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Welcome again to our latest edition of Extra Time and we hope that you are all safe and well. Each Week we move closer to the playing of Games and next Friday we will see a return to competitive action in Down and throughout Ireland. In Down it will be particularly special as we will welcome our new Club East Belfast, to the world of Gaelic Games when they visit St Michaels in what will be a historic fixture on Friday night.

It will be good to be back, we do however need to remain vigilant in regard to Covid-19, we need to strictly follow the guidelines in regard to Matches. As it stands at present Spectators are not permitted to attend games and this is something that we do need to adhere to. The Health and Well Being of our Members and our Communities are our priority, If we believe in that then we will have no worries, we will all follow the guidelines and our families and our neighbours will be safe.

We don't need to undo the good work that has been done over the past few months by our Clubs in our Communities. Our Clubs have shown that they care about their communities, the GAA has stood tall and delivered in the pandemic now we need the GAA Clubs once again to stand tall, follow the guidelines and adhere to the regulations, for the good of your community.

GUIDELINES FROM GAA

COMMUNICATION

It is essential that clear and concise information is made available to spectators before they consider attending any club games. This strategy should involve all available means of communication from national to local level. Use of official GAA websites, social media platforms, information on tickets and use of signage outside grounds are just some of the ways that key information can be disseminated to spectators attending games. Important areas to address include:

 Spectators should be aware that all the risks posed from Covid-19 cannot be eliminated, including attending GAA games but that essential control measures have been put in place to reduce risks for members.

 Spectators must not attend games if they display any symptoms of Covid-19 and instead should phone their GP and follow public health advice

 Individuals that are considered high risk or are in close contact with others who are considered high risk should not attend games (click here)

 Individuals must be informed that much of the responsibility for managing Covid-19 risk remains with themselves particularly in relation to social distancing, wearing of face coverings and sanitation

 All spectators should be encouraged to bring their own hand sanitiser

 The use of face coverings is strongly advised for all patrons over the age of 13

 Spectators must not enter the field of play at any time including pre-match, at half-time and other intervals and after the final whistle or at end-of-match presentations

 Spectators should be advised to keep their own record of contacts at a match for potential tracing purposes

 All spectators should be encouraged to download the HSE tracing app (click here)

CAPACITY:

Commencing 20th July 2020 in accordance with the Government of Ireland Revised Roadmap, a maximum gathering of 500 persons is permitted in the 26 Counties. This will therefore restrict the total capacity at GAA grounds to 500 until further notice.

• The figure of 500 includes all present at the ground, including staff, volunteers, players, backroom staff, media, contractors, and spectators of all ages

• In the 6 Counties as of 11th July games are permitted without spectators with guidance due to be issued in advance of the resumption of competition on 17th July 2020.

• The number in attendance should be recorded by the club hosting the match to ensure that government guidance has been fully complied with. A designated person should be appointed to carry out this task

• Every ground should be risk assessed to ensure that it is capable of hosting a gathering of up to 500 people in line with social distancing measures. If not, consider an alternative venue or reduce the number of tickets allocated to reflect the capacity of the ground to maintain spectator social distancing

• If a ground cannot be secured in such a way as to prevent surplus attendees (e.g. where a match is to be played in a public park, local authority pitch or an open space) and where large crowds/crowds of 200 or more can be reasonably anticipated an alternative venue should be considered

• Consideration should be given to operating single header fixtures only where existing control measures do not adequately mitigate the risks involved in running two or more games including management of numbers and movement of spectators

• The use of a manual clicker device is highly recommended as a means of counting all personnel entering the ground

SOCIAL DISTANCING

• The current public health guidance advises a social distance of 2m be maintained between people. Further government guidance may change and the GAA’s assessment method may change as a result.

