CLG Fine Ghallainn Juvenile Mentors Handbook contents
Introduction...... 4
Fingallians Juvenile Section Mission & Vision...... 5
Section 1 Juvenile Structure...... 6
Juvenile Meetings...... 8
Policy Documents...... 8
Club Subscriptions/Registration of Players...... 8
Club Communication...... 8
Section 2 The Juvenile Mentor...... 9
How are mentors recruited?...... 9
The Role of the Lead Mentor...... 10
How should mentors communicate with their teams?...... 10
Mentor Development...... 10
Annual Parents Meeting...... 11
Section 3 Nursery...... 12
What is the nursery?...... 12
How is it organised?...... 12
What is the Role of the nursery coach?...... 12
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Section 4 Club Coaching Policy...... 14
Player Pathway...... 14
Code of Best Practice...... 15
Who are the Designated Person and Childrens Officer?...... 16
Complaints Procedure...... 16
Team Communications, including Social Media...... 16
Section 5 Playing Games...... 18
Purchase of Equipment...... 19
Mobile Goals/ Goal Safety...... 19
Team Jerseys...... 19
Referees...... 21
Return of Match Results...... 22
Clash of Jerseys...... 23
Away Trips...... 23
Club Policy on Travelling Away...... 23
Friendly Games / Games outside Dublin (Notification to County Boards)...... 24
Injury Schemes...... 24
Club Policy on Team Selection...... 24
Section 6 Pitches and Facilities...... 26
Allocation of Pitches for Training...... 27
Playing Pitches...... 28
Section 7 Frequently Asked Questions...... 29
Appendix 1...... 31
3 Introduction
The growth in our Juvenile section over an interest and joining Fingallians. Everyone is recent years is very impressive and we wish welcome regardless of their experience playing to thank all the parents in the community sport. The more people are involved the more who have chosen to send their children to fun it is for everyone and the lighter the load. Fingallians. In addition to our players, our mentors are also extremely important to our Club. They train Most of all we wish to thank all our volunteer and coach our boys and girls, are the first point mentors, coaches and helpers who week in week of contact for parents, arrange and coordinate out continue to help, nurture and develop all our matches, wash jerseys, interact with referees and players. It is their invaluable work that is driving other officials, deal with bruises and bumps and our success and growth. watch young players grow and develop through the ranks until, as 17 year olds, they enter the adult Fingallians GAA is a club very much at the heart section of the Club. of the community in Swords & Fingal. The juvenile section of the club plays an extremely important This handbook is a compilation of all the role in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle information we think mentors will need to help through sport while developing numerous aspects them carry out their role. It is a work in progress. of young lives. The club facilitates both boys If you don’t find the answers you are looking and girls, offering the opportunity to play Gaelic for, please let us know and we will add that Football, Hurling, Camogie and Ladies Football information to our next edition. This handbook from ages 4 to 16. We now have approximately should be viewed in conjunction with Our Games - 40 juvenile teams currently playing in the club Our Code the Joint Code of Best Practice in Youth as well as 150 children in our nursery every Sport which has been agreed between the GAA, Saturday morning. We also provide many camps the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the during the holiday periods that are available Camogie Association. to all children in the community. In addition through the role of the Games Promotion Officer, Fingallians aims to promote participation through a coaching partnership with local national schools. Fingallians is central to the community and its importance cannot be underestimated.
We believe Fingallians plays a very important part of the lives of our young members. Friendships made now will endure for many years to come. Everything we do in the Fingallians Juvenile section is done on a voluntary basis by our mentors and helpers – some of whom played with Fingallians (and some still do!) and some of whom their first introduction to participation in Gaelic games was through their children showing
4 Fingallians Juvenile Section Mission & Vision
The club’s mission is to promote a culture that is: F riendly, enjoyable and provides a safe environment for all our members i nspiring and empowering for our members to be successful n urturing and influences the children of today, tomorrow and the future s upportive of a one club culture and identity
Club Vision: An inclusive family GAA club that through its culture helps us to perform at our best, be successful and meets the needs of the local community.
5 Section 1 juvenile structure
The structure of the juvenile section is outlined below. The juvenile chairman reports to the Executive, the structure of which is outlined in Appendix 1.
Position Roles Juvenile Games Chairperson • Presides over the Juvenile Committee • Represents Juvenile section at club executive meetings • Chair Juvenile meetings • Nominates mentor for ratification to club executive Juvenile Secretary • Direct contact/communication between Dublin County Board & Juvenile Coordinators / Mentors • Team Entry into competitions • Provides Juvenile report for AGM • Attends and minutes all meetings of Juvenile Games Committee Communicates information relating to juvenile games to all Nursery Coordinator • Coordinates the weekly running of the nursery • For Boys and Girls (4yrs – 7yrs) • Football / Hurling / Camogie Develops the coaching programme,oversee and coordinates Reports to the GPO Head Nursery Coach • Liaises with the coordinator • Provides instruction to group coaches • Visit all groups each day CCC1 Delegate • Represent the club at CCC1 meetings. Attends periodic meeting pertaining to Boys Under 8 – 12 Football / Hurling fixtures and proposed gradings CCC2 Delegate • Represent the club at CCC2 meetings. Attends periodic meetings pertaining to Boys Under 13 – 16 Football / Hurling fixtures Competitions and proposed gradings Juvenile Football Rep • Girls Football
Juvenile Camogie Rep • Camogie
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Position Roles Designated Liaison Person • The Designated Liaison Person is responsible for reporting allegations or suspicions of child abuse to TUSLA Child and Family Agency and/or An Garda Siochána. The Club Children’s Officer can be appointed as Designated Liaison Person once the club/organisation is clear about the responsibilities of each role. Garda Vetting Officer • Garda Vetting Officer assists the Childrens Officer with the adminstration of Vetting within the club Children’s’ Officers • Promote awareness & implementation of the Joint Code of Behavior within the Club • Identify training needs & facilitate the delivery of GAA/ISC Child Protection in Sport Awareness Workshop influence policy and practice in the Club in order to prioritise young people’s needs • Oversee the implementation of Garda Vetting GPO • Implementing club Coaching Strategy • Provide Mentor Support/Training • Deliver school coaching programme • Manages the Nursery • Organises and promotes Club Mini Leagues • Plans, organisation and Implements Summer Camp / Cúl camp Initiatives Referee Coordinator • Be the point of contact for other clubs wishing to pass information to referees (e.g. match cancellation, change of venue, etc.) Allocates club referees to U-8, 9 and 10 • Be the point of contact for his/her own referees when they are unable to ref, at CCC1 level. • Provide replacement referees if an allocated club referee is unable to officiate at a designated fixture for CCC1. • Identify suitable candidates for referees training and forward these to relevant board ensuring that they meet the correct criteria.
