources and invest in developing our game”.

3. Communications & Marketing GAA Rounders is successfully utilising traditional and modern communication methods to provide members, supporters and sponsors with outstanding service and information that will allow Rounders to reach its potential”.

4. Club and Coaching Development “GAA Rounders has the systems and resources in place at Club, County and Provincial level to continuously support the development of our clubs, players, coaches, officers and . Our participation levels continue to grow through a balanced program of games”.

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THEME 1

STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION In 2016 we will be able to say:

“The administration of GAA Rounders is successfully attracting excellent volunteers who provide an outstanding administration and governance framework for GAA Rounders. The workload is shared evenly and officers are being developed at all levels of the Association”.

action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Establish a national executive National Executive Committee and 2013 Ard Comhairle committee and subcommittee Committee Sub structure in place 1 structure

Implement the joint code of Code of best practice in youth sport 2013 Executive Committee 2 best practice in youth sport in place 3 Implement Code of Conduct National code of Conduct in place 2013 Executive Committee

Work with the GAA leadership GAA Rounders is benefiting from 2014 Executive Committee to embrace the one association integrated relationship with the GAA 4 model at club, county and provincial level. Develop policies and There are policies and procedures 2014 Executive Committee procedures to assist with the in place for each of the functions 5 overall governance of GAA within GAA Rounders Rounders

Develop partnerships with Proactive partnerships in place to 2014 Executive Committee urban councils to promote the develop the game in urban areas throughout Ireland 6 game of rounders

Review the competitions Analysis of the number of games 2014 Executive Committee and structures of GAA Rounders and competition structures is Development Committee conducted and recommendations 7 are provided to the Executive Committee

Review the structure of the AGM The AGM is a platform to review the 2015 Executive Committee strategic plan and gather members 8 feedback Explore the feasibility of re- A team is resourced to support 2015 Executive Committee defining the organisation the volunteers in the execution of 9 structure to include full/part the strategic plan time roles / officers

10 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 11 THEME 2

FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING In 2016 we will be able to say:

“GAA Rounders is a model of financial excellence and operates in surplus each year. We have the financial stability to plan future developments from our own resources and invest in developing our game”.

action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Establish a finance committee A committee is in place to provide 2013 Ard Comhairle to support the needs of the financial governance and manage Association fundraising activities for GAA 1 Rounders

Establish an annual budget GAA Rounders defines each cost 2013 Current Treasurer and secretary of Ard and forecasting for GAA centre of the organisation and has Comhairle 2 Rounders an annual budget in place

Integrate the operations of the GAA Rounders financial 2013 GAA/ Ard Comhairle finance function into the GAA management and admistration is administration structure managed by the Croke Park finance 3 team

Review the current membership Revised membership structure in 2015 Ard Comhairle fee structure for the organisa- place 4 tion.

Develop a sub group to manage GAA Rounders are proactively 2015 Finance Committee and secure sponsorship for partnering with sponsors and GAA Rounders managing the relationships 5 successfully. In association with the GAA commercial team

Partner with Sports council GAA Rounders is proactively 2015 Finance Ccommittee and local authorities to partnering with local and national funding bodies to support the explore any potential funding 6 growth of the game. opportunities

Develop a calendar of events A calendar of events is in 2014 Finance Committee to for GAA Rounders. place to maximise sponsorship and 7 fundraising opportunities. Explore an online membership GAA Rounders membership is acces- 2016 Finance Committee 8 payment option for members sible to all new and existing members

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action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Develop a guide for all clubs/ GAA rounders is supporting its clubs 2015 Finance Committee to apply for any to secure funding 9 available grants or funding

Develop a promotion pack for A promotional pack is available for 2016 Finance / Comms Committee any sponsorship / funding clubs to assist them source funding 10 opportunity / sponsorship

Develop financial reporting The Executive Committee has the 2014 Finance Committee process to ensure clubs appropriate 11 accounts are forwarded to the AC

Develop a licensing policy for GAA Rounders is capitalising on 2016 Finance Committee / Communication GAA rounders merchandise any potential revenue generating PR Committee 12 opportunities

12 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 13 THEME 3

COMMUNICATION & PR IN 2016 WE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY...

“GAA Rounders is successfully utilising traditional and modern communication methods to provide members, supporters and sponsors with outstanding service and information that will allow Rounders to reach its potential”.

action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Establish a Communications & A committee is in place to promote 2013 Ard Comhairle Marketing committee and develop GAA Rounders 1 nationally Revitalise the GAA Rounders GAA Rounders website has a new 2013 Comms/Marketing Committee 2 Website look and feel

Establish a social media GAA Rounders are engaging with its 2013 Comms/Marketing Committee presence for GAA Rounders members and supporters via social 3 media

Leverage the GAA Communica- Better communications leveraging 2013 Communications/ GAA team tions team to promote out- the GAA coimmunications team in 4 standing communications Croke Park across the Association

Develop a starter pack for new A start up pack is issued to 2014 Comms/Marketing Committee / and existing clubs all new clubs to assist them Development Committee with governance, finance and 5 development.

