Ladies Gaelic Football

54 // Ladies Gaelic Football Association PROVINCIAL FIXTURE REVIEW WORKSHOPS PEIL Winter | Issue No 4 | Volume 14 uring the month of October LGFA Development staff facilitated 4 Provincial fixture review workshops. The aim of the workshops was to discuss, learn and share all things fixtures in preparation for 2019. Playing regular games is the bedrock of sports participation however as our sport continues to grow the administration of fixtures is becoming an increasingly demanding job for volunteers. The LGFA recognises this and is committed to support each county to implement the most effective structure for their specific playing population. There were 21 counties represented over the four venues which were Connacht Centre of Excellence, Leinster GAA Office Portlaoise, Kellys Inn Tyrone and Castletroy Hotel Limerick. It was discussed that the key ingredients needed for a successful fixture plan were Planning, Scheduling, Arranging and Reviewing. One of the strongest take home messages from the events was that Counties should Taking Steps to provide Better Games Structures for our Players strive to implement the LGFA minimum standard of games into the county fixture plans for 2019. THE FOLLOWING MINIMUM STANDARDS ARE RECOMMENDED BY CENTRAL COUNCIL: • Adult - Minimum of 16 games • Under 15 – 18 - Minimum of 12 games • Under 14 and below - Minimum of 16 games • Games should be scheduled with gaps of no more than 21 days between them in the months from April to September in order to maximise the number of games being played during the summer months • An exception may be made around exam time (mid May to mid June) to accommodate post primary and third level students • Games in the same grade should be scheduled at least 5 days apart (3 days in non-championship competition) in order to avoid surplus of games at any one time D TOP TIPS FROM THE 4 WORKSHOPS • Pick a model that suits your county. Every county is different • Regular games at a set time & day have the most success • Games help to keep players in the sport and improve performance • Cater for all age groups • Think outside the box, don't be afraid to try something new LGFA are committed to supporting Counties with the design and implementation of a fixture plan that works in their Counties and provides a meaningful participation and competition model for all LGFA Players. he Ladies Gaelic Football Association held their second Coaching Development Programme (CDP) for current and past intercounty players. The course facilitates players as they begin to take the first steps on the coaching ladder. Following completion of the CDP these successful applicants are now able to proceed to the Coaching Level 2 course, the highest level of coaching qualification available within the LGFA. The Introduction of the CDP is designed to attract players, who have gained a wealth of experience on the field, into a coaching career where up and coming stars can benefit from their knowledge as they aim to emulate these great stars. Players taking part in the LGFA Assimilation LGFA Coaching Assimilation Programme is proving a huge success! Course had to have a minimum of 3 years experience of playing adult intercounty football, currently involved in a coaching capacity with a club, county, school or college, over the age 18 and registered members of the LGFA. Players did not need to have any previous coaching qualifications to be accepted onto the course. Speaking about this important Coaching Development Programme LGFA President, Marie Hickey, said 'This LGFA Level 1 Assimilation Course for Experienced Players provides players with a great opportunity to fast track their coaching careers. We want to see more of our great players progress through to the top level of coaching. They have amassed so much knowledge during their time as players that will be of enormous benefit to young players getting involved in the game. We hope to see players and former players take advantage of this opportunity to accelerate through the coaching grades and progress right to the top of our sport.' Speaking about the new initiative Liam Moggan, formerly of Coaching Ireland said 'Coaching is primarily about helping people. Experienced players are in a special place, as role models to fit that role. Experienced players need help to perfect coaching skills and to look and see the game and its players in a different light. LGFA are providing an excellent service by helping experienced players transfer to the coaching role. The assimilation process will increase the number of ladies coaching in clubs and in time will improve participation and performance levels. I wish them well… T

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