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Juvenile Meetings Club Communication
When do Juvenile Meetings take place? How does the club communicate with its Juvenile Section meetings are held regularly with members? the date and time decided to ensure as many A weekly email, outlining the club’s activities for members are available as possible. Minutes must the previous seven days as well as future events is be taken and action points are to be distributed to sent to all members and associates currently on the attendees and Executive. club’s email list. The notes also appear in a number of publications eg: Local Media and on the club’s social media. Policy Documents NB: It is vital to pass on any important/interesting information to the club PRO to ensure it is included There are numerous aspects of the GAA world in the club notes. which we as a club have to deal with on a daily basis. In order to ensure areas are approached in The Club’s social media a professional and effective manner, the club has Information is posted regularly on the club’s created a number of policy documents. These Facebook page (Fingallians Gaa) which has proved documents can be found online at www.fingallians. to be immensely popular. The club also uses Twitter com. If ever in doubt consult these documents to and the page (@Fingallians) has a substantial ensure proper practice. following, with more work still to be done. The club’s website can also be found at www.fingallians.com which contains lots of important information related Club Subscriptions/ to the club. Registration of Players
Only paid up members will be registered. Any player who has not paid their membership will not be permitted to train or play matches. It is the responsibility of club members to ensure anyone who has not paid their membership does not play/ train. All mentors and co-ordinators must be paid up full members of the club.
Where can I obtain membership forms? Membership forms are available for download on http://www.fingallians.com/, as well as in the club house and at the academy every Saturday morning.
8 Section 2 the juvenile mentor
Fingallians GAA is a voluntary organisation the game yourself. Even for the experienced player and without the dedication of all members, the now standing on the other side of the white line club simply would not exist. there are challenges, such as dealing with players, parents, referees and club officials. Many parents All activities are organised by our own members, are ready to answer the call. This role can be especially the managing and training of our juvenile extremely rewarding on a personal level as you players which is carried out by Juvenile Mentors. guide young players who can barely kick/strike a In conjunction with the juvenile committee, ball or hold a hurl through the age grades and help Mentors and Co-ordinators are ratified by the them reach their full potential. Club Executive each year. This includes a review of their Garda vetting status and that they are a While it can be suggested that an individual will be fully paid up member, as well as confirming they suited to a mentor’s role it must be remembered have completed the Code of Best Practice training. that the responsibility of appointing mentors Lead Mentors are appointed within each year lies with the club and not an individual. When group and code. They are responsible for ensuring asked by a Lead Mentor to become a mentor, effective communication amongst their mentoring an application should be handed in to the Club team and implementation of Club policy. It should Juvenile Committee for the next monthly meeting. be noted that team mentors are often parents From there the Childrens Officer will present any themselves and are members of Fingallians GAA necessary material for discussion with the Executive Club. Therefore, they, like all parents should be and Juvenile committees. Upon ratification, each afforded the opportunity to avail of club facilities mentor will be required to sign up and abide by the and participate in club activities without undue Code of Ethics and Good Practice as well as other interuptions from parents regarding team matters. club policies and procedures. If parents wish to raise an issue with a team mentor, then they should formally request a meeting and Generally, lead mentors and their team will arrange a meeting time which is mutually beneficial remain with their designated age group through to both parties. CCC1, i.e., U8 to U12. Before entering CCC2 (U13), the mentoring situation will be reviewed by the Juvenile Committee in association with the How are mentors Coaching Committee and recommendations will be made to the Executive regarding the status of recruited? the management team. This review will occur again at the age of U16. In many instances, mentors first point of contact with the club is when they bring their child down to the nursery for the first time. Most parents will be only too willing to assist in nursery coaching so the key is to ask them directly for their help and then promote training and encouragement. Becoming a coach for the first time can be a daunting experience, especially if you have never played
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The Role of the Lead How should mentors Mentor communicate with their teams? The role of the lead mentor is influenced by their own personal capacity and drive. The more they Regular communication is needed between invest their energy into the team, the more they designated team mentors and their teams to will get back in return. Some of the duties mentors ensure full attendance and participation for both undertake include: training and matches. The most effective form of communication is via text message between • Organising and running of training mentors and parents of players. Communication sessions, should not be carried out between mentors and • Communicating time and venue of fixtures players under the age of 18. This will be covered in and ensuring sufficient numbers to field further detail later in the handbook. teams, • Organising and managing teams on match days, Mentor Development • Coaching and developing juvenile players to the best of their ability, The club is mindful of the fact that many mentors • Encouraging players to give the best of become involved because their child/children start themselves for the team, to play Gaelic Games. For such parents becoming • Ensuring teams have necessary a mentor with their child’s team is often their first equipment to train and play Gaelic games introduction to coaching gaelic games which can in a safe environment, be quite a challenge. In order to assist and enhance • Verify that all Mentors are Garda Vetted by coaching of all our CCC1 teams going forward, it is contacting the child welfare officer, the club’s intention to seek to identify suitably trained • Ensure at least one mentor is trained in and experienced personnel who will specialise basic First Aid, in coaching at CCC1 level. These individuals will • Return of match results to County Board be appointed as Lead Mentors of teams while the (mostly via automated text service) children progress through CCC1. The mentoring • Report all injury/disciplinary issues to the situation will be reviewed at the end of CCC1 and relevant person, if the decision is taken to appoint a new mentoring • Ensuring match subs are collected, team then the children will be exposed to a new voice • Promoting and supporting the Club’s and new style of coaching. This does not preclude a social and fundraising activities, parent from being a Mentor on their child’s team. • Ensuring that player’s time spent with you is a positive experience, Mentor Development Policy: • Attend Juvenile Committee meetings & coaching seminars, To help our players improve their skills, our mentors • Working with teams above and below you, also need to improve their coaching skills. This is • Setting up of pitches and taking down the case for mentors both new and old. Following pitches, Leinster Council mandatory coaching requirements, • Making sure all equipment is put away it is important that all CCC1 and CCC2 teams have safely and in a tidy manner, an Award 1 Child/Adult qualified coach as part of • Liasing and paying referees, their coaching structure. Ideally, this coach should • Liasing with opposing teams and Fins be the lead coach. There are an increasing number Juvenile secretary,and of courses available for mentors throughout the • Organising friendly matches. year run by Dublin GAA. These courses include:
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Foundation Award games. The course is aimed at coaches that have The course is aimed at beginner coaches and progressed through the Foundation Award and will enable participants to assist a coach in the Award 1 programmes and have experience as a organisation of activities to develop Hurling or Coach and is aimed at: Coaches of Juvenile Teams Gaelic football. This course should be completed (U13 and below). alongside the Child Welfare course within 12 months of the Mentor Application Form being completed. The Award 2 Programme focuses on the further development of how and what to coach based on The Club GPO often facilitates a Foundation Course the playing group that you are involved with but for new Mentors. Please contact them for more also to look further at the integration of key areas information. that contribute to performance
Award 1 Child Skill Specific Workshops The Award 1 Coach Education course is the second There is also an ongoing series of Coaching award on the coaching pathway of Gaelic Games. Workshops and the Club GPO will continue to This course is aimed at coaches of juvenile teams provide information on these. (U12 & below) who have progressed through the Foundation Award and have experience as a coach.. The course has been designed to take into account Annual Parents Meeting the different playing capacities that exist between age groups and the competencies that a coach is required to display when working with each of Parent Meeting Policy: the playing populations. Therefore, coaches can specialise in coaching the particular players that they The nature and timing of parents meetings are are involved with. currently left at the bequest of each team lead mentor. The club currently does not have a specific Award 2 Child policy but would recommend at least one official The Award 2 Coach Education course is the meeting per year with parents to update them on third award on the coaching pathway of Gaelic plans and procedures.