• Where small groups of people are attending games, members of these should wherever possible be from the same household

• Individuals and small groups should remain insofar as possible in the same area for the duration of the game, remain 2m apart and avoid intermingling with other individuals or groups

• Signage should be in place to remind spectators to practice and maintain social distancing

• Consideration should be given to the ingress and egress of patrons particularly when there is more than one game taking place. Where possible use separate entrance and exit points to reduce crossflow of spectators and help maintain safe distancing or if entry/exit point is the same divide with a barrier to create a two-way system

• Ensure there is adequate space at the entry point for social distance queueing with adequate signage, ground markings and stewarding in place

• Before, between and after games it is essential that spectators do not congregate in groups in the vicinity of the grounds as social distancing and contact tracing measures will be compromised and the potential risk of transmission higher

CONTACT TRACING

• All practical measures should be taken to inform spectators attending to restrict contact with individuals and groups outside their own household once inside the ground e.g. through public announcements, signage and stewards.

• Ground management will be responsible for the contact tracing records of staff, volunteers, players and officials. Ground management are not responsible for the contract tracing records of spectators

• All third-party contractors and media must have their own contact tracing measures in place and avoid any close contact with spectators where possible

TICKETING

Refer to communications by GAA Ticketing Department, sent on 6th July, for details on ticketing guidance and provisions

• For games with an expected attendance of 200 or more it is recommended that entry should be by pre- paid ticket only (to include spectators and non-spectators and complementary)

• Tickets must be purchased in advance of the game online or at a location away from the ground entry point if on the day sales are necessary

• The ticket allocation for spectators must be determined from the maximum capacity of 500 minus the expected number of players, support staff, ground staff and volunteers, officials and all others present in a non-spectating capacity

• Key information should be available to prospective spectators before they purchase a ticket to ensure they understand the specific Covid-19 risks involved in match attendance

SANITATION AND TOILETS

• Grounds must ensure that there are adequate male and female toilet facilities available for the expected attendance

• Ensure toilets are well ventilated and there is a robust documented cleaning regime in place

• Hand sanitiser stations should be located at entry points and at other key touchpoint areas where handwashing facilities are not available

GROUND STAFF

• All players, officials, staff and volunteers must have completed GAA questionnaire and online training

• Clubs should designate a competent individual to ensure there is compliance with all relevant Covid-19 guidance (someone who can dedicate sufficient time to the role)

• Appropriate stewarding arrangements (based on risk assessment) should be put in place

MEDICAL PROTOCOLS

• Should any patron present to staff or stewards with any symptoms of Covid-19 either before entering or whilst in the ground they should be advised to go home immediately and contact their GP

• In the unlikely event that a patron presenting with symptoms is not in a position to go home, grounds should ensure there is a room available for that person to isolate whilst waiting on the HSE/Department of Health and Social Services to respond

ANCILLARY ACTIVITY

• Consideration should only be given to the operation of catering, merchandising and programme concessions if suitable controls are in place to minimise the risk to staff and spectators as per Covid-19 specific risk assessment

• For matches that are broadcast on TV or online ensure that TV crews complete their own site specific Covid-19 risk assessment

Note on Future Guidance: Draft Guidance is being developed by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA), the recognised lead body for safety in sports grounds in the world. This guidance will be available to Governing Bodies of Sports and Venue Operators on how to prepare venues for the return of spectators to sport. Whilst the guidance specifically relates to the return of elite sport the methods being developed for the calculation of capacities, ticketing proposals and control measures will be assessed by the GAA and used in further updates to this guidance. In addition, any future Government guidance on numbers relating to mass gatherings will also be instructive in providing updated information.

CHALLENGE GAMES ULSTER GAA HAVE ISSUED THE

As you will know permission for FOLLOWING GUIDANCE RE THE RETURN Challenge Games must be sought and the TO GAMES FROM SATURDAY 11TH JULY

Form must be fully completed, this protects your players in the event of an A chairde, injury, the form that you complete takes less than 2 minutes to do so on average Following today's Executive meeting I am pleased and is then shared with Ulster Council to announce that outdoor competitive games in and the GAA at central level. the 'Six Counties' will now be able to take place from Saturday 11 July. This means that clubs will, The link to download the form is from Saturday, be able to play challenge games in www.downgaa.net/challenge-games the north, ahead of the GAA's resumption of competitive club fixtures on Friday 17th July. Remember make sure your own house is covered, don't depend on the opposition However, counties and clubs should be aware that to apply for permission for the game, spectators are not yet permitted to attend games apply in your own Club name. in the north - those attending games is limited to essential personnel only (e.g. players, team

management personnel, medics, Covid supervisors, 9/11 AWARENESS match officials, working media (where appropriate)

and club officials who have a specific function at Message from Michael Burke the game).

I was hoping you could help me by There is an onus on clubs and counties to enforce informing your Clubs to get on Board and the no spectator’s regulation rigidly. Hopefully, help me spread 9\11 Awareness and within a very short space of time, there will be much needed funds for Charities across provision for some spectators to attend games but Ireland. until such times, games can take place with only

O' Neill's have essential personnel being present. kindly Donated a Ulster GAA appeals to clubs and counties to ensure Designed 9\11 that these conditions are met - we must all jersey for every remember that if there is a breach(es) we are not County in Ireland. only increasing the risk of Coronavirus spread but When the jersey is are also increasing the risk of restrictions being re- ready O'Neill's will imposed. As the Communities Minister, Carál Ní mail it out, and if Chuilín said this evening; you could supply white markers for signing jersey. It would "It is more important than ever to emphasise that be nice if you could get some signatures everyone has a personal responsibility to follow of former All- Ireland Players as well. the guidance and to protect those around them. I trust that sports people, clubs and governing I was looking for Clubs to Participate in bodies are compliant with the guidance that is out the Raffle, this way raising funds for their there. We all want to enjoy taking part in sport own clubs at the same time. Whatever once again and look forward to attending sporting each club sells in ticket sales they keep events when it is safe to do so.” half, with the other half of all Clubs Money goes to LauraLynn. Stay safe, Brian McAvoy

SPONSORSHIP & MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE WITHIN DOWN GAA

For more details please contact either Sean Og McAteer ([email protected]) or Diarmuid Cahill ([email protected])

SCÓR UPDATE

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic we were forced to call a halt to Scór Sinsir 2020 competition in early March. In the intervening period coistí Scór at provincial, county and club level have been innovative in using social media and other fora to promote Scór. Molaim go mór na feachtais sin agus gabhaim buíochas le gach duine a bhí páirteach iomtu.

As Ireland now moves out of “lockdown” and restrictions imposed North and South are being lifted we have had many enquiries as to what is intended for Scór competition in the coming months. With that in mind, an online meeting of Coiste Náisiúnta was held last weekend to ascertain the views of Coiste members across the country. Arising from that discussion a number of decisions were unanimously agreed. The purpose of this letter is to inform all units of:

1. Situation at Present 2. Agreed Positions 3. Future Plans

SITUATION AT PRESENT At the point where Scór Sinsir 2020 competition ceased, three provinces were at provincial final stage and the fourth (Munster) had county finals to complete. Current regulations set 50 people as the maximum allowed at an indoor event and this will change to 100 in the coming weeks. A Provincial or National final with four competitors in each of the 8 stage events, together with mentors, adjudicators, stage, lighting and sound hands, stewards and organisers involve a minimum of 220 persons without an audience. While all the conditions attached to “Return to Play” on our pitches will not apply to Scór competition, a certain number will in terms of safeguarding competitors and others in contact with them. An event requiring overnight accommodation as is the norm in Scór All-Ireland Finals is fraught with dangers.

AGREED POSITIONS The members of Coiste Náisiúnta Scór were unanimously agreed on the following points: • The health and welfare of our competitors, their mentors and supporters and our officials and adjudicators remains our prime responsibility; • The completion of Scór 2020 is our number one priority in terms of Scor activity; • There is no appetite to push ahead and complete the competitions behind closed doors in three or more sessions per provincial and National final; • Competitors will require a reasonable amount of time to practice and prepare for their next performance; • The most prudent course is to wait until autumn before restarting competition in the hope that the situation will have improved; • On the completion of Scór Sinsir 2020, the next competition to commence should be Scór na nÓg 2021; • A degree of flexibility must be afforded to provincial coistí in their efforts to complete Scór Sinsir 2020.

