New Governance Module Launched to support Club Officers
A general view of Croke Park. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile.
The GAA has launched an important new learning resource designed to further support Club Officers in their leadership roles and strengthen the governance standards that underpin every unit of the Association.
The online module, titled GAA Governance Essentials, has been developed collaboratively by the Association’s Planning and Training, Audit and Risk, and Financial Management committees – and expertly designed by the GAA’s in-house eLearning team. It aims to give volunteer Club Executive members the knowledge and confidence they need to carry out their responsibilities effectively and in line with best practice.
At less than an hour in duration and fully modular, the training allows volunteers to complete it at their own pace - ideal for busy Club Officers balancing work, family, and Club commitments.
According to the GAA, the course provides a clear and practical grounding in the key areas that matter most at Club level, including:
- Principles of good governance
- Club structures and decision‑making
- Roles and responsibilities of Club Officers
- Managing risks
- Administrative and compliance requirements
- Club planning
The initiative forms part of a wider drive to strengthen Club governance and ensure that volunteers are supported when taking on leadership roles. From autumn 2026, completion of the module is also expected to contribute to the scoring system used for GAA Club Development Grants, with designated Club Officers required to complete the training for their Club to receive the associated marks.
The Association believes this will not only help Clubs avoid unnecessary risks but also enhance decision‑making and protect the reputation of the GAA at every level.
Speaking about the rationale for the new training, GAA Planning and Training Committee Chairperson, David Denieffe said the resource reflects the Association’s ongoing commitment to supporting volunteers:
“Our Clubs rely on the dedication and good judgement of volunteers. This module has been designed to help them in their work and strengthen the structures that make our organisation what it is.”
Club Officers can access the course directly via the GAA’s Learning Portal here: https://learning.gaa.ie/GovernanceEssentialsCourse
The GAA is encouraging all Executive Committee members to engage with the material over the coming weeks and attendees at the upcoming Club Summit on 7 February can learn more about it at the Planning and Training Committee exhibition stand.