11 Section 3 Nursery
skills, the focus is on agility, balance, co-ordination, What is the nursery? running, jumping and throwing. While there is more of an emphasis on these within the U4/5’s they are The nursery programme is the first introduction to something that is still practiced and developed within Gaelic Games for boys and girls aged 4-7yrs old. the other two age groups. Throughout each session the children are given an opportunity to develop their basic hurling, football In relation to the hurling/football drills, when the and athletic development skills with the emphasis on children move from the different age brackets fun and enjoyment. These skills form the basis for the the type of drills that they perform become more later development of the specific hurling and football advanced. For example, with the U4/U5 children skills. Furthermore, it also introduces new parents to there is more of an emphasis on just them and the the GAA. ball. Children would get use to holding the hurl using the correct grip, striking/kicking the sliotar/ball etc. However, within the U7’s the children would be How is it organised? introduced to game play where there would be two teams trying to compete against each other. Fingallians Nursery is divided into three different age groups – the U4/U5’s, U6’s and U7’s. In doing this, it gives children the opportunity to play with What is the Role of the other children who are of the same age, In addition, nursery coach? it facilitates ease of movement to the next stage within the club. It also allows mentors to plan training The nursery coach is the person that is responsible sessions that are more beneficial to the needs of a for delivering the clubs nursery programme. They particular ability group. work closely with the clubs GPO and coaching committee to ensure that the nursery programme of A common trend between the three groups is the the club is being followed. use of stations in order to get the children practicing their skills. This allows the children to practice their The lead nursery coach for each age group is skills in a controlled environment. There are usually 6 responsible for ensuring that a training plan has been stations set up depending on the number of children. designed to suit the needs of their relevant groups. The children are split into small groups (approx. 8-10 Depending on numbers, there would be a number of children per group) with each group at a specific parents/volunteers that assist the lead nursery coach station. Under the coaches guidance the children are in delivering the session. The lead nursery coach given the opportunity to develop their skills at their must communicate with the other nursery coaches own pace and competence. After a certain length what they plan to do throughout each session and of time – usually 8-10 minutes, the children rotate ensure that they are aware of the drills that are to be stations. The stations are a mix of hurling/football carried out. specific drills and athletic development drills. They co-ordinate the whole session and indicate to In Fingallians, the same amount of time is spent the other coaches when it is time to move to the next on hurling and football with 45 minutes allocated session. In addition, they are the point of contact for to each code. In relation to athletic development the parents.
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14 Planning for Coaching
CLG Fine Ghallainn Juvenile Mentors Handbook
COORDINATOR
HEAD COACH EQUIPMENT MANAGER
REGISTRAR
GROUP COACH GROUP COACH GROUP COACH
ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH ASSISTANT COACH
Duties of Volunteers at your Nursery JOB DESCRIPTION DUTIES
1. Produces the coaching programme. Review/evaluate. NURSERY 2. Coordinates the weekly running of the nursery. COORDINATOR 3. Arranges coach education workshops/courses. 4. Provides instruction to the head coach.
1. Liaises with the coordinator. HEAD COACH m2. PAro vsidheosr itnastgruec tionf top gerosuop ncnoaeclh ems.ay necessitate (MOST EXPERIENCED COACH) 3. Moankee s isunrdei thvait dthuea glr ocupa rcoraycihnesg a roeu atd hetrwinog tto athsek csoaching programme. 4. Vpiasirtst aillc guroluaprsl eya cah td aay.dministration level e.g. registrar and equipment manager. 1. Responsible for group of eight to ten children. GROUP COACHES 2. Follow coaching programme. 3. Coach the skills to the children.
1. Assist the group coach. 2. Help set up drills. ASSISTANT COACHES 3. Help if one-on-one coaching is required. 4. In a station format nursery, assistant coaches help in moving children from one station to another. 5. Bring children to the toilet.
1. Ensures that registration is taken every week. 2. Registers all new comers. REGISTRAR 3. Maintains regular contact with Juvenile Secretary in order to update databases. 4. First Aid. 5. Talks to parents.
1. Ensures that all equipment is available for collection at the start of each session. EQUIPMENT 2. Ensures that all equipment is in working order. 3. Makes sure that balls are pumped up. MANAGER 4. Makes sure that equipment is returned to storage at the end of each session. 5. Reports any lost or damaged equipment to the coordinator.
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Section 4 Club Coaching Policy
The aim of Fingallians CLG is to provide quality coaching for all children so they can Player Pathway develop and learn the skills of Gaelic Games and ultimately reach their full potential. What is the Player Pathway? The Fingallians Player Pathway is a model which While playing at CCC1 level the emphasis will be maps out the development of players from their on skill development, having fun and playing as first day in the academy until they progress to part of a team. While playing in this age category minor. The model incorporates the Long Term there will also be an emphasis on every player Player Development model (LTPD), and maps out getting game playing time. the progression in player’s characteristics, skill competence and physical attributes as they grow and develop. Mentors are encouraged to adopt Team Structure Policy: this pathway into their annual planning, and use After completion of CCC1, players will move on it as a guide as to what they should be doing at a to CCC2 level where the emphasis will be on particular stage with players. Coaching Policy and competitive games and enhanced coaching. Every Player Pathway available on www.fingallians.com effort will be made to ensure that teams are available • 4-6 Years: Learning to master the ball for all levels of playing ability. At CCC2, the Club 7-9 Years: Learning to use the ball well endeavours to have a minimum of two teams for • each code at each age group. In situations where • 10-12 Years: Learning to play together this is not possible, consideration will be given to • 13-15 Years: Learning about positions merging age groups to ensure that all players get the opportunity to play at a competitive level which • 16-18 Years: Learning to perform is reflective of their playing ability.
Teaching and repetition are two tools used to prepare players for football, hurling and camogie. Believe that “Perfect practice makes perfect”, players should properly practice the skills being FINGALLIANS GAA CLUB taught on a repetitive basis, so these COACHING POLICY skills become as natural as walking.
Finally, strive to make practices and games enjoyable experiences that will both develop skills and provide positive life long memories for every player.
DEVELOPED BY FINGALLIANS “Play the Way You Train” COACHING COMMITTEE
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CLG Fine Ghallainn Juvenile Mentors Handbook
Competitive Play Policy: Code of Best Practice NB: The club does not adopt a “win at all costs” mentality. It is extremely important to develop players Code of Best Practice Policy: to be the best that they can be. The early years of players lives in Fingallians should be focused on The Club Code of Ethics & Good Practice is available enjoyment, as well as developing their skillset. Only on www.fingallians.com. The Code has been when skills have developed should competition be designed for the benefit of ALL members, and by focused on and this should normally happen when adhering to it we are actively providing a community players reach CCC2 level, U13 and up. service in a safe and enjoyable environment which allows us to learn and move forward in the right direction. The aims of the Code are as follows: Coaching and Games 1. To set high standards in which all members of Development Fingallians G.A.A will adhere to 2. To achieve high levels of performance both What is the role of the Games Promotion on and off the playing fields in an appropriate Officer: environment that, encourages learning The role of the Games Promotion Officer (GPO) is 3. To highlight the personal responsibility for multi-faceted in nature, and very important for the each club member development of games in our club. The GPO’s 4. For a Children’s Officer to have direct access role includes coaching in local primary schools to the Chairman of the Executive committee which helps attract new members as well as co- By having this code of practice our members can ordinating our academy on a Saturday morning. participate in the club in a safe and enjoyable manner. The GPO provides support to our mentors in terms of assisting training session, suggesting new drills and keeping them informed of coaching courses Child Protection throughout the year to improve their own skills. Don’t hesitate to contact him/her. The GPO also Fingallians GAA Club aim to promote the takes responsibility for the co-ordination of camps participation of children in our facilities by creating that are run in the club throughout the year which a culture of safety and fun. To do so requires helps our juvenile members practice their skills and promoting an atmosphere of fair play and equal have fun during holiday breaks. opportunity, while also ensuring player safety at all times. Therefore, it is important to be aware ofsome Coaching Support of the following guidelines: To keep developing our players and to reduce 1) Developing awareness of issues that could boredom, coaches will need lots of activities/ lead to children being harmed drills to keep their players on their toes. To help 2) Safe recruitment process for volunteers and with planning for your sessions, see the following mentors websites for coaching ideas, drills etc. 3) Provision of training for volunteers and mentors http://www.dublingaagamesdevelopment.ie/ 4) Implementation of codes of behaviour for http://www.gaa.ie/ mentors, players, parents http://www.dublingaa.ie/ 5) Implementation of good and safe working/ playing practices http://www.dublinladiesgaelic.ie/ 6) establish complaints and accidents procedures http://www.dublincamogie.ie/
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7) implement procedures for away trips, use of Who are the Designated photos and bullying 8) induction documents for players, coaches and Person and Childrens parents outlining rights and responsibilities Officer? 9) Regular review and monitoring of Child Protection Procedures The Club is obliged to have a Designated Liaison 10) Appoint Child Officer and Designated Person Person who is responsible for reporting allegations of abuse to the statutory authorities. Any disclosures of GIVE RESPECT! GET RESPECT! abuse or potential abuse must be reported to them. The Club also has a Children’s Officer. Any issues regarding child welfare may be referred to them. Mentor Appointment Policy: Each year the Lead Mentor must supply the club Complaints Procedure with a full list of their proposed Mentors, including phone and email contact details. In conjuction with the Executive Committee, the club is currently drafting a procedure to address The Fingallians Club Executive then ratifies the complaints and as soon as this is available this will mentors who will be involved in working with our be included in this handbook. In the meantime for juvenile teams. This includes ensuring mentors have, Juvenile matters such complaints will continue to be 1. undergone the GAA’s Garda Vetting process dealt with via the Juvenile secretary and chairman. 2. have completed the Code of Best Practice training 3. are paid up members of the Club Team Communications, including Social Media All mentors must be vetted by the Gardai without exception. Team Communication Including social E-Vetting media Policy: When the Vetting Act came into being on 29 April Who should I send information to Re: Games, 2016 the GAA became one of the first organisations Training, etc.? to replace ‘paper vetting’ with a new on line or All group texts / emails should be sent to parents. E –Vetting system. However, if a parent wishes the mentor to send the group text or email to a different number / email E-Vetting replaces all previous paper vetting systems address to their own (i.e., the child) they must put http://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/child-welfare-and- this request in writing to the mentor. Once a written protection/vetting request is obtained all communication must be part of group text/email as opposed to individual It is best practice to ensure that junior leaders communication. The mentor must retain this written under 18 years of age are supported by an adult(s) request. The club also has the right to refuse and do not have overall supervision responsibility sending information directly to the child in the for a group of young people. Persons aged 16/17 interest of best practice. may be vetted and the Club would recommend this if that person is mentoring on a regular basis. The consent of a parent is required for vetting persons under 18 years of age.
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What should I do if an underage player contacts me? Social Media Regulation If an underage player obtains a mentors phone As mentioned in the communications section the number or email address and attempts to make club uses Facebook (Fingallians Gaa) and also direct contact with the mentor, he/ she must instruct Twitter (@Fingallians) as its main forms of social the child not to do so and inform their parent/ media. To avoid breaching regulations set out by guardian of same. The mentor should also seek the GAA, the club adheres to all policy set out by advice from a member of the juvenile committee if Croke Park. Further reading of said regulations this happens. can be found at http://dublinitmatters.gaa.ie/other- activities/social-media-guidelines What is the clubs stance on use of photographs? The popularity of the social media page will inevitably lead to the posting of photos involving games, club activities and events. To ensure all members privacy is maintained the following guidelines should be followed:
1) obtain player and parental permission to use photos of juvenile members in club media. 2) All photos should focus on the activity at hand and not solely on individuals. 3) in general no personal details relating to the youth should be revealed accompanying the image. 4) Group & team photos may be taken but it’s not necessary to match names to the position in the photo. 5) Coaches and volunteers are permitted to use video equipment as a coaching aid/ record of special occasions but caution should be used in storage and circulation. 6) Parents and spectators should where possible seek permission from the club/county board prior to taking photos and should be prepared to identify themselves and their purpose. 7) if professional photographers or members of the press are being invited to take photos they should be briefed on the Club’s expectations in relation to child protection.
Any inappropriate use of photos should be reported to the Children’s Officer and/or Designated Person.
17 Section 5 playing games
When it comes to playing games there are Who organises games for Girls? some factors that mentors need to become Girls games are organised by the Ladies Football familiar with. Board and by the Camogie Board – two separate organisations. Details of game organisation and Boys games operate under the GAA Banner regulations are available on www.dublincamogie.ie while Girls games operate under the LGFA and and www.dublinladiesgaelic.ie Camogie Association banners. This will lead to different protocols and resources being used so it Camogie matches are usually scheduled for the is important all mentors fully understand the current entire year in January/February and can be viewed systems in place. under the “Fixtures/Results” tab. You should nominate lead mentors who will be sent the fixture Who organises games for boys? lists by the camogie delegate via email. The rules Boy’s games are organised by the Dublin for Under 8 to Under 12 games are currently under County Board of the GAA. Therefore, it is highly the “Referees” tab. The file is titled 2016 Go Games recommended that all mentors for boys teams Rules. become familiar with the County Board website: www.dublingaa.ie. Ladies Football matches are usually scheduled during the year and can be viewed under the Are regulations standardised for all ages? “Fixtures/Results” tab. You should nominate lead No. To accommodate for the difference in mentors who will be sent the fixture lists via email. physicality, skill levels and number of players The rules are to be found under the “Information” available to teams, boys’ juvenile games are tab. organised into two sections: How will I know where games are on? CCC1 - U8-U12 Boys football and hurling Scheduled games are allocated to various Club CCC2 - U13-U16 Boys football and hurling pitches by these boards. Always check the Club’s website www.fingallians.com to confirm which pitch Where can I find regulations for boys games? has been allocated to your match. If there are any The different rules and regulations for the games, issues email the Fixtures Coordinator. including Go Games, and league & championship competitions are available at http://www.dublingaa. How is it decided what division a team will ie/juvenile/regulations . Here you will also find play in? contact details for other clubs and for referees. The division that any given team will play in is chosen by the Juvenile Committee and not by the How will I know when games are on? mentors of the team. This helps to ensure each team The County Board issues a bulletin on their website plays at a level at which they will be competitive at least once a week with updates on games and prevents bias from influencing decisions. schedules and other relevant information. This is also sent onto the Club’s Juvenile Secretary (email) who emails it on to mentors.
