UIBH LAOIRE GAA- SAFE RETURN TO PLAY
Welcome to the Uibh Laoire “Safe Return To Play” section of our website. This page will be kept up to date with policies and guidelines as we return to training and playing. This is an evolving situation, and we recommend that readers check back regularly, and monitor our social media channels for changes.
This page was last updated on 21st June 2020
The GAA have issued a document called “Covid-19: Guidelines on Safe Return to Gaelic Games”. This document outlines the responsibilities on all parties; The Club Executive, Mentors, Players and Parents and Guardians. Each and every one of us has a part to play. If we all work together, we can look forward to getting back to playings Gaelic games.
A copy of the document can be downloaded here. In the event of a new version being made available, we will endeavour to ensure the above link is always to the latest available version. We urge all players, mentors and parents/guardians to familiarise themselves with the contents of this document.
The GAA issued an updated version of the Safe Return to Play document. Please note our link above is up to date and references the latest version.
There following changes occurred in the new document:
The official notification of the changes can be read here
In addition, the GAA have updated information on online training:
Details on both training sessions can be found at the GAA Covid-19 education page.
The Covid-19 Club Education eLearning module for Gaelic Games is now available. This needs to be taken by every Player, Mentor, Covid Supervisor, Club Executive and Parent/Guardian. It takes 20 mins. to complete. It must be done before returning to training/games. The training is available at this link.
Following a new set of guidelines issued by the GAA on Saturday 20th June, a number of changes has been made to our guidelines above. Specifically:
The Player injury scheme will be back operational from June 24th for Adult players, and June 27th for Minor and Juvenile players. Teams and mentors will need to use our Club fixtures whatsapp to book the pitch going forward.
Updates 02/07/2020
Further information on the Return to play Questionaire:
Each person participating in Gaelic Games must complete the Covid Health Questionnaire prior to the first occasion that they return to their club .
Parent / Guardian to complete form on behalf of Under-age player (Under 18)
Each person participating in Gaelic Games must also re-confirm that their Health Status hasn’t changed on each subsequent occasion that they participate.
Go HERE for information on how to fill out the Covid Health Questionnaire.
The Health Questionnaire is available on a mobile responsive webpage at
https://returntoplay.gaa.ie
Update for the month of August
The government issued guidelines on outdoor gatherings on Tuesday 18th August, effectively restricting outdoor sporting events to “behind closed doors” events. This left some confusion regarding parents/guardians attending juvenile games.
Today, on 26h August 2020, the communications department of the GAA have issued the following statement regarding parents attending children’s games:
Covid Advisory Group – Updated advice on attendance at underage games
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:
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 16th 2020
Following the publication of the Irish Government’s Plan for Living with Covid 19 document on Sept 15th, the GAA’s Covid Advisory group has issued the following key updates for those involved in Gaelic Games in the 26 Counties:
While it is not obligatory, Spectators at GAA games are encouraged to wear face masks where possible.
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.
These events are permitted by the GAA in Level 1 and 2 Counties only – and are subject to maximums of:
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 – 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
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.
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 16th 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
Cleaning & Disinfection Protocol
Clean down room after use with attention to:
Other Considerations
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: