05 May 2021
Covid-19 update: 05/05/2021
As indicated in last Friday’s communication, we have now received clarity on a number of matters from the Irish Government in relation to the further relaxation of restrictions.
Information for Clubs
Adult Return to Training and Games (26 Counties only):
A reminder that from this Monday, May 10th, Outdoor training is permitted at adult level in pods of a maximum of 15 people (including coaches) in the 26 Counties. However, games are not allowed, and indoor facilities must remain closed (exception: toilet facilities).
From June 7th, and subject to the Public Health situation at the time, Club games will be permitted at all levels but must be played “behind closed doors”.
In the interim, we would remind all Clubs in the 26 Counties of the following:
Until May 10th, only training for underage club teams (non-contact and in pods of 15) is permitted. “Underage club teams” means any registered team at U-18 level or below.
All indoor facilities must remain closed (exception: toilet facilities).
Fundraising events on GAA/LGFA property are not currently permitted.
Gym facilities must remain closed (exception: Adult Inter-County players may use their relevant Club Gym for individual training as long as they are following the advice in the Inter-County Return to Training and Play document)
Fundraising Events Outdoor fundraising events on GAA/LGFA property are not currently permitted in either jurisdiction. This includes drive in events (such as Drive in Bingo or Drive in Movies). We await further clarification from governments and will provide a further update when available.
Information for Counties:
Inter-County Challenge Matches: Challenge matches at adult level only in both the 26 and 6 Counties can take place from next Monday, May 10th.
Underage Inter-County Training and Return to Games: Training for 2021 inter-county underage squads can begin from next Monday, May 10th, on a full contact basis in pods of 15 maximum. Games in these cohorts will be permitted from June 7th. In the coming days, LGFA Management will provide an update on 2021 inter-county competitions at Under 14, 16 and 18.
Attendance of Backroom Teams/Additional Panel Members: The matchday panel for 2021 will be limited to what is provided for in general rule – 30 players. For safety purposes and in order to minimise covid risk, only these players will be granted entry to the controlled zone (Dressing Room and pitch side area). However, for the upcoming Lidl National Leagues and Adult inter-county championship games, additional panel members can be accommodated in general viewing areas. Counties will be contacted in the coming days and asked to register the names of all playing members of their panels.
As per previous correspondence, a maximum of 13 additional backroom personnel only will be granted access to the venue and controlled zone. The ultimate composition of this number is at each county’s discretion but must contain the County Chairperson and Secretary (or their nominees from the executive) and the Team Covid Supervisor. It is a maximum of 10 additional backroom personnel outside of these three as per rule.
In total 43 persons per team only are permitted access to the controlled zone on match days. Additional players, outside of the match day 30, will be accommodated elsewhere (i.e. general viewing areas).
Outside of the provisions above, and those allowable for media purposes, all games must remain behind “closed doors” for the moment and no spectators are permitted to attend.
For the Lidl National Leagues, the Travelling County must forward a list of their full panel and nominated backroom personnel (maximum 13) to the Home County, and cc. no later than noon on the Wednesday before a weekend game.
The list should separately indicate the starting 15 players, 15 substitutes, the nominated backroom personnel (13) and the additional panel members that will be allowed access to the venue.
An official Match Day Team Sheet that can be completed for this purpose will shortly be circulated.