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Purchase of Equipment How will we cover costs? Giving that the GAA is a voluntary organisation a lot of costs come out of our own pocket. To help keep Each team provides its own equipment. This can costs down here are a few suggestions. be purchased in the club shop. Money collected weekly must be used to pay for equipment needed. 1) it may be possible to secure sponsorship for a Purchase of equipment must be approved by the set of jerseys. Juvenile Chairman and Club Treasurer. 2) it may be possible to get a set that an older age group has grown out of. 3) If purchasing jerseys buy the largest size Mobile Goals/ Goal possible to ensure they last a few years. Safety 4) If possible also arrange to share jerseys between football and hurling/camogie. For younger age groups mobile goals are used to 5) Fundraising create the correct pitch size for the games. Mobile goals must be stored in the designated areas after use. Mouth Guards
Mobile Goals must always be secured to the Are mouth guards required for all ages? ground. All mentors should have their own sets of All juvenile players must wear mouth guards, with pegs. There have been tragic accidents involving an exception for nursery players only. the use of the mobile goals so it is critical they are always properly secured. For what codes are mouth guards needed? When should they be worn? Slalom poles may be used for younger groups – check rules on county board websites. The use of mouth guards is a GAA ruling and a LGFA ruling which applies only to football. This applies to training and matches, and no mentor should allow a Team Jerseys juvenile train or play without a mouth guard. If players do not wear mouth guards during a match Are jerseys provided by the club? they can be cautioned by the referee, and if they The provision of jerseys is dependent on the refuse to comply can be ejected from the game. age group. Up until the age of Under 10, it is not required to wear numbered jerseys. In light of this What type of mouth guard should juveniles fact it is recommended that each team member buy wear? Where can they be found? their own Fingallians jersey rather than the use of a team kit. This gives responsibility to the player 1) Stock Mouthgards: Preformed and ready to to bring and wash their own jersey rather than wear, they can be found in most sport shops. mentors having to wash the kit every week. They are not recommended by dentists but they are acceptable in complying with GAA From Under 11s upwards, teams are required to Rules. wear numbered jerseys. This applies to both codes for both boys and girls. Teams must source and 2) boil & Bite: Also available in sports shops over look after their own jerseys. the counter. Offer better protection that stock mouthguards and are also compliant with GAA Rules.
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3) Custom Fit: Individual designed usually by be a player centered process. Mentors must a dentist, and offer best protection against endeavour to find the right team for the player to dental/oral injury. Prices will vary. play on in order to develop the player’s confidence, skills and participation. From at least 10 years of age up a custom fit mouth guard is advised. They provide better protection Are there different approaches to Streaming? and are much more comfortable than the standard Yes. One approach is to simply rank all the players boil and bite or stock mouth guards. Contact and assign them to teams accordingly. This is a Juvenile Secretary for details. valid approach. Another method is to rank players BUT establish a group of players that are marginal A or B players. In this approach these players are Grading or Streaming not assigned to a specific team and would alternate of Teams from week to week at the mentors discretion on either A or B.
Grading Or Streaming of Teams Policy: For either approach, the norm is that all the mentors Fingallians has a significant number of children for the wider group would meet at the beginning of playing our games and our policy is to encourage the year and review each player and agree what them all to play to the best of their abilities. At the approach they will adopt as a mentoring group start of each playing season mentors must review and also which team best suits the player. A mentor their teams and consider on which team each parent of a player is encouraged not to offer a child will achieve their potential. Children develop view on their own child. at different stages and a child who is seen to be potentially weak at age 10 may be a very strong The team assignment is generally not a scientific player at age 14 and vice versa. Grading must process but is rather just the views/opinions of the be constantly reviewed. When streaming teams, mentors that are close to that individual child. So it parents of players are encouraged not to offer a is subjective, but the mentors do strive to do this view on their own child. Also, a mentor of a team in a fair and transperant way and always with the cannot be involved in the process of streaming his/ child’s and club’s interest in mind but noting that her own child. we have to balance playing numbers across team panels. What is Streaming? Streaming is putting players of similar ability on the Is Streaming a fixed outcome? same team as opposed to having a team of mixed No, it is well recognised that players develop at ability playing together. different times and at different rates. Based on this we encourage the mentoring team to review the Why do we Stream? players at least on two further occasions during the The central theme behind Streaming is about year. Once after Easter and finally after the summer. developing those players who are not considered At those review points it is normal that some players as the “strong” players and by putting these players move to a different team. Again this is done with together they will all get a better chance to get the best interests of the player in mind. Sometimes more of the ball and consequently have more fun moving to a lower team is the right decision for a and develop. player as they will enjoy more of the ball and more time on the ball and consequently their confidence How do we Stream? and skills will develop and thus position them for Streaming should be undertaken in accordance future growth. This process must be explained to with County Board recommendations and it should the parents as a group in advance and every time
20 CLG Fine Ghallainn Juvenile Mentors Handbook this streaming process is undertaken. The lead Girls Football: mentors should be open to reviewing his decisions Streaming begins at Under 13. From Under 13 a on streaming, however, the final decision rests with player listed on a lower division team panel may the lead mentor. play league games at a higher division level for her club for a maximum of two games per season Approaches to Streaming and the wider while still remaining on the lower division panel. playing group? Should she play three higher division games she is While streaming is an important practice it is also deemed to have the joined the panel of the higher important to ensure that the players do not lose the grade team and must remain on this panel for the sense of the wider group as many of the players will remainder of the year. move up and down through the streamed teams over the year(s). To keep the Group philosophy IMPORTANT: intact it is important that the entire group continues In situations where two (2) Girl teams exist in both to train together. codes, mentors should review and submit their panels in January. At the summer break, mentors Football and Hurling: can change the panels for the Dublin Championship. Boys teams begin streaming at age 9 in preparation Panels should also be reviewed in summer prior to for graded county board competitions which autumn recommencement of championship. commence at U13. Please refer to www.dublingaa. ie for information on streaming for U13 football If in any doubt please contact the Fingallians and hurling competitions. In the case of U13 Boys Football and Camogie delegates. football teams,Co.Board competition grading is based on a series of grading matches at start of U13 season. In the case of Boys U13 hurling teams, that Referees grading is based on results at U12 level. Refer to Hill 16 for details. Mentors should keep a copy of the How are referees appointed? rules at all times. For boys’ matches up to U11, the Club provides Camogie: home referees. These are coordinated by the referee coordinator. Potential referees are selected Streaming begins at Under 11. In practice many by the club from those who help at the academy. clubs don’t stream, and come to agreement on the Once selected, they are sent for training courses match day, (however in 2013, clubs were reminded and once eligible are appointed to fixtures. Referees that they must stream for the end of year blitzes.) for U12 and all CCC2 fixtures are appointed by the Teams and players are graded at the start of every County Board. year in January. From Under 13 upwards team panels must be submitted to the county board prior Should we contact a referee prior to the to start of leagues in February. If you have more game? than one team at any age these team panels are Mentors should contact the referee in advance of fixed. You cannot play an A player on a B team the game to confirm their availability. It is critical or visa-versa of the same age (there is no county that the referee is informed if a match venue or time board restriction on playing up an age). is changed or if a match is cancelled. The Club is liable for referee fees if we fail to inform them of If you play a B player on an A team they are deemed any changes. Referee details are available at http:// to have joined the A panel and this player cannot www.dublingaa.ie/juvenile/other-downloads play for the B panel again.
