North American Gaelic Athletic Association

Transcription

1 North American Gaelic Athletic Association Promoting Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie & Ladies Gaelic Football in the USA

2 C O N T E N T S Page 2: Introduction Page 3: A Message from the Chairman of the North American County Board Page 5: A Message from the President of the GAA Page 6: A Message from the Árd Stiúrthóir of the GAA Page 7: A Message from the Chairman of Munster GAA Page 8: A Message from the President of the Camogie Association Page 9: A Message from the President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association Page 10: A Message from the Chairman of the Overseas Workgroup Page 11: Implementation and Review Mechanisms for the Plan Page 12: Themes Page 25: Acknowledgements Page 27: Glossary of Terms North America County Board North America County Board Page 3

3 I N T R O D U C T I O N The North American Board was formed over 50 years ago and oversees Gaelic Games in the Continental United States excluding New York. For many years traditional centers of Irish immigration saw the creation of GAA clubs which served as both a recreational outlet and a community support group for immigrants. Cities like Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Detroit and San Francisco were the cornerstones of the association. In the last 20 years however we began to see a new dynamic unfold with strong clubs and communities emerging in cities like Washington, Seattle, Denver, San Diego, Indianapolis, St Louis, Minneapolis, Portland, Milwaukee, Charlotte and Akron to name but some. Surprisingly to some at least, Hurling was more often the sport of choice for these new clubs. At this same time a vibrant Youth Program began to emerge in Boston, San Francisco, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, Buffalo, Detroit, San Diego and Pittsburgh. With an expanding Youth program beginning to take root and the emergence of many new hurling clubs in areas which had little or no tradition of GAA activity, and a newly formed Colleges Hurling program, the notion that our games could be promoted and grown to become self-sustaining and appealing to mainstream America began to take hold. The Partnership with Munster which began in 2003 and the inception of the Games Development program by Croke Park and DFA brought us to the beginning of the planning process. Initial Coach and Referee training by Munster evolved to where we now have our own Games Development Administrators and Coach/Referee tutors trained and capable of certifying our own referees and coaches. Several Short-term plans were made and modified however under the guiding hands of Joe Carton, Pat O Shea, Pat Fitzgerald and Sean Walsh we began the process of creating this action plan in October 2011 in Chicago. This followed with a planning workshop at North American Convention in Cleveland in November and a wrap up meeting in Chicago in February. Several working groups also convened via teleconference in the interim and their feedback was submitted to February meeting. In conclusion we have reached both a finish point in the s creation and a starting point in it s inception. As Publilius Syrus once said it is a poor plan that affords no modification, and no doubt as the implementation continues some modifications will be necessary. The Steering Committee would like to thank Munster Council for their tremendous support and unwavering commitment in formulating this plan. Liam Moloney: NACB Strategic Coordinator NACB Officers: Joe Lydon, Paul McCarthy, Mary Ruane, Tim Flanagan, Gareth Fitzsimmons, Mary Prendiville, Paddy McDevitt, Harry Costello Joe Lydon N O R T H A M E R I C A C O U N T Y B O A R D S C H A I R M A N S M E S S A G E It is a privilege and an honor for me as an American born County Board Chairman, to be able to present the Strategic for the North American County Board. Never in my lifetime would I have thought that I would have the opportunity to take part in such an important event and put a document in place which will map out the direction and future of the Gaelic Athletic Association in North America. I wonder, did the founders of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Cusack, Davin, Power, McKay, Bracken, O Ryan, and McCarthy ever realize that the vision they had in 1884 in Thurles would lead to where the Gaelic Athletic Association is now, as a Global Organization with units and members all over the world. As in North America in 1959 on Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, did the North American County Board founders, John O Brien, John Hehir, Mickey Cavanaugh, Peter Donnelly, Jack Courtney, and Henry Cavanaugh realize the seeds they planted would grow into the Organization we are now; with over 100 registered clubs and with Ladies Gaelic Football and Camogie all inclusive representing the Gaelic Athletic Association in North America. I had the privilege of knowing and working with some of the founders of the North American County Board, and today we recognize one of our founders, Honorary President John O Brien, and having been mentored by the late John Hehir, as well as getting advice and direction from the late Peter Donnelly we acknowledge their contribution. May they, as well as the unsung supporters and volunteers of our Association who may not be recognized by name, but whose support and work in the past have brought us to where we are today, rest in peace. I apologize for the lengthy introduction but I believe you cannot move forward and find your future, until you look and see where you have been and where you ve come from. As we move toward the future, it would be remiss of me if I did not recognize and thank our Partners in the Strategic, the Munster Provincial Council who have assisted us for the past five years in setting and helping us achieve targets and goals which we deemed important for the North American County Board. The advice, support, direction, and commitment from Sean Walsh, Pat Fitzgerald, Joe Carton, and Pat O Shea is unmistakably the most important aspect of our Partnership. I will not forget my friend Jimmy O Gorman, whom I met for the first time in Sligo at Congress, and who promised me as Secretary of the North American County Board, that the Munster Provincial Council was going to take the NACB under its wing and help make us the best we could be; with their support and commitment to excellence. We would not be where we are today without the support and drive of the Munster Council. Continued overleaf Page 4 North America County Board North America County Board Page 5

