Fixture Planners Report
Season 2013
CONTENTS
Contents .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Background: .............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Methodology .............................................................................................................................................................. 5
Recommendations .................................................................................................................................................... 6
Notification of Fixtures.. ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Length of the Season ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Championship........................................................................................................................................................ 6
Travel ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Life Balance ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Starred Games: ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Competition Control Committee: ........................................................................................................................... 7
Competition Control Committee Major Change .................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Under 21 Championship ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Moving and Rearranging Fixtures ......................................................................................................................... 7
Player Feedback: Current System ............................................................................................................................ 9
Question 1: How satisfied are you with current league fixtures? .......................................................................... 9
Question 2: How satisfied are you with current championship fixtures/setup? ................................................... 10
Question 3: How satisfied are you with current number of competitive games? ................................................ 12
Question 4: How satisfied are you with the notice you receive of fixtures from the CCC? ................................. 12
Question 5. How satisfied are you with adherence to pre-arranged club fixtures schedules? ........................... 13
Question 6. Is the current season too long? ....................................................................................................... 13
Question 7. Are there enough competitive games? ............................................................................................ 14
Section 2: Player Feedback Life Balance ............................................................................................................... 15
Question 8. What impact does playing Gaelic games have on your family life? ................................................ 15
Question 9. What impact does playing Gaelic games have on your social life? ................................................. 15
Question 10. What impact does playing Gaelic games have on your work life? ................................................ 16
Question 11. What impact would moving games to a Friday night or Saturday evening have on your family,
social and work life? ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Notification of Fixtures: ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Notification of Fixtures: What Can be Done: ....................................................................................................... 18
Notification of Fixtures: Our Recommendations:................................................................................................. 18
Option 1 Late Championship Start ...................................................................................................................... 19
Option 2 Early Championship Start ..................................................................................................................... 20
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Length of the Season .......................................................................................................................................... 21
Length of the season: what can be done ............................................................................................................ 21
Length of the season: our recommendation #1: .................................................................................................. 21
Length of the season: our recommendation #2: .................................................................................................. 21
Championship.......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Impact on players leaving if their home club exit the championship early .......................................................... 22
Impact of an early championship on a club’s league campaign .......................................................................... 23
Championship: What can be done ...................................................................................................................... 23
Reserve Championship. ...................................................................................................................................... 23
Championship: Recommendation # 1: ................................................................................................................ 24
Championship: Recommendation # 2: ................................................................................................................ 24
Championship: Recommendation # 3: ................................................................................................................ 24
Travel ....................................................................................................................................................................... 25
Travel: What can be Done ................................................................................................................................... 25
Travel: How this can be Done: ............................................................................................................................ 25
Travel: Recommendation # 1: ............................................................................................................................. 25
Travel: Recommendation # 2: ............................................................................................................................. 25
Life Balance ............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Life Balance: What can be Done ......................................................................................................................... 26
Life Balance: Recommendation # 1: ................................................................................................................... 26
Life Balance: Recommendation # 2: ................................................................................................................... 26
Starred Games: ....................................................................................................................................................... 27
Starred Games: What can be Done .................................................................................................................... 27
Starred Games: Recommendation # 1: ............................................................................................................... 27
Competition Control Committee: ............................................................................................................................. 28
Major Changes ...................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
CCC: Recommendation # 1: .............................................................................................................................. 28
CCC: Recommendation # 2: ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Under 21 CHAMPIONSHIPS: ................................................................................................................................. 29
Under 21: Recommendation # 1: ....................................................................................................................... 29
Moving and Rearranging Fixtures ........................................................................................................................... 30
Moving and Rearranging Fixtures: Recommendation # 1: .................................................................................. 30
Moving and Rearranging Fixtures: Recommendation # 1: .................................................................................. 30
Appendix A .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
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BACKGROUND:
The National Fixtures Planning Committee introduced a number of minimum requirements in
an effort to improve the organisation and frequency of fixtures. This Tyrone County Fixtures
Planning Committee was established in January 2013 by the Tyrone County Committee. The
County Fixtures Planning Committee was given the task of reviewing the 2013 season and
ensuring the county adopted the standards set down by the National Fixtures Planning
Committee.
The following minimum standards have been set down by the National Fixtures Planning
Committee.

