Covid-19 Update; Note to Clubs and Counties Re: New Restrictions 23.12.20

A chairde,

CLUB SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

1. Club Games

Under the new Level 5 Restrictions announced by Government and which take effect from December 27^th, Club games are not permitted.

1. Club Training

In level 5, underage and adult training can take place, but must be on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15.

All clubs and players are reminded that Health Questionnaires and all other relevant control measures must continue to be followed.

1. Use of Indoor Team Facilities

Dressing rooms, showers and all other indoor training facilities should remain closed for club activities.

Club Gyms in the 26 Counties may be opened for use by individuals only, with protective measures in place. Players/Teams must not train in groups.

1. Committee Meetings

No indoor meetings can be held. 

1. Officer Training

All officer Training must be delivered online. Outdoor coaching education courses cannot be held

1. Club Bars

Club Bars serving food must close from 3pm on Christmas Eve and until further notice. Delivery and take away food services only are permitted.

1. Indoor Events on GAA Property

Commercial use of indoor halls continues to be permitted where agreement was in place prior to March and relevant insurance are in place. Use by State bodies e.g. HSE/Schools is also permitted.

These are the only instances in which indoor activity is permitted on GAA Club property.

1. Outdoor Events on GAA Property

All planned outdoor gatherings post Dec 27^th must be cancelled. This includes Drive in events.

ADVICE FOR 2^ND LEVEL SCHOOLS AND 3^RD LEVEL INSTITUTIONS

1. Games and Training

Neither competitive nor challenge games are permitted in 2^nd Level schools.

Training is permitted on a non-contact basis in pods of no more than 15 people in the 26 Counties or for the purposes of P.E in schools

Games are not permitted to take place at 3^rd level under the latest Government restrictions – in addition, the new guidelines recommend that all Higher and Adult Education should remain primarily online with exemptions for essential onsite activities only. As such, no training sessions are permitted in 3^rd level institutions in either jurisdiction until further notice.

Additional advice to Clubs and Counties in the 6 Counties

From 26^th December to 2^nd January inclusive no sporting events are permitted – this includes games in the Ulster Minor Championships. However, minor inter county teams still in the Championship are permitted to train between 6am and 8pm only.

Collective Club training is not permitted – outdoor exercise permitted only as individuals or with members of your own household.

From 2^nd January outdoor gatherings for the purposes of exercise or sport are only permitted for inter county teams

Collective training is permitted for inter county teams only (including Inter County Minor) and may take place either indoors or outdoors. Spectators are not permitted.

Collective Club training is not permitted.

The Executive in the North have indicated that these arrangements will be reviewed after four weeks from 26^th December 2020.

INTER COUNTY SPECIFIC GUIDELINES

1. 2020 Minor Championships and U20 Hurling

The GAA are awaiting clarity from Government as to whether the remaining games in the 2020 Championship at U20 and Minor level can take place. Unfortunately we have not received this yet, but we will provide this to Counties as soon as it is available.

1. 2021 Competitions – Return to Training dates

Counties are reminded that the following Return to Collective Training Dates for 2021 Competitions must be observed:

SENIOR HURLING AND FOOTBALL

• No return to collective Senior inter county training before January 15^th
  • Senior inter county challenge games allowed from Start of February – due to covid and its associated risks, no training or games that will involve an overnight stay are permitted during pre-season.

MINOR HURLING AND FOOTBALL and U20 FOOTBALL

• No return to collective inter county minor training (H & F) or U20 Football before Friday 5^th February; challenge games in these grades will be permitted from Friday, February 26^th.

U20 HURLING

• No return to collective inter county U20 Hurling training before Friday, April 2^nd. Challenge games will be permitted from April 23^rd 

Counties and teams that are found to be in breach of the dates outlined above may be dealt with under Rule 7.2 T.O 2020 (“Misconduct considered to have discredited the Association”). Penalties available under this rule include suspensions for both individuals and Teams.