26 August 2020 

The GAA’s Covid Advisory committee have issued updated guidance to all clubs in relation to attendance at underage games. This advice is based on updated guidelines issued on behalf of the Government by Sport Ireland: 

Clubs should note that:  

• No more than 1 designated individual should attend a training session or game per child/family/group of children. 
• The GAA Health Questionnaires MUST be completed by parents/guardians in advance of attendance. 
• Overall numbers should be kept to a minimum and in line with the space available in the venue/facility. 

Parents are NOT permitted to be in attendance at adult games where their child (U18) is participating. However, provision can be made to allow an adult to be in close proximity (e.g. in the car park etc) in case medical or other emergency needs require their presence.  

It has also been clarified that a parent/guardian attending an underage game in these circumstances shall not be subject to vetting as they are only the supervisor in a guardianship role for their own child and not any other child on the team. 

Update for the month of September

Updated Advice to Clubs and Counties in the 26 Counties – Sept 16^th 2020

Following the publication of the Irish Government’s Plan for Living with Covid 19 document on Sept 15^th, the GAA’s Covid Advisory group has issued the following key updates for those involved in Gaelic Games in the 26 Counties:

• Use of Indoor Team Facilities
• Dressing rooms, showers, gyms or indoor training facilities should remain closed for club activities, or for teams participating in 2^nd schools or 3^rd level competitions. This position will be reviewed in early October when further advice will issue.
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• Inter county activity has been classified as an exemption to the normal restrictive provisions by the Government. Therefore the use of such facilities currently is for Inter County Teams only (Senior, U20, Minor) and should be carried out in accordance with the Return to Training and Play for Inter County Teams advice document issued over the weekend.
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• Inter County players may use their relevant Club Gym once following the advice in the Inter County Return to Training and Play document.
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• Club Training 
• If a County is classified as being at Level 1, training on a contact basis can take place as normal at all levels, but with the control measures as per the GAA’s Return to Play Document in place (i.e. Health Questionnaires etc)
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• All Counties are currently considered to be at Level 2 in the Government Classifications. This means teams can train outdoors on a contact basis in pods of up to 15 (underage).
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• Adult club teams can train as normal.
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• If a county moves to Level 3, underage training must be on a non-contact basis in pods of up to 15. Adult teams can continue to train as normal
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• If a county moves to level 4 all outdoor training, both adult and underage, must be on a non-contact basis
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• A level 5 classification means no organised outdoor gatherings (collective training) can take place.
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• Attendances
• There are no Counties currently classified as Level 1. If a County moves to this classification, up to 200 spectators can attend in grounds with an accredited capacity of less than 5,000 and up to 500 for grounds with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000
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• All Counties are currently classified as Level 2. This means up to 100 spectators can attend in grounds with an accredited capacity of less than 5,000 and up to 200 for grounds with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (note this does not apply to games taking place in Dublin at the moment where only 100 spectators are allowed to attend, irrespective of ground capacity).
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• The figures quoted above are in addition to players/match officials/stewards.
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• Where attendances are permitted for club games, the previously issued provisions on a parent/guardian being allowed attend at underage games should be factored into the final figure (i.e. parents/guardians should be included in the final 100 or 200 figure).
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• If a county moves to a Level 3 classification, no spectators are permitted, but adult club and county matches can continue to take place behind closed doors. Underage games cannot take place (U-18 or below)
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• At Level 4 only intercounty games can take place.
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• At Level 5 no games at all are permitted.

While it is not obligatory, Spectators at GAA games are encouraged to wear face masks where possible.

• Challenge Games 
• Challenge games at club level are permitted in Level 1 and Level 2 Counties only.
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• Club Challenge games in Level 3 Counties are not permitted – neither are clubs from Level 3 Counties (or Level 2 with additional restrictions) permitted to travel outside the County to play a challenge game.
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• Inter County Challenge games may take place in Level 3 or 4 Counties and inter county teams from such Counties may travel to other Counties to play a Challenge game (as per the Government Exemption for Inter County Teams)
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• Committee Meetings – Committee meetings can only be held in Controlled Environments with a named event organiser.
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Level 2 - GAA Covid Advisory group are recommending that on a Risk minimisation basis the only indoor meetings that should be held in Level 2 Counties are:

Disciplinary Meetings (max of 14 personnel)

Club Executive meetings (max of 14 personnel)

County Management meetings (max of 14 personnel)

No indoor meetings should be held in Counties at level 3 or above. Advice on meetings should a county achieve level 1 status will be provided as required.

