The GAA today unveiled its 'Safe Return to Gaelic Games' document, which reveals the phased approach to holding club and inter-county championships in 2020 – provided Government advice confirms it is safe to do so.
At a virtual press conference, the Association launched a 15-page booklet outlining the road ahead.
The key points of this document are:
- Walkways on GAA pitches will open from Monday, 8 June
- Club gates will open on 29 June
- Juvenile and adult club championship games can commence from 31 July
- Inter-county training to commence on 14 September
- The inter-county calendar will commence from 17 October
- A full fixture calendar will be published in August
All of the above plans are dependent on Government approval and advice.
The first phase of the Roadmap rolls out on 8 June, when GAA walking tracks may be used for recreational use in groups of four.
No games or small group training will be permitted on GAA facilities at this stage and all clubroom facilities will remain closed.
Phase 3 commences from 29 June when all GAA pitches will open.
There will be no access to GAA buildings and indoor facilities except to use sanitised toilets.
From this date, grades from under-12 and below can train in small groups – with no more than 10 including players and coaches in one area of the pitch for non-contact training under social distancing guidelines.
Players aged between 15-18 can begin training too, with not more than 10 in a group. Parental or guardian sign-off will be needed for underage training.
Meanwhile, adults can also begin training in small groups of five, whilst social distancing.
Phase 4 commences on 20 July when all forms of team and group training are permitted and resumption of club competitions for all grades can start on 31 July.
Water bottles cannot be shared, and all equipment must be washed and sanitised at the end of every session.
Contract tracing will be in place for all players and backroom members.
A Covid Supervisor will be appointed by clubs and duties will include taking temperature levels of team participants upon entry to the grounds. If the level is over 37.5 the player must return home. At this stage all participants will have to complete a health questionnaire and submit to the club's Covid Supervisor.
Anyone on the field will have to sanitise their hands upon entry and exit from grounds and clubs will be asked to display Covid-19 signage on their premises.
There will be a limit on spectator numbers in line with Government directives and spectators will be separated from players in line with social distancing requirements.
The final phase commences on 10 August when access to GAA buildings will be permitted again - where regular and effective cleaning can be carried out and where indoor social distancing can be maintained.
Contract tracing measures to be in place and sanitisers will be placed all through the facilities. Signage must be displayed, and crowds will be managed in line with agreed protocols and Government guidance.
On 14 September, inter-county training will resume - subject to no change in medical advice or research. From 17 October there will be a green light to resume inter-county championship matches.
