Source: Clare Champion

Bórd na nÓg Iomant are pleading with clubs in Clare to abide by Covid-19 guidelines in order to ensure that underage championships are completed on time.

The U-14 and minor competitions are currently underway but games are being played effectively behind closed doors due to Government guidelines.

Clarification has been issued that one parent per child are permitted to attend games along with a maximum of 40 people per club to include a panel of 24, team mentors, club officials and stewards.

In a statement to clubs, the underage board outlined that “we understand and are fully thankful that most clubs have done their best to adhere to the guidelines to date, we are aware that some clubs have not and especially in allowing an open gate policy for underage games. This cannot be allowed to happen again under the current restrictions”.

It also stated that unless all clubs comply there will be no option but to suspend fixtures while also highlighting that is was up to each club to ensure guidelines were followed to avoid that scenario.

It was also clarified that if clubs have more than 24 players on a panel, additional names should be emailed to the board.

Calls were made for greater compliance from clubs in relation to the wearing of high visibility gear by stewards, social distancing among subs and those on the sideline along with the wearing of PPE by first aid personnell and hurley carriers.

It was outlined that the biggest issue to date was the lack of social distancing among spectators with the onus placed on the Covid officers within clubs to ensure this practice is maintained.