At adult level, in Counties where it is considered that one code is stronger than the
other, the stronger code will get 16 games while the weaker code will get 8 games.

During the months from April to September, games must be scheduled with gaps of no
more than 21 days between them to maximise the number played during the summer
months.
The role and responsibility of the subcommittee is set out in rule 3.21 (iii)
Fixtures Planners
Rule 3.21 (iii)

Two Fixtures Planners shall be appointed by the Management Committee.

They shall be responsible for planning, monitoring, analysing and reviewing the County
Fixtures Program.

They shall present a Report to Annual Convention on all Fixtures at County level and
submit a Report to the Provincial and National Fixtures Committee.

They shall work in conjunction with the County Competitions Control Committee
on the production of an ongoing three year Fixtures Plan and Schedule
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METHODOLOGY
The committee conducted some initial work on the issue of fixtures. From this preliminary work
we got the firm impression that the organisation and arrangement of adult fixtures was the
single most important fixture issue faced by clubs. For this reason we decided to concentrate
our efforts on adult fixtures.
Our main focus was obtaining the opinions of both the club player and the club. We decided on
a twin track approach to gain the feedback needed to allow recommendations and
improvements to be made.

Regional meetings: Meetings were arranged at four locations: Strabane,
Dungannon, Cookstown and Killyclogher. Notification of these meetings was sent to
all club secretaries via club email.

Questionnaire: We developed a short questionnaire to complement the information
obtained at the regional meetings. The questionnaire allowed a wider audience to
get involved. Questionnaire used is attached in Appendix A.
The information obtained from the 136 questionnaires returned and information gathered at the
regional meetings is set out in this report. The recommendations listed are mostly derived from
the information gathered but some suggestions come directly from the Fixtures Planners
Committee.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
N OTIFICATION OF F I XTURES :

Clubs are furnished with a fixture list four weeks in advance of the first fixture. This list
can have several options (option A, option B etc). The activation of the options will be
dependent on the progress/draw of the county senior team. This fixture list does not
need to be overly detailed; a simple understanding that there will be a game on at a
particular weekend and what weekends will be free will satisfy the vast majority of club
players. Adherence to this list is critical if the issues raised at the meetings and
reinforced by the questionnaire are to be addressed. (Please see pages 19 &20)
L ENGTH OF THE S EASON

Two sets of double fixtures (Friday & Sunday) are played during the season.

League games are played alongside club championship games.
C HAMPIONSHIP

Where possible, the senior championship should start in May/June for Division 1 and 2
clubs.

Where possible, the championship should start in August for Division 3 clubs.

System is introduced to allow the reserve championship to be played in the summer
months (please see suggestion on page 23 & 24).
T RAVEL

The fixtures involving greatest travel should be played at the start of the season (i.e.
rounds 1 to 6).

Where possible, no club should be asked to travel more than 30 miles (single trip) for
Friday night/ mid-week evening fixture. Clubs will still be allowed the option to play
games on Friday nights with longer journeys if they both agree to the fixture.
L IFE B ALANCE

Where possible, 2 weekends are set aside for Friday night fixtures. If possible, these
fixtures should be arranged for a bank holiday weekend (First & last weekend in May or
last weekend in August).
S TARRED G A MES :

Where possible, clubs with county players are matched for starred rounds.
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C OMPETITION C O NTROL C OMMITTEE :

Rounds 1 to 6 should be fixed at the start of the year. These rounds should be based
around travel, with the goal of getting the rounds with a high degree of travel out of the
way first.
U NDER 21 C HAMPIONS HIP

The under-21 championship should take place during the summer months. The
competition should be league based with a maximum of 4 clubs in each section. Top
club from each section should progress to the semi-final stage of the competition. The
1st game of the competition should start on or before the 1st of July.
M OVING AND R EARRANGI NG F I XTURES

Clubs in Division 1 and 2 should be offered a chance to apply for one Friday night
fixture. If two clubs apply for the same Friday night then these two clubs should be
paired and the game should go ahead on the Friday. This application for the Friday
night fixture must be made before the last Friday in January.