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For ladies see http://www.dublinladiesgaelic.ie/ Named Referees: contentPage/63265/referees_corner Home teams must make contact with the For camogie see http://www.dublincamogie.ie/ designated referee early in week before fixture. Referees/Default.7269.html If there is a problem with named referees contacts What is the protocol for challenge matches? Dublin County Boards Referee’s co-ordinator. If you wish to appoint a referee for a challenge match contact the Club’s referee coordinator. Named Clubs: The home team must contact the designated club What happens if a referee is unavailable or referees co-ordinator to arrange a referee for fails to show up? the home fixture. There is a full list of each clubs In the case of CCC2 matches, the HOME team must juvenile referee’s co-ordinators on the Dublin contact the referee to ensure his availability. If a Camogie Website: http://www.dublincamogie.ie/ referee is not notified by the HOME team of a call Club_Directori/Default.36.html off or change of venue/time then the HOME team as listed for the fixture is liable for the full referee’s Important: For both Girls Football and Camogie fee. In the event that a referee fails to show, the in the event of a cancellation or changed away team has the option to referee the game. If match time. It is the home team’s responsibility they do not wish to exercise this option then the to notify referee and opposition. Failure to do home team MUST referee or concede the game. so could mean the home team will have to pay This rule does not apply to Championship games the referee’s fee for both teams. where a neutral referee must be present.
Does the process differ for Girls Football? Girls Football follows the same format as boys with Return of Match Results the club providing home referees up to U11. From U12 up all referees are appointed by county board Hurling and Football for scheduled league and championship matches. There is a texting system in place for recording the The home teams are notified of designated results of all games from U11 onwards. Lead Home referees. It is the home team’s responsibility to Mentors receive a text from the County Board at make contact with the referee as early in the week the time of the match which allows them to insert before the scheduled game. If the referee is unable the result from their mobile. These results are then to fulfil the fixture the onus is on the referee to find available on www.dublingaa.ie and inform the home team of the replacement. In the event of any difficulties, result should be Juvenile Camogie emailed to [email protected] 11am on Every team’s scheduled fixtures come with a the Monday after the match. designated named referee or a named club who are to provide a referee. Up to U13 a club is usually Results for U8, U9 and U10 do not need to be assigned to provide a referee for all fixtures. From returned. U13 up, named referees are appointed for all championship games. For league games it varies In the event that a match is not played, the reason between a named referee and a club assigned to should be emailed to juvresults@dublingaa. provide the referee. ie. Details of how the texting systems works are available on www.dublingaa.ie in the other downloads section.
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Ladies Football and Camogie However, it must be remembered that first and Both ladies football and Camogie use the real-time foremost the Club has a duty to Dublin GAA and SMS text results system run by e-Sports Manager. trips away can never be at the expense of our Dublin obligations. When deciding on a trip away From c.U11 up each team’s lead mentor receives the following guidelines should be followed: an SMS text, the score is entered by the mentors at the end of each match and returned. The • Before making any decision to go on an away Dublin Ladies Football and Camogie websites are trip, mentors must consult the relevant co- updated in real-time, with all scores and leagues ordinators. The trip will then be authorised by automatically adjusted. For detailed instructions the club executive through your co-ordinator. on returning Texts http://www.sportsmanager.ie/ • The trip must not clash with any official county uploaded/6929/resultstxt.pdf board fixtures. • Trips will be limited to one trip per year Camogie • Inclusion of fun and/or cultural activies are At the start of each year the Dublin Camogie Board encouraged to help team bonding. request a contact for all the club’s camogie teams. That is, a single contact for each team (one named contact for each team i.e. A, B, C team - 3 contacts). Club Policy on This system starts from U11 for Go-Game Mini Travelling Away leagues it is used right up to and including adult.
Ladies Football Traveling Away Policy: At the start of each year the Dublin Ladies Football Safety of all children when travelling away Board requests a contact for all the clubs girl’s from the club is the number one priority for football teams. That is, a single contact for each all teams. To ensure that safety is promoted, team (one named contact for each team i.e. A, B, C the following protocol should be adhered to: team 3 contacts). This system starts from c.U11 and right up to and including adult. 1) Mentors should obtain written permission from parents/guardians before travelling away. 2) The club requests that parents provide any Clash of Jerseys relevant information on medical conditions or special needs their child may have. Home teams must change jersey in the event of 3) Accompanying adults should be selected a clash of jerseys. A Club team not wearing its carefully with roles and responsibilities registered distinctive club colours in Inter-Club outlined clearly. Competitions, or where there is a similarity of 4) Where teams are made up of both boys & colours, not wearing alternative colours shall be girls, at least 1 male and 1 female should travel liable to a minimum of €40 fine. with the team. 5) Adults shall not share rooms with children. If an adult’s presence is required there should be more than 1 child in the room at all times. Away Trips 6) Children will only share rooms with children of the same age and sex. Away trips are of great benefit to juvenile players 7) For overnight stays, both clubs should take and a very enjoyable aspect of their membership care in selection of homes for overnight stays of the Club. By allowing players to travel on away and more than one child should stay with each trips they can be exposed to different styles of host family. play, experience team bonding and make great 8) If a child is significantly injured, the parents memories together. should be informed ASAP.
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When travelling to other venues for games/ Instead they aim to supplement personal health tournaments/days out, our mentors have extra schemes eg. VHI .Ultimately the responsibility lies responsibility for team safety. They should ensure with the individual to ensure adequate cover lies that: in place.
