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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By/Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
To develop a more cohesive process for appointing and recruiting personnel to sub committees & sub committees to made up of members with expertise in the relevant area | County Chairperson/Management Committee | Sept 2015 | To ensure that all sub-committees are adequately resourced with the right people. |
All sub committees to be provided with clear and concise role descriptions which will enable them to produce work plans which are both achievable and time bound | County Chairperson/Management Committee | On-going | All sub committees are aware of their role and responsibilities |
Review the format and mechanism of County Committee and County Management Committee | County Secretary/ Management Committee | Ongoing/Review October 2015 | To ensure that County Committee/County Management are working efficiently. |
Provide ongoing support and training for Club Officers to ensure that they are compliant with e communications recommendations | County Secretary/Development Committee | Ongoing | More effective communication within clubs and between clubs-county-clubs |
Work with Croke Park and Ulster GAA to develop a Fermanagh GAA Volunteers Strategy | Central Council/Ulster Council Reps/Assistant County Secretary | February 2016 | Increased number of committed Fermanagh GAA Volunteers who are appropriately tasked with required skills |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to manage the County finances in all areas in line with the Code of Best Practice as outlined by the Association | County Treasurer/Finance Committee | Ongoing | Good management and control of Fermanagh GAA finances |
Continue to report on a monthly basis to County Committee in a clear and transparent way | County Treasurer/Finance Committee | Ongoing | Regular reports to County Committee |
Develop and implement a best practice Fermanagh GAA manual for club finance containing internal control policies and procedures | County Treasurer/Finance Committee/County Secretary | February 2016 | Deliver a manual of agreed standards and procedures for themanagement and control of Fermanagh GAA Finances |
Develop and implement Central Council Accounting System | County Secretary/ County Treasurer | October 2015 | Fermanagh GAA are fully compliant with National Accounting System |
Enhance the scheduling, promotion and pricing of Club Championship games to sustain their core financial contribution | County Treasurer/Finance Committee/CCC/PR Marketing Committee | Ongoing/August 15 | Maximising income from Club competitions |
Support Club Eirne as a key contributor to Fermanagh GAA | County Treasurer/Finance Committee/Club Eirne | Ongoing | Club Eirne supported in their activities to improve Fermanagh GAA Finances. |
Work with Fermanagh Clubs to support financial and standardise year end accounts reports | County Treasurer/Finance Committee | October 2015 | Agreed standard for all clubs in their delivery of end of year accounts |
Clubs to submit to the County Committee a copy of their Annual Report | County Treasurer/Finance Committee/ County Secretary | January 2016/Ongoing | All Clubs shall submit accounts annually
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Develop a clear strategy for enhancing levels of funds received from working in partnership with local and regional businesses. | Finance Committee / County Treasurer / Club Eirne | Summer 2015 | Regular and reliable contributions to Fermanagh GAA from a range on key partners (sponsors) |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
To continue to assist all Clubs with the completion of the Club Maith accreditation process | Development Officer/Development Committee | Ongoing | All Clubs have achieved Club Maith accreditation |
Provide a reference database of successful development case studies | Development Officer/Development& Lissan Committee | February 2016 | Information in respect of development of infrastructure readily at hand for future reference |
To establish a work group to keep Clubs informed of the availability of funding from external agencies | Development Officer/Development& Lissan Committee | Ongoing | Information in respect of development of infrastructure readily at hand for future reference |
Carry out an Independent feasibility study on the Centre of Excellence at Lissan:a. Future development
b. Maintenance and upkeep of facilities c. Usage |
Independent Reviewer/County Chairperson/Development Officer/Management Committee/County Committee | August 2015 | Deliver a comprehensive report on the future and future needs and development/management of Lissan GAA Centre. |
To analyse the suitability of the current County office provision | County Secretary/ Development Officer | August 2015 | Deliver a comprehensive report on the future needs, location and service of the County Office. |
Continue to support Brewster Park as our Primary County Ground | County Chairperson/ Development Officer/County Management/County Committee/Enniskillen GAA | Ongoing | Brewster Park will continue to be promoted as a GAA stadium of regional significance in the northern half of Ireland. |
To facilitate the continuing development of the secondary County Ground at St Molaise GAA, Irvinestown based on future funding becoming available | County Chairperson/ Development Officer/County Management/County Committee/Irvinestown GAA | Ongoing | Additional facility to host major GAA fixtures in Fermanagh at County and Club Level |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Undertake a comprehensive independent review of coaching and coaching structures in the County for both hurling and football which will address the following issues.a) Evaluation of Primary School coaching structures
b) Evaluation of coaching and coaching structures in all post primary schools including Integrated Schools
c) Assess the coaching links between Fermanagh GAA and all post primary schools
d) Assessing the standard of coaching and strength and conditioning within the clubs at all levels
e) Assess support structures for Club coaches particularly at underage level.