Division 3 clubs should be offered the same opportunity as Division 1 and 2 clubs.
However clubs in this league should also be offered a chance to apply for a free
weekend, given the odd number of teams in Division 3. Again both these applications
must be made before the last Friday in January.
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SECTION 2
PLAYER FEEDBACK
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PLAYER FEEDBACK: CURRENT SYSTEM
Q UESTION 1: H OW SATISFIED ARE YOU W ITH CURRENT LEAGUE FIXTURE S ?
How satisfied are you with currrent league fixtures?
Very
Dissatisfied
33%
Very Satisfied Satisfied
0%
7%
Neutral
17%
Dissatisfied
43%
All the clubs who attended the meetings or sent back feedback forms highlighted issues with
the current league format, 76% of players were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the
current league program.
Players Views - Current league structure
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
Disgrace that it takes 7 months to play 15 games.

Season is too long, training from February and we have only played
11 games.

Mid-September and we still have 3 games + Playoff +
championship.

Too far to travel to Friday/Saturday matches.

Start – stop nature of fixtures is a major issue.

Too many gaps between games.

Youth fixtures and adult fixtures should not clash. Most youth teams
are managed by adult players.

Starred fixtures are a shambles.
Q UESTION 2: H OW SATISFIED ARE YOU W ITH CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP FI XTURES / SETUP ?
How satisfied are you with currrent
Championship Format?
Very Satisfied
1%
Very
Dissatisfied
22%
Satisfied
22%
Neutral
24%
Dissatisfied
31%
Opinion was divided when it came to the championship, and when it should be played. Of
those who replied 53% were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the current
championship format.
When the opinion of reserve and senior players were considered on their own, the results
obtained were a little clearer. Senior players were once again split on the start date for the
championship however the regular reserve player was very clear that the current
championship format employed was not acceptable. Almost 70% of reserve players
were either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with the current championship format, while
only 44% of senior players were dissatisfied with an early championship start.
% of Players
Reserve/Senior Opinion to championship
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Reserve
Senior
Very
Satisfied
10 | P a g e
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Very
Dissatisfied
Players Views - Current Championship structure
Negatives

The focus is on gate returns rather than the success of the
competition.

Playing games mid-week is a major issue as a lot of players are
away from home Monday to Friday.

The championship is rushed, not enough time for replays.

Should look at playing a few rounds earlier in the season.

It’s better to have a set date at the start of the year, so clubs can
plan and work towards that date
Positives

11 | P a g e

Don’t play the championship too early in the season as the
championship keeps the season going and keeps players
interested.

