[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he GAA management committee has endorsed a decision to suspend club fixtures at all levels, until further notice.
The GAA and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) have suspended their club games at all levels, however, training can continue as long as members adhere to the guidelines outlined for the relevant levels in the Governments National Framework for living with Covid-19.
In a statement from the GAA and the LGFA, they said the decision was taken in the interest of public safety following events in recent days that were “disappointing and problematic.”
“The decision has been taken in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents that have been brought to our attention in recent days. In particular, post-match celebrations and a lack of social distancing at certain events have proved disappointing and problematic.”
The statement follows footage posted on social media of celebratory scenes across the country, where social distancing and other precautions were not being followed.
The decision applies to all ages and grades within GAA and the LGFA and also results in the closure of club social centres and bars.
The GAA and the LGFA have said they will “continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks, regarding changes in government guidelines, before liaising with our units accordingly.”
They continued by saying they “would like to acknowledge all of those units who have worked diligently in complying with the public health advice around the staging of our games and training sessions since activity resumed.”
As of midnight on Tuesday the 6th of October, Level 3 of the Governments living with COVID plan was introduced, which will have a significant impact on all sporting activities.
Training outdoors will be non-contact and up to pods of 15 people at one time with an exemption for professional sports. Indoor training will be individual training only and no exercises or dance classes will take place.
No matches or other sporting events should take place with the exemption for professional sports which should all take place behind closed doors. Horse riding may continue behind closed doors. Gyms, leisure centres, and swimming pools can remain open for individual use only, and with protective measures in place.
Carenza Rock
Image Credit: FM104