FUTURE PLANS/DECISIONS • The All-Ireland Final of Scór Sinsir will be held at a date to be decided in late November 2020 • The Final will be held on one day with an early start and no over-nighting involved. • Provincial Finals of Scór 2020 will be completed by the end of October 2020 • Any remaining County Finals of Scor 2020 will be completed by early October, in accordance with a date set by Provincial Coiste Scór • Three Adjudicators per competition will be in effect for the All-Ireland final but an Adjudicator may adjudicate in more than one competition. Provincial Scór Committees can vary the three adjudicators rule for Scór Sinsir 2020 only. An adjudicator who adjudicates at provincial level cannot adjudicate in the same discipline at All-Ireland level. • Scór na nÓg 2021 will start once Scór Sinsir 2020 is completed with the All Ireland Final set for April/May 2021. Scór Sinsir 2021 will be held Autumn/Winter 2021.

Should the situation relating to Covid 19 change dramatically we will revisit these decisions as required. In all events changes will be notified in good time to give everyone certainty of the path ahead and time to prepare.

Idir an dá linn, tugaigí aire daoibh fhéin agus do bhur muintir. Leanaigí ar aghaidh ag canadh, ag seint agus ag rince agus déanaigí bhur ndícheall imeachtaí Scór a choimeád i mbéal agus i súil an phobail.

WEBINAR PROGRAMME

SportNI have a very good webinar programme over the next few months and some of these may be of benefit to you and your members.

MATCH REGULTIONS

The GAA have set out new proposed regulations for the return of Club and County Fixtures and Down CCC will be taking these into account as they may have to amend our Competition Regulations for our Championships and Leagues. The regulations issued by the GAA on Friday state:

• Only a maximum of 24 players (starting 15 and nine-panel members) shall be allowed within the pitch enclosure during the playing of the game. Panel members can rotate between inside and outside of the pitch enclosure.

• A maximum of five (football) & seven (hurling) Team Officials shall be allowed within the pitch enclosure during the playing of our games. It is suggested that these should be:

o One Bainisteoir

o One Maor Fóirne

o Two Medics

o One Club Official

o Two Maor Caman (Hurling Only)

• Subs and Team officials should be positioned on opposite sides of the pitch to allow for government guidelines around social distancing to be followed.

• The use of Dugouts is discouraged, but they may be used provided the government guidelines around social distancing are followed (currently 2m between each person)

• Maor Uisce (Water Carriers) are not permitted in either Football or Hurling.

• One water break will take place between the 15th & 20thminute in each half at the referee’s discretion.

• Two Maor Caman (Hurley Carriers) are permitted in hurling, but are not allowed to carry water into the players and may enter the field of play only with a replacement hurley when necessary.

• The referee has the authority during the game to send any person in breach of the regulations to the stand/outside the pitch enclosure and such person cannot be replaced.

• Covid-19 guidelines issued to players and team officials.

• CCCC will draw up new Inter-County Match Regulations in advance of the Inter-County Championship based on the latest Covid-19 guidelines – in the interim, the guidelines in the attached should pertain. Counties should also note that as Covid-19 continues to be a fluid situation, C.C.C.C may recommend further changes to deal with particular issues in the coming weeks.

DOWN GAA TV - MATCH COMMENTATORS/INTERVIEWERS REQUIRED

Down GAA would like to hear from individual who would like to help with DownGAA TV as Match Day Commentators and/or Interviewers.

If this is something you would like to volunteer to be part of during the 2020 Down GAA Club Football and Hurling Championships, please get in contact with Paula Magee via her email [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FOR MATCH DAYS

Down GAA are seeking match day volunteers to help out during the upcoming club championship games.

Anyone willing to help out with stewarding and/or gate personal please get in contact with Sean Og McAteer [email protected] or Diarmuid Cahill [email protected].