Issue link: http://digitaleditions.uberflip.com/i/1504175
20 | SUMMER 2023 | www.ladiesgaelic.ie Go Games Rebranded Across Gaelic Games R ecent commentary in coaching circles, and indeed online, has centered upon the subject or need for smaller sided games across all forms of invasion team sports played by juveniles. Thankfully the LGFA and other Gaelic Games Associations, GAA and Camogie, were ahead of the curve with respect to the development of small-sided games. As the new Gaelic Games player pathway was being developed collaboratively, it was decided that renovation to the games being played by the largest cohort of Gaelic Games participants was required. An update to the hugely successful Go Games model to complement and align with this new player pathway commenced (F2 Stage). In March of 2020, just prior to the start of the pandemic, the first meeting of the Go Games Working group took place. The intention of the group was to solidify, modernize, and evolve the existing model. Fast forward to March 2023 and after extensive research and consultation, the group's work was finally ready to be shared and implemented within the Gaelic Games community. Contained in the updated policy are innovative rules, educational pieces for coaches, and a new refereeing module, to be released soon, that will be of huge assistance for those looking to gain access to the world of LGFA refereeing. As defined in the new policy… "Go Games are modified small-sided versions of Hurling, Camogie, Gaelic Football and Ladies Gaelic Football which have been devised to cater for the development needs of children aged 7 and up to and including 12 years of age. Go Games can be played in a club, school and/ or community setting to introduce children to Gaelic Games. They allow children to have fun, grow, and learn, physically, socially, and psychologically and develop the key attributes for life. Go Games are inclusive, structured to cater for the needs, abilities, and backgrounds of all participants." So, aside from the new logo, what's new? Smaller playing numbers and appropriate playing spaces are now applied to every age group to allow participants the opportunity to have the time and space to execute the skills of the game in a fun and safe environment. As the ages increase so does the appropriate playing number and space in which to play. GO GAMES