Playing the championship too early could end the season for the
clubs knocked out earlier. i.e. affecting numbers at training.
An early exit from the championship can wreck a clubs year.
Q UESTION 3: H OW SATISFIED ARE YOU W ITH CURRENT NUMBER OF CO MPETITIVE GAMES ?
How satisfied are you with the number of games?
Dissatisfied
Very
5%
Dissatisfied Very Satisfied
0%
13%
Neutral
25%
Satisfied
57%
The vast majority of players were satisified with the number of competitive games.
Q UESTION 4: H OW SATISFIED ARE YOU W ITH THE NOTICE YOU RECEIVE OF FIXTURES FRO M THE CCC?
How satisfied are you with the notice you recieve of
fixtures from the CCC?
Very Satisfied Satisfied
1%
7%
Neutral
24%
Very
Dissatisfied
39%
Dissatisfied
29%
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Q UESTION 5. H OW SATISFIED ARE YOU W ITH ADHERENCE TO PR E - ARRANGE D CLUB FI XT UR ES
SCHEDULES ?
How satisfied are you with adherence to pre-arranged
club fixtures schedules?
Very Satisfied Satisfied
1%
11%
Very
Dissatisfied
27%
Neutral
29%
Dissatisfied
32%
Most players have a major issue with the adherence to fixtures and the notification given to
players. Almost 70% of players had an issue with the notification given and almost 60% had an
issue with the adherence to pre-arranged schedules.
Q UESTION 6. I S THE CURRENT SEASON TOO LONG ?
Is the playing season too long?
No
10%
Yes
90%
13 | P a g e
Q UESTION 7. A RE THERE ENOUGH CO MPETI TIVE GAMES ?
Are there enough competitive games?
No
10%
Yes
90%
There was almost total agreement that there was enough competitive football and that the
playing year was too long.
14 | P a g e
SECTION 2: PLAYER FEEDBACK LIFE BALANCE
Q UESTION 8. W HAT IMPACT DOES PLAY ING G AELIC GAMES HAVE ON YOUR FAMILY LIFE ?
The impactive of Gaelic Games on your family life
Very Positive
16%
Very Negative
10%
Negative
23%
Positive
32%
Neutral
19%
Q UESTION 9. W HAT IMPACT DOES PLAY ING G AELIC GAMES HAVE ON YOUR SOCIAL LIFE ?
The impact of Gaelic Games on your social life
Very Positive
9%
Very Negative
14%
Positive
21%
Negative
30%
Neutral
26%
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Q UESTION 10. W HAT IMPACT DOES PLAY ING G AELIC GAMES HAVE ON YOUR W ORK LIFE ?
The impact of Gaelic Games on your work life
Positive
13%
Very Negative
Very Positive 8%
2%
Negative
30%
Neutral
47%
Q UESTION 11. W HAT IMPACT W OULD MOV ING GAMES TO A F RIDAY NIGHT OR S ATURDAY EVENING HAVE ON
YOUR FAMILY , SOCIAL AND W ORK LIFE ?
The impact of moving some games to a Friday night
have on your life balance
Very Negative
3%
Negative
14%
Very Positive
35%
Neutral
20%
Positive
28%
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SECTION 3
ISSUES
&
POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS
17 | P a g e
NOTIFICATION OF FIXTURES:
Possibly the most contentious issues discussed at the four meetings was the issue of
notification of fixtures. The overwhelming feedback was that fixture notification was very
unsatisfactory and greatly impacted on the ability of the club player to organise their work,
family and social lives.
I have a family and it is tough to do things with your family
when you do not know where you are going to be from one
week to the next (club Player)
N OTIFICATION OF F I XTURES : W HAT C AN BE D ONE :
We are all aware that the progress of the county senior & minor teams has a significant impact
on the ability of the CCC to arrange fixtures. However, it is essential that the normal club
players have a confirmed list of fixtures dates. This might not be possible at the start of the
year but confirmed dates should be sent to every club on a month-by-month basis.
Our suggestion is that the CCC produces two or even more plans to deal with the different
scenarios that could occur. Page 19 & 20 highlight a plan for the 2014 season. It is impossible
to give a definitive plan as the progress of county teams will always have an impact on fixtures.
Some flexibility is needed from clubs on these issues.
N OTIFICATION

18 | P a g e
OF
F IXTURES : O UR R ECOMMENDATION :
Clubs are furnished with a fixture list four weeks in advance of the first
fixture. This list can have several options (option A, option B etc). The
activation of the options will be dependent on the progress/draw of the
county senior team. This fixture list does not need to be overly detailed; a
simple understanding that there will be a game on a particular weekend
and which weekends will be free will satisfy the vast majority of club
players. Adherence to this list is critical if the issues raised at the
meetings and reinforced by the questionnaire are to be addressed.
O PTION 1 L ATE C HAMPIO NSHIP S TART
Key
19 | P a g e
X
No Game
Tyr
Tyrone play no Game
Res
Reserve Championship
ACL
All County League
ACL*
All County League starred game
U21
Under 21
O PTION 2 E ARLY C HAMPI ONSHIP S TART
Key
20 | P a g e
X
No Game
Tyr
Tyrone play no Game
Res
Reserve Championship
ACL
All County League
ACL*
All County League starred game
U21
Under 21
L ENGTH OF THE S EASON
The length of the playing season is a major issue for the average club player. The majority of
club teams start training in February with their last game in late October or November.
The length of the season is a difficult issue to resolve. Even if all fixtures go to plan we
need a minimum of 36 weeks to finish the season (starred games reduce this figure by 5
weeks to 31 weeks or 8 months).
Season is too long. Training from February and we
have only played 11 games (club player).
L ENGTH OF THE SEASON W HAT CAN BE DONE
We believe that several options should be considered to shorten the playing season and
ensure the club player has adequate rest periods. The following options were debated at the
feedback meetings.

An earlier start to the league. This is not possible giving the timetable for the National
League.

The current Championship is affecting the time taken to complete the league. There
were no league games played in the county between the last weekend in August and
the 2nd week in October, a 6 week period. We believe that league games should be
played during the championship.

Playing a few double weekends. We do believe that this idea has some merit and
should be introduced for the 2014 season. We have set aside the weekends of the 4 th of
May and 1st June for possible double weekends.
L ENGTH OF THE SEASON OUR RECO MMENDATION #1:
Two sets of double fixtures (Friday & Sunday) are included in the league
programme
L ENGTH OF THE SEASON OUR RECO MMENDATION #2:
League games are played alongside club championship games.
21 | P a g e
CHAMPIONSHIP
The timing of the club championship was a source of deep discussion. The senior players who
completed the questionnaire were divided on the championship start date. Several key points
were highlighted on the pros and cons of an earlier championship start date.

Concerns were expressed on the impact this early start would have on players leaving
over the summer months to play in other countries and the impact an early
championship would have on a club’s league season.

Concerns were also expressed by Junior clubs on the impact an early championship
would have on league football given the fact that there is no relegation in Division 3.
I MPACT ON PLAYERS LEA VING IF THEIR HOME CLUB EXIT THE CHA MP IONSHIP EARLY
Number of Players Leaving on Sactions
Unquestionably players will transfer to other countries over the summer months if their home
club exits the championship early.
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
5th May 2006 4th May 2007 4th Jul 2008 5th May 2009
28th May
2010
21st Aug
2011
10th Aug
2012
Senior Championship Start Date
On average 45 players went to either North America or New York in the years when the
championship started in May or June (2006, 2007, 2009 & 2010), while the average number of
players leaving dropped to 27 in the years when the championship started later (2008, 2011 &
2012). On average 18 additional players leave if the championship starts earlier. We don’t
believe that the championship should be held back to accommodate the small number of
players who will leave for the summer.
22 | P a g e
I MPACT OF AN EARLY CHA MPIONS HIP ON A CLUB ’ S LEAGUE CAMPAIGN
Several clubs expressed concerns on the impact of an early championship exit on their ability
to stay competitive in the later stages of the league. All but 2 of the clubs in Divisions 1 & 2
have still something to play for (as of 13th of October) in the league. The situation in Division 3
is completely different with only a handful of the teams in contention for a playoff spot.
An early championship exit will greatly impact a junior club’s ability to stay competitive,
especially those clubs in the bottom half of the league. For this reason we believe the
championship for junior clubs should not start until September. This will ensure clubs have still
something to play for and remain competitive for as long as possible.
C HAMPIONSHIP : W HAT CAN BE DONE
We believe that the championship should start earlier for Division 1 and 2 clubs, where
possible. There will be issues with this approach; however the positives of starting earlier
greatly outweigh the negatives.

Reserve championship can start and progress in the summer months.

League football can progress more smoothly.

Starts dates for the championship can be confirmed early in the year

The championship will not be rushed into a 6 week window. This will remove issues with
playing every 7 days and will allow time for replays to be scheduled.

Help ensure the relevant county champions have the required rest period before the
start of the Ulster club championship.
R ESERVE C HAMPIONSHIP :
We are conscious that clubs have twice rejected proposals to start the championship early. If
the senior championship does not start early then plans need to be in place to allow the
reserve championship to progress over the summer months.
Reserve championship is a mess and will be
running at Christmas
23 | P a g e
It is important to get a system that is unambiguous, mitigates possible abuse and allows some
degree of flexibility. We believe the following change will allow the reserve championship to
start in the summer months.
Suggestion Only:
If the reserve championship starts first:

Only two players who played in the reserve championship can start in the senior
championship.

Other players who have played in the reserve championship can come on as
substitutes in the senior championship.

Once the senior championship is started, normal championship rules apply.
C HAMPIONSHIP R ECO MMENDATION # 1:
Where possible, the senior championship should start in May/June for Division 1
and 2 clubs. (This should not be introduced in 2014 as the county is involved in
the preliminary round of the USFC and the first round of Ulster club
championship is not until the 2nd of November)
C HAMPIONSHIP R ECO MMENDATION # 2:
Where possible the senior championship should start in September for Division
3 clubs. Division 3 clubs should continue to play league football when Division 1
& 2 clubs are involved in championship games
C HAMPIONSHIP R ECO MMENDATION # 3:
System is introduced to allow the reserve championship to be played in the
summer months, if the senior championship is not started before the second
week in June. (please see suggestion on pages 23 & 24)
24 | P a g e
TRAVEL
Our county has a land mass of 3,155 km2. The distance travelled by clubs has an impact on
the ability of clubs to field teams, especially near the end of the season. For example, a game
involving Aghyaran and Moortown requires a round trip of 120 miles.
Too far to travel to away
games on a Friday night
T RAVEL W HAT CAN BE D ONE
The first three months of the season offers the best opportunity for fulfilling club fixtures.
Playing the games with the greatest travel at the start of the season would greatly reduce the
burden on clubs near the end of the year, when player drop out is at its highest. We also
strongly believe that games between local clubs should be held for Friday nights and
Saturdays. This would offer the CCC an element of flexibility and give the CCC the option of
playing a few games on a Friday night to ease fixture congestion.
T RAVEL H OW THIS CAN BE D ONE :
Items in red involve travelling a distance
in excess of 40 miles. We believe that
these games should be played in the first
half of the season.
Items in green involve travelling a
distance less than 20 miles. These
fixtures should be held for a Friday night.
T RAVEL R ECOMMENDATION # 1:
The fixtures involving greatest travel should be played at the start of the season
(i.e. rounds 1 to 5).
T RAVEL R ECOMMENDATION # 2:
Where possible, no club should be asked to travel more than 30 miles (single
25 | P a gtrip)
e for Friday night/ mid week evening fixture. Clubs will still be allowed the
option to play games on Friday nights with longer journeys if both clubs agree to
the fixture.
LIFE BALANCE
Players strongly suggested that Gaelic games had a positive effect on their family life.
However, the picture is not as positive for work and social life. A lot of the life balance issues
highlighted, were directly linked to the notification of fixtures and the inability to plan family,
social and club events.
Feedback was obtained on the length of the season and the number of competitive games
played. Players strongly suggested that the season was too long and that there were enough
competitive games. Players also indicated that they would be interested in playing a few
games on a Friday night.
L IFE B ALANCE W HAT CAN BE D ONE
Notification of fixtures and adhering to these fixtures was the single most important element
that negatively influenced their family, work and social life. Providing a 4 week timetable in
advanced would greatly reduce the impact on life balance.
Players also showed interest in a number of Friday night fixtures. We also believe that at least
2 weekends should be set aside for Friday night football. The ideal solution would be bank
holiday weekends. This would allow players and clubs a free weekend.
L IFE B ALANCE R ECO MME NDATION # 1:
Clubs are furnished with a fixture list four weeks in advance of the first
fixture. This list can have several options (option A, option B etc). The
activation of the options will be dependent on the progress/draw of the
county senior team. This fixture list does not need to be overly detailed; a
simple understanding that there will be a game on at a particular weekend
and what weekends will be free be will satisfy the vast majority of club
players. Adherence to this list is critical if the issues raised at the
meetings and reinforced by the questionnaire are to be addressed.
L IFE B ALANCE R ECO MME NDATION # 2:
Where possible, 2 weekends are set aside for Friday night fixtures. If
possible these fixtures should be arranged for a bank holiday weekend
(First & last weekend in May or last weekend in August).
26 | P a g e
STARRED GAMES:
Several players and clubs expressed a strong disapproval of starred games. A number of
issues came to the forefront when starred games ware discussed.

Match-ups were often unfair with some clubs having to play several games against
other clubs who did not have county players.

County players not being released to play even if they were not involved in the county
match squad.