1. The club has the appropriate insurance cover. Who do the injury schemes cover? When are they applicable? 2. Carry only the permitted number of passengers. The schemes apply when accidental injury occurs in the course of either an official competitive 3. ensure the use of safety belts at all times. or challenge game or in the case of an official 4. Avoid travelling alone with one player. supervised training session. The scheme covers 5. Ensure all mentors, parents/guardian and players, mentors, match officials and any club players have signed the Travelling Permission members performing official duties under request/ forms (those forms should include emergency instruction of an authorised Club Officer. contact numbers for the player’s parent/ NB: In the case of all injuries, mentors please notify guardian) the referee at the end of the game, so they can report it to the County Board. Friendly Games / Games outside Dublin Club Policy on Team (Notification to County Selection Boards) Team Selection Policy: For Insurance purposes, matches must be Fingallians is not a ‘win at all costs club’. As a club authorised through your coordinator and board we would encourage and support development of delegate who will notify Dublin County Board / our players to be the best they can be. Sometimes, Camogie Board / Ladies Dublin County Board. All but not always, this leads to success on the field. boards must be given at least 3 days written notice. Do not contact the County Board directly yourself. To ensure that all our players are allowed to develop and to promote player retention, we encourage mentors as much as possible to to give Injury Schemes all our juvenile players the chance to participate in games on a regular basis. It is appreciated that this Unfortunately, injury is part and parcel of an active is something that may not always be possible to lifestyle and sometimes cannot be prevented. In the achieve particularly when players may sometimes event of an injury, treatment will often be required. be playing out of their age category. The issue of Due to the voluntary nature of the club, we are not in a “playing up” whether from a lower division team, position to fully compensate players, however, there or from a younger age group, and the matter of players “not getting their game” causes more are injury schemes in place to help lessen the blow. debate at juvenile level than any other matter. What injury schemes are currently in place? It is impossible to adjudicate in advance of specific There are various injury schemes currently in place games and circumstances and we rely on common within the club and details of the schemes provided sense and good judgement amongst our mentors. by the GAA, Ladies Football Board & Camogie In order to assist, we have attempted to provide Board are available on www.fingallians.com. It is the following guidelines which mentors hopefully important to remember that these schemes do not find useful,particularly when explaining specific offer full compensation. situations to players and parents.
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1. As always County Board rules take precedence, 4. When teams are competing in championships and mentors must be familiar with the rules and and Feile na nGael/Feile na Peil they should bring regulations surrounding playing up. At present up younger players to give them experience for boys games do not restrict playing up or playing the following year competitions. This must be down, but fair play is expected. Girls’ panels are agreed in advance with all mentors and parents submitted early in the playing year, and the general of the younger players. An ideal situation would rule is that if a player plays up within their age involve a training programme which incorporates group more than a given number of times, they the younger players being undertaken in the are not permitted to return to their original team. weeks leading up to the competition.
2. When making their team selection, mentors 5. In the case of challenge matches ,all players must base their team selection on player’s should enjoy playing time. commitment to and discipline during training. It is not enough to simply turn up to training. Players 6. In the case of Féile (festivals) and CCC2 must engage and participate fully in all activities championship matches, situations will arise set out by mentors throughout the training where it may not be possible to play all players. session. Dedicated, hardworking players must be given every opportunity to advance their playing 7. In some situations, some age groups may struggle ability and skills. This must be the main guide for to field a second team because of the numbers selecting teams but other factors such as fitness within their age group. If the Club decides to field (recovering from injury/illness, discipline) may only one team it must be accepted that this will also influence team selection. limit the amount of playing time each individual NB: Mentors are expected to make their gets due to the number of players. selections with due consideration for every in the event that this happens the club will assess player on their panel, and players and parents are the possibility of setting up a 2nd team that consists expected to respect these decisions. of players from that particular age group as well as players from the age group below. Consent 3. The following policy has been decided by for this to happen must come from the County the Coaching Committee regarding juvenile Board and this team will normally be entered into players playing within their own age groups: a lower division. Mentors of the lower age group a. It is preferable that juveniles shall train and should use this opportunity to rotate players who play at their own age group before being have the ability to play up on such a 2nd Team. considered to play for an older team. 8. In special circumstances the juvenile committee b. Any player leaving the nursery to “play up” may agree to merge age groups where numbers at U8 must remain at U8 for the following dictate that greater playing time will be enjoyed year. if two or more age groups play together. No c. In the scenario listed above it is ok for precedent will be set, and the grouping will be nursery players to play up if: reviewed on an ongoing basis and at the end of - the manager of the appropriate age that playing year. group has given consent, and - juveniles of the higher age are not 9. On leaving the nursery, teams are available for being deprived of game time. both genders. Therefore, club policy dictates d. CCC2 (Boys U13-U16) and Girls2 (Girls that Fingallians will not field girls on any boys U13-U16): Where a mentor, including a teams for all CCC1 age groups. minor mentor, wishes to bring players from a younger age group up to an older team 10. Selection of Fingallians players for Dublin he/she must seek the express permission underage development squads will be by a of the relevant CCC2 or Girls Coordinator development squad selection panel. This is to to do so. ensure equity in chance for selection and no individual bias comes into play.
25 Section 6 pitches and Facilities
Given the club number of teams the club Balheary fields across all codes at both juvenile and These pitches are located directly across the dual- adult level and the number of pitches at our carriageway from the club in Balheary Park and are disposal, there is a heavy demand placed on easily accessed by footbridge. When accessing the clubs resources each and every week. the pitch all players should be escorted across the bridge by mentors ensuring safe passage takes In order for things to run as smoothly as possible, place. Balheary has a set of full size goals as well a high level of organisation and co-operation is as portable goals being available in the container. required by all members of the club to maximise the use of all facilities in an equitable manner. The Holywell following section of the handbook will detail all This pitch is located near the Holywell Housing facilities currently available to the club, and the estate just past Airside and is a full size adult pitch. protocol used for their use. This pitch is mainly used by CCC2 teams.
Kettles Lane What facilities are This pitch will be developed further in the future but currently available for it is currently available for training. use? Ball Wall Lawless Park Main Pitch The club’s ball wall is located adjacent to the This is the club’s main pitch and is located at the main pitch and is regularly used for training both back of our Lawless Park campus. This is a full pitch recreational and by teams. The wall has a painted and priority for use is given to the Adult teams. set of goals as well as targets and can be used for The pitch will not serve a big purpose for the both football & hurling/camogie. Juvenile Section but is used throughout our camps. Decisions on use of this lie entirely with the club’s Athletics Track pitch committee. The athletics track is located adjacent to both the Main Pitch and Ball Wall. Training for speed Lawless Park All-Weather Pitch development can be carried out here if the track is The All-Weather pitch is located at the front of our free. However it must be remembered that priority Lawless Park campus. This pitch is full size and has for the track lies with Fingallians AC. an astro turf surface. The pitch is a massive asset for the juvenile section as it helps facilitate training Club Gym irrespective of weather conditions, and is used The club gym is located beside the dressing rooms regularly for the nursery and training/matches for and is available to the club with the exception of all of our juvenile teams. 6-7pm on Mondays where the Athletics Club has priority. The vast majority of juvenile teams will not need to use the club gym. However, those that do should do so under close supervision with emphasis on safe technique for lifting.
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All juvenile under the age of 16 should not attempt to start lifting weights and they should not be in the Allocation of Pitches gym unless under close supervision. for Training
Pitch Equipment General principles used when allocating Keys of gates, storage containers and dressing training slots rooms are available from club bar, your co-ordinator Fingallians has experienced a significant growth or with some Mentors. Please always use steel in the number of teams in recent times, however pegs for securing mobile posts into the ground. there are limited facilities/slots available for All mobile goals and nets must be stored away training, especially during peak times. Due to the securely after matches. They are easily damaged challenging nature of allocating slots, all team and expensive to replace. It is particularly important mentors are encouraged to approach and liaise that all mentors take care to return all equipment in with each other in a supportive manner. Balheary to the container in a tidy manner.
