The GAA have have received clarity from Government that outstanding games in the 2020 Minor and U20 Championships can be played as part of the current level 3 restrictions. Clearance was not given for outstanding club championship fixtures. Thus, our minors will now play Tyrone in Ballybofey on December 20th but none of the outstanding Club championship or league games, most notably the Senior Club Championship final and Intermediate Championship Relegation playoff, will be played in 2020. The Statement from Croke Park noted the following:
Training As such, teams still in these competitions can return to full training immediately. All teams involved must follow the protocols laid out in the Return to Inter County Training document. I attach a copy with this email.
Challenge games The exemption for Minor and U20 extends to Championship games only. As such challenge games are not permitted.
Attendance at Games All games at Minor and U20 must continue to be played behind closed doors. For the moment, and until further notice, this means that the matchday panel for 2020 will be limited to what is provided for in general rule – 24 players (U20 and Minor) and a maximum of 38 people in total will be granted access to the controlled zone from each County (Dressing Room and pitch side area) as the official party for the game.
For all games, the 24 players must be registered with the relevant Provincial Council Secretary (or in the case of All Ireland Semis and Finals, the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee) by 10am on the Thursday morning before a game.
We are currently awaiting clarity on whether additional panel members can be accommodated in general viewing areas at Minor and U20 Level and will provide information on this as soon as we receive it.
Parental Attendance – Minor ONLY For Minor intercounty games or training sessions staged behind closed doors and because they involve players aged 17 and under:
- One designated individual (parent/guardian) per player may attend a training session or game per child/family/group of children.
- The GAA Health Questionnaires MUST be completed by parents/guardians in advance of attendance.Parents are NOT permitted to be in attendance at U20 games where their child (U18) is participating. However, provision can be made to allow an adult to be in close proximity (e.g. in the car park etc) in case medical or other emergency needs require their presence.