Match-ups become unfair due to players opting out of the county panel.
S TARRED G A MES : W HAT C AN B E D ONE
Starred games are crucial to the running of the season. If we did not have starred games our
playing season would be extended by at least 4 weeks.
Finding an answer to starred games is not easy, especially in the lower divisions where it is not
always possible to ensure matchups. This issue is amplified when players opt out of the county
senior team. Clubs suggested several options to improve the situation.

Introducing a playoff system for the league title in Divisions 2 and 3. This option has
already been put forward by the CCC and rejected by clubs. We don’t believe that there
is any merit in putting this forward, given the limited support this proposal received from
club delegates when it was last put before the County Committee.

The CCC allows clubs with county players to move their game to a Tuesday night. This
idea his some merit but will run into major issues if Tyrone enter the back-door AllIreland Qualifiers.
S TARRED G A MES R ECOMMENDATION # 1:

27 | P a g e
Where possible, clubs with county players are matched for starred rounds. .
COMPETITION CONTROL COMMITTEE:
The CCC has possibly the most unenviable task in the association. The CCC has always
carried the can for fixture issues, while too few clubs are prepared to offer any degree of
flexibility on fixture arrangements.
We feel that several small changes should be made to the CCC to enhance fixture planning,
allow better flexibility and allow clubs a voice.
CCC R ECOMMENDATI ON # 1:
We should not continue with the traditional fixed list of fixtures. Rounds 1 to 6
should be fixed at the start of the year. These rounds should be based around
travel, with the goal of getting the rounds with a high degree of travel out of the
way first.
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UNDER 21 CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Feedback from under-21 players was divided on the start date for the under-21 championship.
Almost 50% of those asked wanted the Under-21 competition to start in February while the
other 50% preferred the competition to run over the summer months.
A February start would have important advantages; the ability to engage with younger players
at the start of the year will open up the prospect of retaining these players for the rest of the
year. However starting the championship early will see major issues with player availability.
Several important national competitions take place during this window including the National
Leagues, Sigerson cup, Ulster/All Ireland U-21 championship and the Hogan & MacRory
Cups.
A summer start will also have some positives. Players at university will be available and
summer football is always more competitive and enjoyable for players. There will be issues
with dates during the summer but we believe we have addressed this issue in the fixture plan
provided with this report.
We believe that the competition should be based around a league system. Each section
should have a maximum of 4 clubs. The top club from each section should progress to the
semi-final stage of the competition.
U NDER 21 R ECOMMENDATION # 1:
The under-21 championship should take place during the summer months. The
competition should be league based with a maximum of 4 clubs in each section.
Top club from each section should progress to the semi-final stage of the
competition.
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MOVING AND REARRANGING FIXTURES
Several attendees highlighted issues with getting games moved or rearranged for club events,
weddings and other community related events. Some clubs suggested that they should be
allowed one free weekend every year. We don’t believe this is possible given the tight
timeframe for fixtures.
Providing a timetable of fixtures and scheduling some free weekends when the county are
playing will go some way to address these issues. We also believe that the CCC should show
some flexibility for requests for club events. We would suggest that clubs are allowed to make
requests at the start of the season for one weekend (game can be moved to a Friday). For
example, the club requesting the change would apply for a Friday night fixture, if a second club
wanted that same Friday night then the clubs should be matched and the game should be
moved to the Friday night.
We also believe that there is an opportunity for flexibility in Division 3, as there is an odd
number of teams in this league. The CCC should offer Division 3 clubs an opportunity to apply
for a free weekend. If 2 clubs apply for the same weekend they could be offered the option of a
Friday night fixture.
M OVING AND R EARRANGI NG F I XTURES : R ECO MMENDATION # 1:
Clubs in Division 1 and 2 should be offered a chance to apply for one Friday
night fixture. If a second club also applies for the same Friday night, these two
clubs should be paired and granted the game on the Friday. This application
must be made by the last Friday in January.
M OVING AND R EARRANGI NG F I XTURES : R ECO MMENDATION # 1:
Division 3 clubs should be offered a chance to apply for a free weekend. This
application must be made before the last Friday in January
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APPENDIX A
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