When matches are scheduled for Balheary, Off Site Training Policy: particulary CCC1 matches, if for any reason your The club will make every effort to fairly allocate particular match is cancelled, then you should slots to all teams on the all-weather throughout the inform the team playing before you to ensure that week. However, this can be very difficult during the they put away all goals after their match if they are peak times of 6-9pm, especially during the winter. not needed for later matches. To address this challenge, each juvenile team is allocated just one slot on the all-weather during peak hours per week. If a team wishes to engage Fixtures and Pitch in any additional training, they are encouraged to Bookings use available offsite private facilities in near-by schools and halls. Who do I contact to book a pitch? In summer, the club will seek to allocate 2 training If coaches want to book a pitch for a match they must slots to each juvenile team using all available do so with the Juvenile Secretary. In certain cases facilities at Balheary, Holywell, Kettles Lane and the secretary will liaise with the Pitch Committee to the All-Weather pitch. confirm whether or not the pitch is available and/or playable and as a result accept/deny the request. NB: The All-Weather is available to school teams The same protocol is to be followed when booking & Fingallians teams throughout the day and on the pitch for training. weekends upon request. Where can I find fixtures? Fixtures for the year for boys teams can be found at http://www.dublingaa.ie/juvenile/weekly-fixtures.
Fixtures for girl’s teams are available on www. dublinladiesgaelic.ie and www.dublincamogie.ie.
A regularly updated training/games schedule is available on www.fingallians.com .It should be viewed if attempting to find a slot to book a game/ training session.
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Whatever the outcome of your discussions with Pitch Care Guidelines the opposition, you should then notify the Juvenile Secretary, designated referee and all parents of To ensure our pitches stay in the best possible your agreed arrangement. Please note that if the condition we ask all members of the club to adhere opposition hosts the game on this occasion, then to the following guidelines. you will have home advantage in the reverse fixture. • No eating, drinking or chewing gum on the pitch. • No smoking on the pitch. • The wearing of boots with blades is not permitted. Regular or moulded studs only! • No littering on the pitch. If you see any please help keep the pitch clean by disposing of it properly. • Please ensure any animals on the club premises do not soil the pitch.
Playing Pitches
How are pitches allocated for home games? For matches, juvenile teams are allocated their pitch either in Balheary, Holywell or All Weather Pitch by the Juvenile Secretary. This is done in accordance with the Dublin CCC1 and CCC2 Fixture list which is issued each Monday.
Unplayable pitches? During the Winter, Fingal Co. Co. can close Balheary and Holywell. Status of all pitches are posted on Fingal’s Co. Co. website every Friday at http:// www.fingalcoco.ie/community-and-leisure/sports- and-fitness/pitches/playabilityofpitches/. If you are scheduled to play at home when a pitch closure occurs, you should initially contact the lead mentor of the opposition and assess the possibility of them hosting the match.
28 Section 7 Frequently asked questions
Q. When do you stop for winter, summer holidays CCC1 etc? A. In general we follow the school calender - Q. What does CCC1 stand for ? you will be notified throughout the year about A. Competitions Control Committee (8-12 years) changes as it is subject to change through the Q. What do CCC1 do ? Games Promotion Officer and social media. A. They make fixtures for boys football and Q. Do you organise camps? hurling between the ages of U/8 & U/12 A. Yes we organise many camps throughout the Q. When do the games take place ? year. A timetable with all dates can be found A. Games are played every Saturday alternating behind club bar. You can also contact the Games between football and hurling Promotion Officer. Mentors of all team will also communicate details in advance of all camps. Q. How often do children at this age train ? A. Typically they would train twice a week once Q. What should my child wear for Football in the for football and once for hurling nursery? A. Dress appropriately for the weather and mouthguard is optional. Nursery Q. What should my child wear for hurling? Q. What age can my child join the club Nursery ? A For Hurling, children must wear a helmet. A. 4years Helmets are supplied for new players in the nursery. If parents wish, they can purchase their Q. If weather is bad how will I know if Nursery is own helmet in the club shop. cancelled? A. All members will be notified through social Q. When is the club shop open? media. Twitter and facebook. A. The shop is open every Saturday morning during Nursery hours. 10am - 11.30am. Q. What age groups is Nursery for? A. 4-7 year olds Q. What size hurl should I get for my child? A. Hurls will also be provided. Hurls should be Q. Do Children in Nursery get to play against other ground to just below hip height (not waist). teams? For Most nursery players this should be 18” to A. Yes, towards the end of your child’s 3rd year we 24” - again hurls are available in the club shop. organise challenge matches against other clubs. Mentors and coaches will be available to advise Q. What does the club expect from parents of on a correct hurl for each child. Nursery children? A. For children in the Nursery the club expects that a parent/adult remains in the club at all times. Parents should bring a drink to all sessions and are invited to participate by assisting mentors thereby making their child’s interaction more fun.
29 CLG Fine Ghallainn Juvenile Mentors Handbook
Q. Can parents help become involved? A. Yes, parents are encouraged to become Coaching involved. Formal GAA Coaching Courses are offered to all parents throughout the year. If Q What are the minimum coaching qualifications you are interested in volunteering please make that you need to become a club mentor ? yourself known to the clubs Games Promotion A. Foundation and Award 1 Officer. If you are not interested in mentorig/ Q. What coaching assistance does Fingallians coaching you can help in other ways. We need provide? parents to help us gather up and store equipment A. Fingallians coaching committee together with as well as carrying out administration duties. The the GPO provides inhouse coaching training as club is run entirely by volunteers and new help is well as an individual team mentoring programme always welcome. which is normally initiated by the team lead mentor. Also, the Club runs a one day coaching conference every second year to support the CCC2 work of our coaches. Q. Do I have to follow the player pathway? Q. At what age does championship start? A. Mentors are encouraged to adopt the player A. U/15 pathway into their annual planning and use it Q. When do U/15 typically play their games ? as a guide as to what they should be doing at a A. Sunday Mornings particular stage with players. Q. Is there a neutral referee for CCC2 games? A Yes Q. What is intervention coaching? Q. I the Mark rule implemented in CCC2? A. Intervention coaching is normally run during A Yes the mid term breaks and it is an opportunity for teams to participate in a coaching programme which is normally run by external coaches. Club
Q. How are mentors appointed ? Ladies A. The Club executive appoint mentors on an annual basis Q Are the boys and girls under the same organisation for administration and fixture purposes? Q. Who has ultimate responsibility for each team? A. No, they are separate A. All teams are affiliated to the Club, therefore, the Club has ultimate responsibility for each Q. What are the rules for Ladies Football? team. A. All rules related to ladies football are covered are covered under LGFA www.ladiesgaelic.ie or www.dublinladiesgaelic.ie.
30 appendix 1
Club Executive
Position Name Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Registrar Assistant Secretary Assistant Treasurer Public Relations Officer Adult Games Chairman Juvenile Games Chairman Ladies Section Chairman Children’s Officer Sponsorship officer Players’ Representatives Cultural & Language Officer Ordinary Members
31 Fingallians GAA Club, Lawless Memorial Park, Estuary Roundabout, Swords, Co. Dublin
Fingallians Gaa @Fingallians
www.fingallians.com
2017 © Developed by Fingallians Coaching Committee and led by Peter Browne