The past week has seen some important updates for GAA clubs in both the 26 and 6 Counties.
GAA Covid-19 Update for Clubs in the 26 Counties
Attendances;
As you are aware, the Irish Government on Wednesday confirmed an increase in spectator numbers at sporting events with 200 spectators allowed at Gaelic games events in the 26 Counties from this Saturday, July 3rd. This number is in addition to the official panel/backroom team allowance of 40 per team, stewards or media attendees.
Where a ground has a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000, a maximum of 500 spectators can attend.
It is essential that all of those hosting and attending our games remain conscious of Government and GAA guidelines and follow the advice and instructions of stewards at our games.
Other Restrictions
There are no other significant changes for Gaelic Games in the latest relaxations in the South. Below is a summary of the restrictions that remain in place for Gaelic Games
Dressing Rooms For club games, dressing rooms must remain closed. This is to ensure the risk of players or backroom personnel being classified as Close contacts is minimised. As in the Summer of 2020, Players should arrive ready to warm-up, play and leave the ground once the relevant game is over.
Indoor meetings
All club and county meetings should continue to be held remotely or outdoors (maximum of 15 people) until further notice – indoor meetings are not permitted. The Government however have indicated that this may change later in the month pending the implementation of a system to verify vaccination or immunity. We will advise further in this context once any new information is available.
Use of Gyms In broader society, the use of Gyms for individual training has been permitted since June 7th. However, we are continuing to advise that club or county owned Gyms should remain closed until further notice, unless being used on an individual basis by players on a county panel. Again, this is being advised on the basis of ensuring the risk of an outbreak in a club among players and members is minimized.
Club Bars Club bars are permitted to serve food and alcohol outdoors and in line with general guidance for the sector. Further information is available here.
Indoor services in Bars and Restaurants are not currently permitted.
Drive in events Drive-in cinema and drive-in bingo events are permitted.
Family fun days and other fundraising events From July 5th, it is permitted to hold family fun days or other fundraising events provided the numbers involved do not exceed 200 persons (this is an increase from the 100-limit allowed in June), subject to adhering to the Association’s guidance on insurance for such events.
Information for Clubs in the 6 Counties
The NI Executive at their meeting yesterday confirmed a further easing of restrictions which will take effect from 5pm today, Friday 2nd July.
From then, the 500 limit on spectators at games has been removed and is replaced by a risk assessment/event plan to be developed by the event organiser (competition control committee). For this weekend, the Ulster GAA has responded by increasing maximum attendances modestly for its events. Further details are available here.
Guidance is expected from the Executive in relation to the social distance and mitigation measures that will be required for larger events and this will be shared with all units when available. In accordance with the GAA’s ‘Return to Play’ protocols, dressing rooms should remain closed for all club fixtures and training sessions. In addition, it is not permitted to hold meetings indoors. There are no further changes to the guidance previously provided by Ulster GAA on 21 May 2021.
Travel Quarantine (Both Jurisdictions)
Anyone returning to Ireland from abroad is likely to be subject to a period of quarantine. General information from the Irish Government in this context is available here while the requirements for arrival from specific Countries are here. Rules for returning to the North from abroad can be accessed here.
It is important to note that quarantine after travel is a Government requirement to help combat the spread of Covid-19 – as such, if a player, coach or member of the Association participates in a training session or game in contravention of quarantine rules in the relevant jurisdiction, they may be dealt with under Rule 7.2 (e) “Misconduct considered to have discredited the Association” (minimum 8 week suspension).
We again thank you for your support and continued co-operation with the regulations in place and remind you again that in both jurisdictions, it is essential we continue to proceed with caution and that the Return to Play Protocols linked here continue to be followed.
Labhrás Mac Carthaigh Tomás Ó Riain
Uachtarán Ard Stiúrthói
