Fermanagh GAA Coaching & Games Development

Fermanagh GAA invite and would welcome feedback from any interested stakeholders regarding  the work outlined on the theme ‘Coaching and Games Development’.

Fermanagh GAA Strategy 2015-2018

Introduction

The Fermanagh GAA Strategy Plan ‘Forbairt Fhearmanach’ 2007-2012, addressed areas of activity organised under twelve Strategic Themes. These covered all aspects of the GAA in the county and were developed in consultation with all clubs in Fermanagh as well as many other GAA stakeholders.

The overall mission of the GAA in Fermanagh has not changed since 2007. We continue to be a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic Games.  However Ireland has changed significantly since 2007 and Fermanagh has not been immune to this change. The economic recession resulting in emigration has had a major impact on our clubs, the pressures of falling numbers in our primary schools in rural areas, alongside less finance available from public funds is creating significant challenges going forward. The updated plan aims to redefine our goals and objectives for the next three years.

The new plan covers 2015-2018 and has been developed following a consultation with all clubs in Fermanagh. It sets objectives in twelve areas, Governance, Finance, Development, Coaching & Games Development, Club Fixtures & Competitions, County Teams, Communications & Marketing, Child Welfare, Health & Wellbeing, Inclusion, Refereeing & Discipline, and Culture & Heritage. It sets out the persons responsible for each objective, target set and date of delivery and the outcome sought from each area of work.

The County Strategy Committee will be responsible for the implementation of the plan, reporting to County Management and County Committee on a regular basis monthly / bi-monthly basis at County Committee Meetings. They will also provide a formal report on progress to Annual County Convention.

Fermanagh GAA Strategy 2015-2018 Objectives

Governance

Whilst amateurism underpins the GAA and everything it does, the Association in Fermanagh prides itself in being anything but amateurish in how it runs its affairs. The GAA is an increasingly complex business, operating in an increasingly complex world. It needs to be fit for purpose and efficient and effective in terms of how it manages itself. The Plan does not propose major changes in terms of Fermanagh’s GAA governance but focuses more on the “fine-tuning” of what’s already in place and working well. Increased attention will be paid to planning generally and to having sustainable structures in place.

Finance

The GAA may be amateur but it requires very significant resources to deliver what it does within Fermanagh. Aspects of this Plan will also require further resources. This plan outlines objectives to improve financial governance at club and county level, alongside developing, effective fund-raising initiatives and ongoing support provided to Club Eirne.

Development

The GAA locally prides itself in the tremendous physical infrastructure it has put in place, at both Club and County level. The plan sets out work for a feasibility study at the County centre of excellence at Lissan in order to identify future development, and support will be given for the continuing enhancement of the major grounds in the County. Brewster Park will continue to be promoted as a GAA stadium of regional significance in the northern half of Ireland. Support will also be provided for other Clubs to develop their facilities. These are vital for the ongoing well-being of Gaelic games and associated activities in Fermanagh.

Coaching & Games Development

Whilst the GAA is not just about the games, the games nonetheless lie at the heart of what it is and what it does. Good coaching leads to games that are more enjoyable to play in and more enjoyable to watch. It will also contribute to Fermanagh’s inter-County performance. Because it is a County of limited resources, it is all the more important that Fermanagh fully capitalises on those resources. The Plan therefore sets out proposals to carry out an overall review of coaching and games development structures across all levels.

Club Fixtures & Competitions

Coaching without games however is a means without an end. Accordingly the County will take steps to provide players – at all levels, ages and grades – with meaningful programmes of games. Fermanagh GAA is committed to providing a meaningful program of fixtures across all grades and codes. We are also committed to continuously review the format of our competition to take into account the future social changes that impact on or clubs and participating numbers.

County Teams

County Teams: To provide the best opportunities and support available for county players and team managements in all codes.

Communication & Marketing

The GAA has a huge amount to offer communities; families; and individuals. At the same time it faces types and levels of competition – not all of which are from other sports – which are unprecedented. The GAA in Fermanagh needs to know and keep in close touch with its various audiences. To do that to best effect it has to make good use of various media and particularly to fully exploit the potential of IT/ICT. This is needed at both County and Club levels.

Child Welfare

Fermanagh GAA is committed to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who wish to participate in our Gaelic Games and activities. We will take all practicable steps to protect them from discernible forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

Health & Well-Being

Fermanagh GAA is committed to providing advice and direction to our members and clubs on a range of health and social issues.

Inclusion

The GAA in Fermanagh is both in and of the County. As the County changes, so too must the GAA. That change will involve the GAA becoming more inclusive, particularly in terms of women; people with disabilities; participants in other parts of the Gaelic games family; and people from non-traditional GAA backgrounds. The Plan commits the GAA in the County to an enthusiastic embracing of the entire equality agenda.

Refereeing & Discipline

Discipline on and off the field are central to what the GAA is about. Adhering to agreed codes of conduct and behaviour are the cornerstone of any discipline regime … but this can be significantly helped by good refereeing. The Plan proposes to continue to support a number of ongoing initiatives to develop the County’s refereeing capacity and standards within the county.

Culture and Heritage

The GAA is always about more than the games. As a County where place and heritage continue to have a powerful vigour, Fermanagh has always cherished these aspects of the GAA. The Plan proposes a renewed promotion of Scór; initiatives to support and spread the meaningful use of the Irish language; a continuous energising of local heritage; and a prioritising of the role and place of Gaelic art within the GAA and its facilities.