4 N O R T H A M E R I C A C O U N T Y B O A R D S C H A I R M A N S M E S S A G E ( C o n t ). As an Overseas Unit, although our needs and solutions are unique, our targets and goals are very similar to the Association in Ireland. In our Plan, Games Development, Communications, Training, Youth, Structures, Administration, and Finance are our focus areas. We have an outline set, so that benchmarks and targets can be achieved with realistic deadlines. Please note that the goals and targets of our Strategic are for all codes. Although there are some targets that are gender specific, the Plan itself is for all of the men s and ladies clubs in the North American County Board. As the North American County Board Chairman, I would like to acknowledge the help, support, and commitment from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and the Camogie Association, in promoting the Games in North America, realizing that in North America we operate as one Association for the good of all. So to Helen O Rourke and Pat Quill of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, and Joan O Flynn, Sinead O Connor and Mary O Connor of the Camogie Association, thank you and we look forward to your help and support in achieving our goals and targets, and making our Strategic a success. In conclusion, I would like to thank our focus groups who met at our Convention in November 2011 and helped to give us an outline of our Plan, and the group who fine- tuned our plan in Chicago and put all of the pieces together. I would also like to thank my fellow Officers of the North American Board. There is no harder working group of men and women working for the GAA in North America than these individuals. I truly appreciate their work in putting this Plan forward and accepting the responsibilities of making sure it gets done, and for their herculean work throughout the year keeping the games going. To our Plan Coordinator, Liam Moloney, I offer him my thanks and gratitude as well for his hard work on putting the Plan together. To Christy Cooney and Paraic Duffy, Joe Mc Donagh, who make themselves available to the North American County Board for advice and direction, many thanks for their support and commitment to the Gaelic Games in North America, and our Strategic. Respectfully Submitted, Joseph Lydon Christy Cooney A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE GAA Is cúis mhór áthais dom na focail seo a leanas a scríobh don cáipéis seo agus muintir CLG Meircea Thuaidh ag cur plean le chéile don todhchaí. It gives me great satisfaction to pen these words to accompany the publication of this Strategic Plan for the North American County Board, a body of work which has the potential to underpin the strides that they hope to make in the months and years ahead. The role and contribution of the NACB to the GAA as a whole is a long and storied one and the tradition that they have helped to foster over a prolonged period is highly valued. While tradition and history are hugely important to us as an Association, they have to be accompanied by drive, enthusiasm and foresight to impact positively on how an organisation functions. Thankfully the publication of a document such as this, sees those traits come together for the betterment of the GAA in this part of the world. Our games have long since provided an outlet and a social network for Irish people across the United States and it is heartening to note the number of second and third generation Irish, and indeed those with no Irish backgrounds, playing our games. Nothing underlines this more than the Continental Youth Games which take place here annually which shine a light on the vibrancy of our games Stateside. It is obvious from the work that has accompanied this project that those involved have gone to great lengths to ensure that every area of your activity has been covered and I have no doubt that your labour will be rewarded in the long term. A special word of acknowledgment is due to the Munster Council for their role in assisting the NACB and co-operation such as this can only be good for the Association. Ar aghaidh len ár gcluichí, Chairman, North American County Board Page 6 North America County Board North America County Board Page 7

5 Paraic Duffy A MESSAGE FROM THE ARD STIÚRTHÓIR OF THE GAA: Míle buíochas as ucht an deis na focail seo a leanas a scríobh don foilseacháin oll-thabhachtach seo do gach éinne a bhaineann le Bord an Chumainn Lúthchleas Gael i Meirceá Thuaidh. These are exciting times for our overseas units and plans such as this one devised by the North American County Board show that no effort is being spared to put in place the best structures possible to allow our games and activities the chance to flourish in the years ahead. Four years ago we challenged all strands and levels of the Association to step up to the mark and follow the lead of the Association at national level by mirroring - with our assistance - what we did by devising their own road maps and in so doing, secure the brightest future possible. Our units have not been found wanting in this regard and the fact that our overseas clubs and boards have engaged wholeheartedly in this process, is further evidence of just how seriously this call has been taken. A cursory examination of this document shows that many of the same elements feature in the plans that our units at home have devised and this spread in best practice to our overseas clubs and boards is something to be welcomed. Rarely has there been as much importance attached to our overseas units being as well organised as possible especially in light of the movement of young Irish people that we have all heard so much about. Work such as this gives us a solid footing and a chance to be the best we can possibly be and to fully embrace the increasing numbers that are finding their way to our clubs in places such as North America. Finally, I acknowledge the role of Comhairle Mumhan in this process of examination and planning. The twinning initiative between our provinces in Ireland and some of our units abroad has allowed the transfer of expertise and sharing of ideas in both directions. I wish everyone involved with this project and its planned roll out, every success. Rath Dé ar an obair. Páraic Ó Dufaigh Ard Stiúrthóir A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF MUNSTER GAA Sean Walsh Mar Cathaoirleach Comhairle na Mumhan, is mór an onóir dom, an foilseachán seo a mholadh. Tá an foilseachán seo an-thábhachtach do Bhord Mheiriceá Thuaidh CLG. Molaim go h-ard an obair atá déanta ag an gcoiste a chuir an plean le chéile chun ár gcluichí agus cultúr a chur ar aghaidh agus traoslaím libh as ucht a bhfuil déanta agaibh. As Chairman of Munster GAA, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate everybody associated with the publication of the North American County Board Strategic Vision and. It is the culmination of much hard work, much thought, widespread consultation and above all being mindful of our mission statement and the fulfilment of the aims and ideals of our association in an era of great change for our players, administrators and members. You now have before you a five year plan which, when successfully completed will leave every facet of the association in the best possible position to face the future with confidence. The vision and plan we now have before us is for a modern well run association to reflect the times we live in and to serve our members into the future. Since the foundation of the G.A.A. in 1884, clubs throughout Ireland have made massive contributions to their communities. The Association is also actively involved in the fostering of our aims and ideals among our overseas units. Munster GAA is very active and proactive as part of its partnership obligations with the North American County Board. We will also play a very active role in the implementation of this plan, particularly in the areas of coaching, development and administration. Past officers of the North American County Board had a vision for what they wanted and worked tirelessly to ensure their aspirations came to fruition. These solid foundations helped to bring the board to where it is today. The achievements of the G.A.A. in North America have come to fruition as a result of the hard work and help of many officials and members. They have given generously of their time, manual labour and financial support. The Strategic Plan published today is the next step in the process. It is the vision and plan that the current officers have for G.A.A. in North America to ensure that the association will continue to grow and be in a position of strength when the plan is completed five years from now. The Strategic Vision and, when successfully implemented, will ensure that the board will be in a strong and vibrant position to meet and carry out these aforementioned needs and requirements into the future. This in turn, will ensure that the GAA will continue to grow and to serve its members and communities in a fulfilling manner. Following the launches of the National and Munster GAA Strategic Vision and s the counties were required to follow suit with their plans and thereafter it will be the turn of the clubs. There are many challenges facing the GAA in North America. This plan sets out a strategic direction for the GAA for the next five years in order for it to build on its strengths and adapt to meet its challenges. Every aspect of GAA activity has been examined in detail by means of a thorough consultation process with club representatives and other key people. The plan, through its implementation provides a clear map of the future direction of the GAA in North America. I congratulate the officers and members of Bord Mheiriceá Thuaidh CLG on the publication of their Strategic Plan, a plan that I have no doubt will transform a vision into reality. This working document, over the next five years will ensure the continued success and growth of the G.A.A. in North America when completed. Is mise le meas, Seán Breathnach, Cathaoirleach Comhairle na Mumhan. Seán Walsh, Chairman, Munster GAA. Page 8 North America County Board North America County Board Page 9

6 Joan O Flynn A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION Is mór an phribléid dom reamhrá a scríobh don phlean seo do Mericeá Thuaidh i gcóir Comhghairdeachas do gach éinne a bhí páirteach in obair chun é a fhorbairt. In a sports context, development is about creating opportunities, structures and relationships to support people s involvement in our games. It is also about enabling sport to contribute to the wider community. The implementation of this Plan will yield greater participation in Camogie; higher standards of administration, refereeing, playing and coaching performances in Camogie; a more inclusive sporting culture within Gaelic games and an empowerment of the games in North America to be self sustaining for the future. The North American plan dovetails with Our Game, Our Passion, the Camogie Association s National Development Plan which runs also to This commits us to growing the game internationally and in particular to support the development of underage Camogie. With this in mind, I strongly welcome the innovation of the NACB Hurling and Camogie working together. This is a significant development. The Camogie Association will be very pleased to support their work, in partnership with Munster GAA, the NACB s partners. This collaborative approach has the potential to nurture and grow Camogie even further amongst American born players while the game continues to offer a home from home for Irish people settling in the US. The fidelity of the international units of Camogie to the game, and the appreciation of its cultural and sporting distinctiveness continues to inspire. Congratulations on the finalization of the Plan and I wish you every success in its implementation. Joan O Flynn Uachtarán A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF LADIES FOOTBALL Mar Uachtarán Cummann Peil Gael na mban mo comhghairdeas do gach éinne leis an obair iontach a chuireann sibh sa Phlean Straitéiseach an America Thuaidh seo. I would like to congratulate and compliment everybody associated with the publication of the North American County Board Strategic Plan. You have identified key areas for the future development of our Gaelic Games and culture and provided all of us with a pathway for future development across North America. Ladies Gaelic Football units are playing a leading role throughout the world in promoting and fostering gaelic games. We now have a dedicated staff member in Croke Park to support clubs and players Internationally, and we will continue to work in conjunction with the GAA to achieve our aims. Your future plans comfortably fits in with our own Strategic Plan which we launched in May of Ladies Gaelic Football is a marketable product that is enjoyed by all ethnic backgrounds and has added vibrancy and social interaction to our gaelic games units throughout the world. Your Development plan is designed to be innovative and dynamic. It provides leadership with pride for Gaelic games for the future. It strikes a balance between elite performance and participation for fun and in meeting the needs of the communities which you serve. You have worked on its content and structure in ensuring that all our units can identify with it. You will find it challenging and ambitious, yet rewarding in implementing its initiatives to enable the Gaelic Games Family of Sports to reach their potential into the future. The value of sport in our daily lives cannot be underestimated. It provides us with a wonderful education of physical and mental health along with exercise and diet. It gives us a sense of appreciation and worth, develops social skills and self esteem, helps to overcome apprehensions and fear and develops confidence and teamwork all of which are valuable assets that are requirements for our daily life. The Ladies Gaelic Football Association is proud to be associated with your plan. I wish to thank the North American Board under its chairman Joe Lydon, administrators, volunteers, GDA s and the Munster Council of the GAA for the excellent work that you are doing to promote Gaelic games. You are more than a sporting organisation. You provide an outlet where people can meet and integrate, irrespective of nationality in a caring and safe environment. I wish you every success for the future. Pat Quill Pat Quill Uachtarán Page 10 North America County Board North America County Board Page 11

7 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE OVERSEAS WORKGROUP IMPLEMENTATION & REVIEW MECHANISMS FOR THE PLAN Joe McDonagh Is cúis áthais dom fáiltiú roimh Phlean Straitéiseach Choiste Chontae Mheiriceá Thuaidh CLG. Tá éacht déanta ag an gcoiste Chontae, i gcomhar le Comhairle na Mumhan CLG, an plean seo a ullmhú agus tréaslaím a saothar leo ar fad. In welcoming the publication of this Strategic for the North American County Board, I wish to congratulate all involved in its preparation. Furthermore, I wish to commend the NACB on embracing the concept of strategic planning as they prepare for their next 50 years, having celebrated the 50 th anniversary of the Board s foundation in As I come to the end of my three year term as Chairman of the Overseas Workgroup in Croke Park, it gives me great encouragement to see the fruition of an accentuation of the partnership between the NACB and the Munster Council. Over our three year term we have encouraged the Provincial Councils to engage in a more focused and strategic manner with their twinned Overseas Units. As a committee, we are indebted to the Provincial Councils for the manner in which they wholeheartedly accepted the challenge. None more so than the Munster Council. Over the past few years they have given our association an exemplar of how this strategic partnership could be effected. This Plan is a living document: it will be reviewed, assessed and adapted to ensure it facilitates all units of the Association in North America in reaching their potential over the duration of the Plan. The NACB has put in place an Implementation Committee under the leadership of Liam Moloney. The committee shall meet as required to assess the progress of the Plan against its stated objectives at county, divisional and club levels. The committee will keep the NACB updated on progress on a quarterly basis and will produce a report for the NACB every year before Convention. This committee in conjunction with Munster GAA will decide on the most appropriate method to carry out a comprehensive review of the Plan. This will include a bi-annual Club Forum (in November and 2015) where club representatives will engage in a detailed review of all relevant aspects of the Plan. This will involve the assessment of current initiatives, their appropriateness for the needs of the club/county and the identification of additional initiatives to assist in achieving the goals and objectives outlined in the Plan. Once the forum is completed, information, suggested modifications and ideas will be discussed and reviewed by the Implementation Committee. If required, the Plan will be modified and adapted based on the inputs received. These modifications will be published through the NACB GAA website. The Committee will also be responsible for communicating any modifications of the Plan to all units at club and divisional levels within the NACB. This comprehensive Strategic, which includes the whole family of Gaelic Games, provides for NACB, its Divisional Units, Clubs and Members with a roadmap to chart an exciting future for the development of Gaelic Games in North America. Furthermore, it affords the NACB an opportunity to build on the excellent work done by successive generations of Board Officers over the past 50 years. Undoubtedly, it gives a future to their past. Déanaim comhghairdeachas le gach duine a ghlac páirt in ullmhú na cáipéise seo. Gabhaim buíochas le hoifigigh Chomhairle na Mumhan a thug tacaíocht agus comhairle don phróiseas seo, agus a stiúraigh an tionscnamh go ceann scríbe. Ar deireadh thiar, is iad Oifigigh Choiste Chontae Mheiriceá Thuaidh CLG agus baill an Chumainn i Meirceá Thuaidh a chuir an plean ar fáil agus is leo go hiomlán é. Guím gach rath orthu agus iad ag tabhairt faoi fhorfheidhmiú an phlean i gcomhar le Comhairle na Mumhan CLG. Nár laga Dia sibh agus fada go maire sibh i mbun bhur ndea-shaothair. Le mórmheas, Seosamh Mac Donncha Seosamh Mac Donncha Cathaoirleach Grúpa Oibre Thar Lear CLG Page 12 North America County Board North America County Board Page 13

8 THEMES GAMES When developing this plan we were conscious of the eleven main Themes outlined in the GAA s National Strategic Vision and. In order to ensure uniformity, while at the same time recognizing the different circumstances under which the NACB operate we have grouped these eleven themes into six while also creating two new themes which are particularly relevant to the development of Gaelic Games in North America Games Development Communications, Sponsorship & Marketing Volunteers, Player Welfare & Club Excellence Administration, Structures, Operations & Fixtures Facilities Financial Excellence Insurance NACB & Munster GAA Partnership We will ensure that the development of our games remains the key objective of the NACB. We aim to provide every player in North America with the opportunity to play meaningful games in a safe and enjoyable environment. We will achieve this through the development and support of certain core areas of activity such as (a) Coach and Referee Education (b) Schools of Excellence and Development Squad Programs, (c) Providing coaching backup and assistance to our clubs, schools and colleges (d) Roll out and delivery of Go Games, Cúl Camps and U Can Awards programmes. Recognizing, the added costs and difficulties associated with the games of hurling/camogie we will continue to initiate pilot programmes though our Hurling & Camogie. Finally we will continue to manage and expand the current GDA Programme which is central to our work in the area of Games Development AREA INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES ACTION GDA program in long established divisions through schools programs, CYO programs, recreational leagues, park districts, colleges Local clubs through Cúl Camp Programs, Recreational Leagues and Schools COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY Games (GDA) Games / Clubs INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES Youth Boards to implement the Go Games Model up to U 12 Increase the numbers participating and retain those numbers by ensuring all players reach their full potential, youth & adult Advertise and promote all these programs in conjunction with PRO s and NACB marketing program NACYB/Clubs Games / Clubs NACB PRO, Divisions & Clubs INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES Introduce the games to parents using coaching courses NACB GDA Coordinator/City Tutors INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES Recreational program for youth &adult using Caman & Peil Abú 2015 NACB GDA Coordinator/Clubs INTRODUCTION TO OUR GAMES Expand the GDA program to all Divisions 2017 NACB GDA Coordinator Page 14 North America County Board North America County Board Page 15

9 GAMES GAMES COACH EDUCATION Appoint a National Coach Education Committee 2012 NACB Games Dev Committee PLAYER Introduce U Can Awards NACB Games Dev Committees/ GDA s COACH EDUCATION Certify Coach Education Tutors in all Divisions 2012/ongoing NACB Games Dev Committee PLAYER Expand Cúl Camps to all Divisions NACB Games Dev Committee/ GDA s/clubs COACH EDUCATION Organise Foundation Level and Award 1 Courses in all Divisions 2012/ongoing NACB Coach Education Committee PLAYER Introduce Development Camps NACB Games Dev Committee/ GDA s/divisional Youth Committees COACH EDUCATION Develop a training course for teachers interested in coaching Gaelic Games in schools NACB GDA Coordinator/GDA s PLAYER Establish Modified Games Initiatives 2014 NACB Games Dev Committee/ GDA s/clubs COACH EDUCATION Develop a coaching section on NACB Website 2012 NACB PRO COACH EDUCATION Organize Coaching Workshops /ongoing COACH EDUCATION NACB to identify and train Code of Best Practice Tutors in all divisions (2 per division) NACB Coach Education Committee NACB Games Dev Committee COACH EDUCATION Appoint a club Coaching Officer in all Clubs NACB Games Dev Committee COACH EDUCATION Organize a NACB Coaching Conference 2014 NACB Games Dev Committee REFEREE EDUCATION Access to Referee Training Resources 2012/ongoing NACB Referees Committee REFEREE EDUCATION Certified Referee Tutors in all Divisions 2012/ongoing NACB Games Dev Committee REFEREE EDUCATION Continuous Referee Foundation Courses 2012/ongoing NACB Referees Committee REFEREE EDUCATION Ongoing Referee Education 2012/ongoing NACB Referees Committee REFEREE EDUCATION NACB to appoint a Referee Coordinator in each division 2012 REFEREE EDUCATION Referee Exchange between Divisions REFEREE EDUCATION Introduce a Go Games Referee Program REFEREE EDUCATION REFEREE EDUCATION REFEREE EDUCATION REFEREE EDUCATION NACB to appoint a Referee Assessor in each division NACB (with Munster GAA) to introduce a referee mentoring program Boards to have certified local referees for all games Educate referee tutors in ladies football & camogie rules NACB Referees Committee/ Divisional Boards NACB Referees Committee/ DivisionalBoards NACB Referees Committee/ GDA s NACB Referees Committee NACB Referees Committee NACB Referees Committee/ Divisional Boards NACB Games Dev Committee/ Referees Committee FOOTBALL Assess and review the current state of football/ladies football in the NACB and make recommendations Expose all players to Hurling and Camogie in all Divisions Increase % of American Players playing hurling/camogie Develop a calendar of Regional Hurling/ Camogie Tournaments Examine the possibility of using Cúl Tech or some other form of carbon fibre hurley in order to reduce costs Set up practical hurling/camogie clinics (separate from other courses) Structure a games program to ensure adequate games for all grades Provide a mechanism for sourcing equipment Certify Hurling and Camogie Coaches in all Divisions Develop new Hurling and Camogie Clubs in all Divisions 2012 Organize a hurley care & repair course Identify and assist 10 new clubs 2014 Increase the number of youth hurling programs from 6 to NACB Coach Education Committee NACB Games Dev Committee/ GDA s NACYB Page 16 North America County Board North America County Board Page 17

10 GDA PROGRAM GDA PROGRAM GDA Coordinator to agree a management process for all GDA s (in conjunction with Croke Park and Munster GAA) GDA s to produce a needs analysis of all clubs in their Cities/Divisions NACB GDA Coordinator 2014 NACB GDA Coordinator GDA PROGRAM GDA s to develop schools recruitment program NACB GDA Coordinator GDA PROGRAM GAMES GDA s partnered with County Games Managers in Munster NACB GDA Coordinator / Munster GAA COMMUNICATIONS, SPONSORSHIP & MARKETING NACB shall set up and support structured and effective communications at all levels within the organization. We will provide members with the information required to promote and develop our games and will use the latest technology to communicate effectively with our members. We will ensure that a two-way communication system exists at every level. We will provide training in communications for our officers at all levels. In view of the ever increasing costs of running our games we will develop links with the corporate/business community in North America. We will increase the exposure of the GAA in North America and endeavour to acquire corporate sponsorship at club, divisional and county board levels through the development of a comprehensive marketing plan and the branding of North America GAA. GDA PROGRAM Introduce Respect Initiative to all Clubs NACB GDA Coordinator /Clubs AREA ACTION COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY GDA PROGRAM NACB to appoint a Games Development Committee in all divisions NACB Games Dev Committee WORKSHOP FOR PRO s Develop a PR course which can be delivered to local club PRO s on the fundamentals of public relations & the importance of media communications 2012 NACB and Divisional PRO s GDA PROGRAM GDA PROGRAM GDA s to develop a training/coaching plan for each NACB Development squad Set up City/Divisional Representative Teams to expose players to more advanced coaching at local level NACYB NACB GDA Coordinator/ NACYB DEVELOPING PARTNERSHIPS THROUGH LOCAL MEDIA Divisions and clubs to develop a relationship with local media outlets/sources in order to better promote local GAA activities. A status report of this endeavour to be sent to the NACB PRO by November 1 st each year. review in 2016 NACB PRO through Divisional & Club PRO s GDA PROGRAM NACB to develop a skills competition/program nationally to assess standards 2017 NACB Games Dev Committee SPONSORSHIP/ MARKETING Establish a National Sponsorship/Marketing Committee to develop a strategic & comprehensive plan for acquiring corporate sponsorship & increasing exposure of GAA brand within the USA. Identify and agree on a brand 2012/ongoing NACB PRO GAA ACCOUNTS Review access records and contact those not using accounts. Issue a County Board Directive requiring all units to use the GAA system NACB Secretary and Divisional Secretaries WEB SITES Link NACB Website to Munster Website 2012 NACB & Munster PRO s WEB SITES Review all divisional and club web sites; recommendations made to each unit as to how best to enhance/optimise their sites; ensure that all divisional sites are linked together and linked to the NACB site 2015 NACB PRO through Divisional & Club PRO s Page 18 North America County Board North America County Board Page 19

11 COMMUNICATIONS, SPONSORSHIP & MARKETING VOLUNTEERS, PLAYER WELFARE & CLUB EXCELLENCE GAA ACCOUNTS DIVISIONAL & CLUB CONTACTS BOOKLET EVENTS &FIXTURES CALENDAR STUDENTS ABROAD 100% usage of official GAA system by all units and officials of the Association Creation of an electronic booklet with the , web addresses and social medias links for each club and division within the NACB, linked to NACB website Creation of an accurate an all encompassing events/fixtures calendar linked to NACB website. All divisional events/fixtures to be sent to NACB by May 1 st Ensure that Gaelic Games in North America are included in information package for students on Study Abroad Programme NACB PRO ARCHIVE GAMES Archive Games available on NACB website 2014 NACB PRO SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS TV All divisional boards and clubs to create Facebook &Twitter accounts in order to reach a broader audience. Support the creation of divisional You Tube Channels Work towards having Gaelic Games shown on National TV in North America NACB PRO NACB Secretary and Divisional Secretaries NACB Secretary and Divisional Secretaries NACB PRO through NACB Secretary and Divisional Secretaries NACB PRO through Divisional & Club PRO s NACB PRO through Divisional & Club PRO s We will continue to support our existing volunteers while recruiting and training new volunteers to support the growing needs of our Association. This will be achieved through promoting best practice at all times, training our current volunteers, supporting their needs, while also attracting and training new volunteers. Conscious of the fact that our players (at all levels, grades and codes ) are the bedrock of our games we will work with our divisions and clubs to put in place procedures and back up services to enhance the experience of all our players The future success of our games depends on the strength of our clubs. In the current economic climate there are many challenges for our clubs, we will provide the necessary supports to enable the clubs to meet these challenges. We will provide officer training and planning workshops for our existing clubs and will develop a starter pack for new clubs. AREA PLAYER WELFARE PLAYER WELFARE PLAYER WELFARE ACTION Establish a Code of Conduct for all Players, Officials & Supporters Ensure that all youth coaches have received Background Checks before becoming involved. Initiate a Gaelic Games Scholarship Program for students CLUB EXCELLENCE Develop a starter pack for new clubs 2012 CLUB EXCELLENCE Establish a Working Group to revise current officer/club structures COMPLETION DATE 2012/ongoing 2012/ongoing RESPONSIBILITY Chairmen NACB Youth Officer 2015 NACYB/GDA s NACB PRO and Registrar Development Officers CLUB EXCELLENCE Identify and train Facilitators for division/club development (2 per division) Development Officers CLUB EXCELLENCE Initiate Club Officer Training on an annual basis 2014 Development Officers CLUB EXCELLENCE Devise a template suitable for all clubs to develop their own action plan 2014 Development Officers RECRUITMENT Initiate a National Survey from all divisions/clubs to include and determine Best Practices for Volunteer Recruitment and retention Development Officers RECRUITMENT Roll out Best Practice Model based on National Survey 2014 Development Officers RECOGNITION Set up a group to look at initiating an Award Scheme for Volunteers based on Best Practice Model Development Officers Page 20 North America County Board North America County Board Page 21

12 ADMINISTRATION, STRUCTURES, OPERATIONS & FIXTURES In order to ensure the proper delivery of all our programmes we will create an efficient administrative structure within the NACB. We will do this by undertaking a review of all the current divisional structures while also reassessing the individual and collective roles of the officers of the NACB. We will streamline our method of operation thus ensuring that we can deliver all of our programmes in a structured and efficient manner. A key challenge for us is the provision of regular, meaningful and appropriate games programmes across all codes for all who wish to play our games. This includes the adherence to a pre-agreed calendar so that players can anticipate and plan their commitment to fixtures. To achieve this we will ensure that proper fixtures planning, monitoring and reporting procedures are in place. AREA OPERATING STRUCTURES REGISTRATION/FEES FIXTURES FIXTURES FIXTURES ACTION Establish a committee to evaluate the current divisional alignment and make recommendations for restructuring divisions (where necessary) and clarifying the functional purpose of a division Revaluate the current procedures for the club/ player registration process and payment of affiliation fees. Develop recommendations for streamlining the registration process and for simplifying the calculation and payment of fees Appoint Divisional and National Fixture Coordinators Review Local Fixtures Programmes to ensure adequate number of games for all ages, grades and codes Coordinate all local fixtures into a National Fixtures Program COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY NACB Chairman NACB Registrar and Treasurer Chairmen and Secretaries Fixtures Coordinators Secretaries & PRO s FACILITIES We are mindful of the fact that we need to maintain and update our current facilities and examine options for the use of other property in specific locations in order to cater for the projected increase in clubs and playing numbers across all codes. We will undertake a survey of existing facilities and a needs analysis based on projected playing numbers for the next five years. We will set up advice groups and design templates for establishing long term partnerships with other sporting organizations, schools and municipalities. AUDIT AREA ADVICE GROUP CROKE PARK PARTNERSHIPS ACTION Carry out a survey of current facilities and look at our needs going forward Set up an advice group and develop a template for establishing partnerships with other bodies Draw up a roadmap/framework with Croke Park for requirements procedures to follow for funding and capital grants from Croke Park Each division and club to explore long term partnerships with Municipalities, Schools, Other Sports and report to NACB COMPLETION DATE 2012 RESPONSIBILITY Secretaries Secretaries NACB PRO 2014 Secretaries FIXTURES Coordinate tournament schedules to avoid conflict and maximise exposure for all codes 2014 Secretaries & PRO s FIXTURES FIXTURES Work with NCGAA to appoint a Colleges Fixtures Planning Committee Establish a committee to review the necessary requirements and materials needed to successfully host and run the NACB Finals. Create a step by step manual for the host committee FIXTURES Train volunteers in fixtures planning 2014 PLANNING PLANNING Divisional Boards complete their own action plan in line with NACB NACB/Divisions to elect/appoint Development Officers responsible for Club Structure/ Development & Support NACB Fixtures Coordinator/NCGAA NACB Chairman NACB Fixtures Coordinator/Munster GAA NACB Plan Coordinator/Divisional Chairmen & Secretaries Chairmen Page 22 North America County Board North America County Board Page 23