f) Assess the effectiveness of current structures in place for development squads and the quality of coaching and strength and conditioning players receive.
g) Assess the issues with player transition from Development Squads to County Minor team.
h) Assess the issues with player transition from Minor team to Under 21 team.
i) Assess the issues with player transition from U21 to Senior team
j) Analysis of the specific coaching needs within the urban areas of the County
k) Make a range of recommendations that will attempt to address the ongoing weaknesses of U16, Minor and U21 County team
l) Implement the agreed recommendations of the coaching review in a timely and effective manner.
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Independent Reviewer with assistance where necessary from the following
Coaching and Games Development Committee |
As efficiently and effectively as possible and within one year if human and financial resources permit.
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Deliver a comprehensive report with a range of recommendations and develop work plans across each strand of activity.
Improvement in the quality of players representing County teams at 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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to provide Gaelic Games opportunities across Fermanagh at Youth (U-12 to U-21) and Adult levels | Youth Committee/CCC | Ongoing | Deliver games for all codes and categories |
Continue to deliver an annual master fixture plan within Fermanagh to deliver a) Regular flow of games across all levels
b) Review the scheduling of Senior Intermediate, Junior Championships and Reserve Cup competitions annually |
CCC | Ongoing | Deliver a comprehensive fixture program annually |
Deliver a program of Youth Hurling games within Fermanagh | Youth Committee/CCC | August 2015/Ongoing | Deliver a program of youth games for existing and developing clubs |
Carry out a feasibility study with a view to developing the games of Camogie, Rounders and Handball | CCC | December 2015 | Deliver a report on the potential of developing Camogie, Rounders and handball |
Draw up a policy in respect of the presentation and standard expected from clubs in relation to the safe keeping competition trophies/cups | County Secretary/Youth/CCC | April 2015 | Deliver a report with agreed standards of presentation. |
County Teams
County Teams: To provide the best opportunities and support available for county players and team managements in all codes.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to support and resource in sustainable ways, all County Fermanagh Teams. | County Chairperson/County Committee /Clubs | Ongoing | To achieve success at Ulster Minor/U-21 and Senior Championship |
Provide adequate facilities and coaching structures for all county teams so as to ensure players are provided with every opportunity to represent their county. | Coaching and Games Development Committee/Development Committee/County Committee/ County Chairperson/Clubs | On completion of review of Coaching and Review of Lissan facilitates. | To ensure every player in the County wants to play for their County at all levels and codes |
Feasibility study to develop a ‘Team Managers Academy, with in the County. | County Chairperson/Ulster Council/Croke Park | Sept 2015 | To identify potential team managers of the future to serve both club and county teams |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
To have in place a user friendly County Web site which will be continually updated on a regular basis | PR Marketing/IT Committee | May 2015/ongoing | Contemporary website providing a service for Fermanagh GAA |
To use the various social media platforms as a means to promoting the positive aspects of the Association in the County in line with the GAA’s social media policy | PR Marketing/IT Committee | Ongoing | Public better informed in an easily accessible way about Fermanagh GAA issues |
Continue to develop and enhance match related programmes | PRO/ PR Marketing/IT Committee | Ongoing | Better information for match going public promoting Fermanagh GAA |
Organise a annual communication workshop for clubs | PRO/ PR Marketing/IT Committee | January/February 2016/ Ongoing | Improved understanding of the needs and views of County and Clubs |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Work with Croke Park/Ulster Council to put into practise, policy from the ‘Our Games Our Code of Best Practise in respect of working with underage teams players. | Children’s Officer/County Committee/Youth Committee/Clubs | Ongoing | To promote and maintain a safe environment for young people across Fermanagh |