All Meetings must follow the guidelines laid down by the GAA’s National Health and Safety Committee (attached) and attendees should be asked to confirm they do not have any symptoms or a temperature in excess of 37.5c before attending. 

• Officer Training 

These events are permitted by the GAA in Level 1 and 2 Counties only – and are subject to maximums of:

• Level 1 – up to a maximum of 50 people
• Level 2 – up to a maximum of 20 people

All Training events must follow the guidelines laid down by the GAA’s National Health and Safety Committee and attendees should be asked to confirm they do not have any symptoms or a temperature in excess of 37.5c before attending.

• Club Bars

Club Bars – as with all other licensed premises in general society – are subject to the various restrictions and regulations in the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid 19 document. See www.gov.ie/covid19

• Other Indoor Events on GAA Property

The Advisory Group is recommending that other indoor events – such as Bingo etc – on GAA property do not take place for the moment unless a County is classified as Level 1.

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

• Clubs in the Six Counties

Ulster GAA has shared these proposals with the authorities in the six counties and will issue an update in respect of emerging advice from Department for Communities and public health organisations in due course.

Updated NHSC Covid-19 Control Measures for use of GAA Meeting Rooms, Sept 16^th 2020

Consider outdoor or virtual meetings and training whenever possible. If it is essential to attend a meeting or officer training in person indoors, this should be conducted in accordance with the following guidelines

Meetings can only be held in Controlled Environments with a named event organiser.

Level 2 - GAA Covid Advisory group are recommending that on a Risk minimisation basis the only indoor meetings that should be held in Level 2 Counties are:

Disciplinary Meetings (max of 14 personnel)

Club Executive meetings (max of 14 personnel)

County Management meetings (max of 14 personnel)

Officer Training (max of 20 personnel)

No indoor meetings should be held in Counties at level 3 or above. Advice on meetings should a county achieve level 1 status will be provided as required.

Meeting Rooms 

• Attendees should be asked to confirm they do not have any symptoms or a temperature in excess of 37.5c before attending.
• Assess the number of people allowed in a meeting room in accordance with social distancing rules - maintain 2 metre social distance at all times (review in line with government guidance)
• Consider numbers for boardroom, theatre, tables, standing and other types of set up
• Highlight assessed capacity on signage and do not exceed agreed capacity
• Consider customising a larger room such as a hall for larger meetings or training
• At the beginning of every meeting or training session the meeting organiser should communicate relevant health and safety advice and provide details of control measures in place to attendees including self-responsibility
• Ensure signage is in place upon entry to rooms highlighting key Government advice in respect of Covid-19
• Ensure hand sanitiser is always available and replenished regularly (a fixed unit would be preferable on entry/exit of the meeting space)
• Keep meeting rooms well ventilated during use
• Avoid self-service tea/coffee breaks, condiments should be serviced in individual single use sachets

Cleaning & Disinfection Protocol 

Clean down room after use with attention to:

• Tables, chairs, and light switches
• Equipment such as laptops or watercoolers
• Ensure cleaning equipment such as disinfectant wipes are readily available

Other Considerations

• Although face coverings are not mandatory strongly encourage their use where possible Have a stock of disposable masks available as back up
• Meeting organiser to maintain record of attendees for contact tracing purposes
• Pay particular attention to individuals with special needs particularly those who may be classified as high risk in relation to Covid-19
• Keep meetings and training sessions as brief as possible and allow adequate time between different meetings for cleaning and ventilation

For third party use and advice consult pg.25 on Fáilte Irelands guidance on meetings & events

Important Note:

This guidance should be used only in conjunction with a venue specific risk assessment. Under no circumstances should Covid-19 control measures compromise any existing Health & Safety measures

Sample Sign: