IMPORTANT NOTICE:
2007 Boys Football & Hurling
Go Games
Since our group started in the nursery we have been training
and playing in blitzes as preparation for our first official GAA
games – “Under 8 Go Games” starting in Feb-15. Over the
coming weeks we will be allocating the boys into 6 teams of 810 players per team. In keeping with the spirit of Go Games,
each of the 6 teams will have a mix of abilities and each player
will be encouraged to play in different positions. From Feb-15
each team will play 2 x 20 minute games of football / hurling
every second Saturday alternating between home and away.
Our participation in the U8 Go Games is on a 50% basis so that
each week we will have half of the 2007 group playing games
and the other half training. This means that for each 4 week
period a player will play one Football match, one Hurling match
and have two training sessions on a Saturday. Mid-week
training will also start from Feb 15.
If for any reason after confirming attendance your son is
unable to play the match on Saturday please text Cathal, Orla
or Paul as soon as possible so a replacement player can be
allocated.
Home and Away
In U8 Go Games the GAA pair off clubs with the same number
of teams available to play on a given day. We expect to be in
the Southside 3 team group and on any given Saturday we will
either be allocated to play home or away and the matches are
generally fixed for 10:00am.
On the weeks when we are drawn to play away from home we
will meet at a given location which will be communicated by
text/email and travel to the matches in convoy to ensure that
everybody knows where they are going.
Home Games
How the teams work
We will have 6 teams in both football and hurling. Each team of
8-10 will have its own manager(s). Players will be assigned to a
team initially but may be moved throughout the season. It is
our intention to re-draft all teams after the summer break for
the second half of the season. Teams will be picked to
maximise the involvement of each player.
Once teams are picked 3 teams will be allocated to the Red
Group and 3 teams will be allocated to the Blue group. They
will alternate between games and training as follows:
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Red Group
Blue Group
Football
Hurling
Training
Training
Training
Training
Football
Hurling
What you need to do now
IMPORTANT: As these are official GAA games we need to get
an accurate number to allow us organise and register teams.
You will receive a text message requesting that you confirm
your son will be participating. If you do not receive a text can
you please contact Cathal McDonagh, Orla Nathan or Paul
Noonan –details below.
It is our intention to send out a text to the players playing
matches each week to confirm attendance. It is very important
that you reply to these texts promptly each week.
Home games will usually be held in Marlay Park or on the main
AWP pitch at 10am. If your child is playing at home we
especially need your help in setting up goal posts, nets and
flags. As the other half of the group will be training on that day
the number of mentors will be lower. In order to allow
mentors to concentrate on preparing the team your help is
especially appreciated. The venue is subject to change due to
weather and older teams’ games taking priority.
Notification
The club will only know early in the week where the away
games will be. We will notify parents by Text.
Helpers / Mentors / Coaches
We are always looking for new Mentors / Coaches /
Administrators to help out so if you are available and would
like to get involved please contact any of our coaches. You
don’t have to have any previous experience to get involved
(coaching courses are run by club Games Promotions Officer
(GPO)).
Parent/Guardian Attendance
In case of early cancellation, toilet or refreshment breaks
children will be sent to their parent/guardian on the side line.
It is your responsibility to be available for your child at the side
line at all times during the games. Please don’t ask Mentors to
look after your child while you leave. If you make
arrangements with other parents please make sure the child
knows.
Players responsibilities
To be fair to the players we believe it is important that the
players understand what is expected of them. Please read and
make sure your child understands the following player’s
responsibilities. We hope that every child will:
• Have fun and do their best
• Play fair, cheating is not allowed
• Respect and listen to your mentors
• Respect your team mates, opposition players and referees.
• Attend and be on time for training and matches
• Shake hands before and after a match regardless of result
• Respect the property of the child, the club and anybody
else's property.
• Don’t bully other players
• Don’t keep secrets about any person who may have caused
you harm.
Parents/Guardians
As a parent, it is extremely important that you lead by example
when involved in sport. We would ask that rather than asking
the children if they won, that they are asked ‘Well how did you
play? Did you play well? Did you have Fun?’
We hope that you will:
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Prove a positive influence on your child and his
teammates.
Show encouragement from the sidelines
Attend for the duration of the session
Respect mentor’s and referee’s decisions
Lead by example on the matter of sportsmanship.
Offer assistance with the GAA club in any way possible, via
volunteering with some duties or just driving to a match as
a supporter.
Encourage your child to learn the rules and play by them and
to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or
violence.
Ensure your child has the proper training/playing gear and
water bottle.
Ensure that your child is registered and membership is paid.
Respect the coaches’ decisions and encourage your children to
do the same. Leave the coaching and giving of instructions to
the mentors.
Be aware and support the club’s policy on the use of
cameras/camera phones.
Be aware of the Club Welfare Officer procedures and contact
details.
Training
There will also be a mid-week training session. Will confirm
mid-week training when 2015 AWP roster finalised
Mouthguards/Equipment
As of 1st January 2013 it is compulsory for all players regardless
of age to wear a mouthguard for both football matches and
training. Your child will not be allowed participate in Go Games
if they are not wearing a mouthguard.
Jerseys will be provided for Go Games and must be returned
after match. If your child has a St John’s Jersey or club gear
please wear on the day of the game.
Additionally for Hurling matches please bring own
Helmet/Hurley.
Thank You
Parents/Guardians Code of Conduct
In the interest of everyone all parents/guardians of members
must agree to the following code of conduct:
Always encourage and support your child in their sport –
attend matches on a regular basis and assisting in the
organisation of club activities.
Be familiar with those mentors who are coaching your child.
Show appreciation and support the mentors. Help out when
necessary.
Inform the mentors of any conditions, medical or otherwise,
regarding your child.
Behave responsibly on the sideline. Use appropriate language
at all times.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants
Ensure your child gets to and from sessions safely and is on
time.
Finally thank you for all the support and help during the year.
We have a great group and hope you continue to participate it is very much appreciated.
Further Information
Information about the club as well as player, mentor and
general code of conduct at: http://www.ballinteerstjohns.com/
Or you can contact Cathal, Orla or Paul before or after a
session on Saturday mornings
Cathal McDonagh:
087 - 7442378
[email protected]
Orla Nathan:
086 - 8145301
[email protected]
Paul Noonan
087 2632226
[email protected]
Club Welfare Officer:
Clare Egan: 01 494 4933 / 087 1329331
Games Promotion Officer:
Carol Nolan: 085 1424543 [email protected]