Carry out an annual audit to ensure that all persons working with young persons are Access NI compliant. | Children’s Officer | Ongoing/January Each Year | To ensure that every person who works with young people have been Access NI Checked. |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to support the county Health and Well being Committee to deliver information and support to clubs in respect of –a) Mental health issues
b) Suicide awareness issues c) Alcohol and Substances Abuse prevention |
Health and Well being Committee/County Committee/Clubs | Ongoing | Support to the Fermanagh GAA family.Improved personal wellbeing and quality of life within Fermanagh |
Continue to work with the Ulster Council to deliver the ‘Live to Play’ initiative. | Health and Well being Committee/County Committee/Clubs | Ongoing | Work with Ulster GAA and the statutory agencies to help reduce road accidents and road deaths. |
Continue to support the Provision of Cancer Focus NI Health Bus at Summer camp venues. | Health and Well being Committee/GDM | Ongoing | Provide an accessible Health Bus to Fermanagh GAA members |
Carry out a review GAA Social Initiative activity within the county. | Health and Well being Committee/County Secretary | May 2015 | Improve the wellbeing of GAA members |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
To further develop the Associations policy of social inclusion through the promotion of our games in non-traditional schools and the continual provision of opportunities for non-nationals to participate in our games | Coaching Officer/GDM/County Committee/Clubs | Ongoing | Promote and develop Gaelic games to a new audience |
Work with Croke Park/Ulster Council to further develop and promote ‘Give Respect-Get Respect’ ethos across all levels of Fermanagh GAA activity | Coaching Officer/GDM/Referees Committee | Ongoing | Greater respect for referees, players and officials |
Examine the potential to develop initiatives such as ‘Have a Go-Gaelic for Mums’, ‘Over 40s,’ Games of Three Halves’, Wheelchair Games and special needs events | Coaching Officer/Youth secretary/Fermanagh Ladies Gaelic Football Association | Ongoing | Promote and provide Gaelic Games for everyone |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to support the Referee Committee in delivering their annual programmes in respect of a) Referee recruitment policy
b) Foundation and level 1 training c) Review courses d) Fitness testing e) Referee Assessment |
Referees Administrator/Referees Committee | Ongoing | Delivery of good refereeing standards across all games |
Before the start of the competition year organise a meeting to deliver up to date guidance on the playing rules of both football and hurling and disciplinary procedures to clubs, CCC and Hearings Committee | Referees Administrator/Referees Committee/CCC/County Secretary | February/March/ Ongoing | A clear understanding of playing rules/ disciplinary procedures at both club and county committees |
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.
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to promote Scór activity bya) Review the workings of the County Scór Committee
b) Identify a dedicated Scór person in every club c) Rewarding participating Clubs d) Provide support to non participating Clubs (advise & mentoring) to take part in Scór e) Promote the use of Irish greetings – Clubs & County meetings and games f) Promote the use of Irish Language signage at GAA facilities. |
Cultural Officer/County Committee/Clubs | September 2015 | Improved participation in Scór across Fermanagh |
What We Intend To Do | Led By & Involving | Targets Set | Outcomes Sought |
Continue to support the promotion of the Irish Language by:a) Promote the use of Irish greetings – Clubs & County meetings and games
b) Promote the use of Irish Language signage at GAA facilities. c) Support local communities in quest to maintain Fermanagh ‘Townland Names’ d) Promote Gaelic Art component at County and Club Developments e) Develop a County GAA archive
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Cultural Officer/County Committee/Clubs
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September 2015
Ongoing
Ongoing
December 2015
December 2015 |
Improved participation in the Irish Language across Fermanagh
Improved sharing of resources and ideas
Irish accepted as central to Fermanagh GAA in its activities
Maintaining information and artefact for future generations |