1. Presentation title in footer1 Building a Base for Young Player Development

2. © GAA 2 Presentation title in footer Strategic Vision  “Go Games will be adopted as best practice up to and including 12 years of age…all children will get meaningful playing time to develop the skills of our games in a challenging and fun environment.”  “We will introduce a detailed initiative to promote respect and discipline towards match officials and each other” The GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009-2015

3. Background and Research

4. © GAA 4 Presentation title in footer 4 Must Win More perceived pressure on children Traditional Model Full Rules/ 15 a side Best Players Play Limited Player Development Substitutes get little or No Game

5. © GAA 5 Presentation title in footer Maximise Participation Optimise Playing Standards GAA Grassroots to National Programme (GNP) Aims

6. © GAA 6 Presentation title in footer Why children play sport? In order of importance… 1. To have fun 2. To improve their skills 3. To learn new skills 4. To be with their friends 5. To make new friends 6. To succeed or win 7. To get fit Lack of fun and lack of perceived competence are the major reasons cited for drop-out at the age of 12 Taggart and Sharp (1997) Adolescents and Sport: Determents of Current and Future participation (Perth University)

7. © GAA 7 Presentation title in footer Primary School PE Curriculum Statement  In the competitive situation…..children are grouped with little regard for discrepancies of size and strength, the size of the playing area, the length of the game or the equipment used. Unless competition is de-emphasised, those who compare less favourably will always be at risk of withdrawal and are likely to become inactive adults.  “ gifted or physically stronger children who survive on a menu of competitive sports may have no substitute when, in later years, success in sports is harder to achieve and therefore the desire to participate may diminish”

8. Implementing a Games Policy for Children

9. © GAA 9 Presentation title in footer Implementation of Go Games policy  A Go Games programme should be organised for Under 8,9,10 and 11 grades  A mini league system can be organised at Under 12 level-parallel to the Go Games Programme  A standardised approach to Go Games rules within a county should be adopted  All games programmes should be approved by County CCC & GDC

10. © GAA 10 Presentation title in footer What are Go Games?  There is full participation for all players  Games are not result orientated and are age appropriate  Games are small sided  Playing rules are modified to suit the developmental stages of the children  Playing area is modified  Playing equipment is modified Modifications and playing rules are at the discretion of each county

11. © GAA 11 Presentation title in footer Competitions at Under 12 level  Mini leagues based on the Go Games philosophy  Games are small sided  Clubs strive to provide maximum participation for all players (Multiple teams should be fielded where applicable)  A rotational system to ensure all players receive equal playing time  Modifications and playing rules are at the discretion of each county

12. © GAA 12 Presentation title in footer Sample Mini League format Division 111 a side Division 211 a side Division 39/10 a side Division 47/9 a side (or matching teams up to 11) Modification of Playing Area (At each county`s discretion) Reduce width of pitch 11 a side: 90 x 40m - 50m 9 a side: 80 x 40m - 45m Modification of rules (At each county`s discretion) 4 x 12 min quarters Subs introduced only at breaks except in case of injury All Players must play 2 quarters Modification of playing rules (At each county`s discretion) Two Touch Rule Fouled Player Takes free Nearest Player takes sideline

13. © GAA 13 Presentation title in footer GAA Games Programme ChildYouthAdult Go Games Mini- Leagues Super Touch Leagues Scilabu Leagues Champ’ships RecreationalDevelopmental Competitive Champ’ships

14. Benefits

15. © GAA 15 Presentation title in footer Benefits of small sided games 1.A greater number of catches, passes and scoring attempts occur 2.There are increased opportunities to improve decision making skills 3.Levels of enjoyment and perceived competence are higher 4.Levels of perceived pressure are lower

16. © GAA 16 Presentation title in footer Summary of Benefits 1.The players work harder therefore increasing levels of fitness 2.Games can be played while incorporating the GAA Respect Initiative 3.We will recruit more children to our games 4.We will ensure that more children are participating from U 14 level Research by M.Whelan and N.Moyna, DCU

17. www.gaa.ie/youth-zone/gaa-go-games/