Strategic Targets

As part of the GAA Strategic Vision and Action Plan 2009 – 2015, the GAA has identified a number of targets.

Annual County Games Plan
In accordance with national policy, we will develop an annual Games Development Plan linked to National Games Development Grassroots to National Programme (GNP) objectives. This will be submitted to the Provincial Games Manager and to Croke Park.

Focus on participation in clubs and schools
Modified small-sided games, known as ‘Go Games’, will be adopted as best practice up to and including 12 years of age. This will mean that all children under 12 will get meaningful playing time to develop the skills of our games in a challenging and fun environment.

Harmonise games development
We will harmonise games development and fixtures up to and including Minor level to ensure a more balanced games programme is in place for all our players.

Player Pathway
We will implement the GAA players’ and games pathway from child to adult. It will promote full participation and encourage players to take part in our games in the long term.

Code of Best Practice
We will roll out the GAA’s Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport, incorporating a code of conduct that shows respect for fellow players, mentors and match officials. Best practice will also be developed in the recruitment and selection of those working with our underage players. This will comply with the appropriate legislation requirements and guidelines in jurisdictions in which we operate.

Respect Initiative
We will roll out the GAA Respect Initiative which promotes respect and discipline for players towards match officials and each other.

Qualified coaches
We will meet the national and provincial coach education targets to make sure every player is coached by a person qualified to the appropriate level.

Recreational Games
We will roll out the GAA recreational games for youth and adult players.

Schools
We will work with groups within primary, second-level and third-level educational areas to ensure their fixtures programmes are balanced with the programmes of other GAA units. We will meet the targets as set out in the Nationals Schools Development Plan to assist in the further development of Gaelic Games in second level schools and colleges.

Club-School link
We will ensure that each club has a link established with each school in their locality in order to promote the club in the school and promote the development of our games.

Club Coaching Officer
We will promote each club appointing its own Club Coaching Officer whose main role will be to promote best practice in coaching and games development in the Club.