Develop Club locator for Maps and co-ordinates of all GAA 2014 Comms/Marketing Committee 6 website rounders clubs are available online

Develop online shop and GAA rounders has secured licensing 2015 Comms /Marketing Committee merchandising partners to promote and sell GAA 7 rounders products Develop a communications A strategy is in place to promote the 2014 Comms / Marketing Committee strategy for GAA Rounders game of rounders and communicate 8 to existing and potential members

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action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Develop a Rounder’s print National newsletter relayed out 2014 Comms / Marketing Committee and electronic Newsletter to clubs and members informing to distribute to clubs and them of what is happening in the 9 organisation. members

Develop a member database for A centralised member database 2014 Comms / Marketing Committee GAA Rounders is in with all contact details of 10 members Develop an annual player/ The ideas and opinions of members 2013 Comms / Marketing Committee 11 member survey are gathered annually Develop online player and An efficient user friendly 2016 Comms / Marketing Committee membership / registration membership registration system is 12 in place Establish partnerships with the A strategy in place for the provision 2013 Comms / Marketing Committee media locally and nationally of appropriate and consistent communications to all areas of the 13 media

Review the Rounders brand and GAA Rounders has a new identity 2014 Comms / Marketing Committee 14 identity in place

14 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 15 THEME 4

CLUB AND COACHING DEVELOPMENT IN 2016 WE WILL BE ABLE TO SAY...

“GAA Rounders has the systems and resources in place at Club, County and Provincial level to continuously support the development of our clubs, players, coaches, officers and referees. Our participation levels continue to grow through a balanced program of games”.

action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Establish a development A committee is in place to support 2013 Executive Committee committee and develop GAA Rounders Clubs 1 and coaches nationally Develop and roll out Coach Each coach has the opportunity to 2013 Development Committee Education Program to all fulfil their potential in the 2 clubs organisation

Develop and roll out Coach To assist teachers in schools to 2014 Development Committee 3 Education Program to schools promote the game Develop National Rounders GAA Rounders is being played in 2015 Development Committee, Day for all GAA Clubs to every club in Ireland each year, Communications and Marketing participate in providing Rounders with a national Committee 4 platform to promote the game

Liaise with GAA Games To seek assistance, where possible, 2014 Development Committee Development Staff to help in on promoting the game through 5 promotion of the game Cúl Camps etc.

Develop a series of club based To assist clubs with administration, 2015 Development Committee 6 development workshops understanding of the rules etc.

Evaluate the potential for To increase the opportunity for 2014 Development Committee a ‘recreational’ focus e.g. people to play the game outside of the traditional club environment 7 company based league in major urban centres

Establish club partnering To help clubs to learn from one 2015 Development Committee 8 network another and develop networks

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action Outcome Sought TIMELINE Responsibility

Establish Schools partnering To help schools to learn from one 2014 Development Committee 9 network another and develop networks Develop a schools To introduce schools to the game 2015 Development Committee introduction programme and assist them in setting up inter- 10 nal games Develop a club officer All club officers are aware of their 2014 Development Committee 11 information pack. role and the roles of all delegates To establish working Successfully promoting Rounders 2015 Development Committee partnership with Cumann na in schools. Piloted Teacher training 12 mBunscoil. program in place in selected areas

Develop Rounders Education To share the knowledge of the 2016 Development Committee training program for GAA structure and rules of the game of County Games Officers, and Rounder’s with GAA coaching staff 13 to increase participation of the game Teachers nationally

Develop National Rounders Rounders is being played in every 2015 Development Committee, GAA Schools Day school in Ireland with the support Development Staff and Cumann na of Cumann na mBunscoil and GAA mBunscoil 14 Development Staff.

16 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 Strategic Plan 2013-2016 17 Implementing the Plan

The first step to implement this plan is to present the plan to the executive committee to provide them with the opportunity to approve the projects and milestones associated to those.

Once approved, the plan will be launched in Croke Park to members, players, parents and officers ensuring that they are informed as to priorities for GAA Rounders for the next five years. We will also circulate the plan to schools and develop an online format to assist accessing the plan via the website.

Once all stakeholders review each component of the plan, the executive committee will be assigned with the responsibility to oversee the implementation of the plan.

REVIEWING THE PLAN The executive committee will complete a comprehensive review with each of the committees during May of each year. This will include an assessment of progress made in each component of the plan versus the established milestones. The review will also include an analysis of the relevance of each of the targets and the inclusion of new targets and projects that are deemed appropriate by the executive committee.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Many people have contributed to the development of this plan, it would be impossible to thank everyone individually; however, it is appropriate to thank a number of individuals and groups.

Executive Committee: Joe O’ Donoghue, Ger Proctor, Michael Dowling, Alice Clarke, Shirley Roche, Philip Keane, Grainne Farrell , Liam Haverty, Dannielle Keane, Grace Doyle, Sean Hughes , Christy Hughes.

GAA Congress representative Martin Skelly

GAA Head of Planning Kieran Leddy

Uachtarán Liam O’Neill

Ard Stuithoir Páraic Duffy

A special thank you to all our players, members and officers who participated in our workshop and we truly appreciate their time and input.

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