13 FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE We will develop a process and system to achieve excellence in both financial management and governance, throughout all areas of operation in the NACB. We will ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place and that there are clear lines of responsibility and accountability throughout the organisation from County Board to clubs. We will achieve financial excellence by distributing resources fairly, getting the best return on our investments and communicating all financial information promptly and distinctly. INSURANCE As part of our commitment to Player Welfare and in order to safeguard the interests of all our members we will deliver suitable Accident and Liability Insurance policies. We will appoint Insurance Officers at NACB and Divisional levels to oversee the operation of the schemes and to ensure proper communication of all relevant information to clubs and players at both adult and youth levels. We will provide funding templates, backup and assistance to all our divisions and clubs in achieving best practice in Financial Management and Reporting. AREA ACTION COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY AREA ACTION COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY LIABILITY POLICY COVER Umbrella Sports Liability Policy Covering NACB and all Divs/Clubs/Sub Committees and Youth Programs NACB BUDGET Develop a template for preparing/presenting Annual Budget for NACB NACB Treasurer ACCIDENT & MEDICAL Accident and Medical Options available for all players Adult/Youth NACB, Divisional Boards, Youth Boards YEARLY REPORTING Establish a common financial/fiscal year for NACB and divisions in line with general rule NACB Treasurer NACB TEAMS Free A/M Cover available to all members NACB CYC Representative Teams/Panels U-16/U-18 NACB Youth Officer/ GDA s YEARLY REPORTING Divisional Board to furnish Financial Statements to NACB Treasurer on a yearly basis /Ongoing Treasurers BACKGROUND CHECK Background Check Tool for all Youth Coaches part of Insurance Package NACYB /Divisional Youth Boards/GDA s FINANCIAL EXCELLENCE Deliver a financial toolkit and workshop at divisional level on a yearly basis /Ongoing Treasurers INSURANCE OFFICER Insurance Officer appointed at NACB and Divisional Levels NACB, Divisional Boards, NACYB DIVISIONS 501c3 Non Profit Status attained and maintained by all divisions Treasurers PAYMENT METHODS Purchase/Pay for Liability Policy Cover through NACB Online portal Paypal etc NACB Registrar, Treasurer & PRO CLUBS 501c3 Non Profit Status attained and maintained by all clubs. Provide advice and guidelines to clubs Treasurers PAYMENT METHODS Explore the possibility of NACB Registration Fees including player A/M Cover for all players 2015 NACB Registrar / Management Group TAX COMPLIANCE Ensure that all NACB divisions and clubs comply with relevant tax laws Treasurers Page 24 North America County Board North America County Board Page 25

14 NACB & MUNSTER GAA PARTNERSHIP NACB in partnership with Munster GAA shall develop a plan/framework to promote the development of Gaelic Games within North America. The aim of this partnership is to ensure that the North American County Board and it s clubs are self-sufficient in terms of coaching, development and administration. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The NACB would like to thank all those who participated in the formulation of the and we hope you see some of your input reflected in the finished document. Those who took part in the initial planning stages, the workshop in Cleveland, meeting and review in Chicago and subsequent workgroups include but are not limited to: AREA ACTION COMPLETION DATE RESPONSIBILITY Joe Lydon Bernie Markley Scott Cooper COACHING Assist in managing the GDA programme 2012/ongoing ADMINISTRATION EQUIPMENT Organize financial workshops for divisions and clubs Utilize Munster Council s purchasing power to source cheaper equipment for NACB clubs REFEREE EDUCATION Train Referee Assessors NACB GDA Coordinator/Munster Games Managers NACB Treasurer and Munster Financial Controller NACB GDA Coordinator/Munster Games Managers NACB GDA Coordinator/Munster Games Managers Paul McCarthy Tim Flanagan Mary Ruane Harry Costello Paddy McDevitt Mary Prendiville Dave Slevin Colm Egan Kathlyn Quinn Mike Moynihan Greg Miller Daithi O Caoimh Eamonn Gormley Andretta Erickson Richard Byrne Matt Everett Aidan O Callaghan Martin Morrison Tadgh Lucey John Cunningham Eric Amsden Caitlin Flood Bernie Reilly Susan Beaurain Jim Carmody Al O Leary Eamon Kelly Joe Carton Pat O Shea Sean Walsh ADMINISTRATION Train officer training and club planning facilitators NACB Development Officer/Munster GAA CEO Ciaran Porter Ellen Joyce Ollie Garry Raymond Brady Sharon O Brien Bernie Connaughton Pat Fitzgerald Bernie Reen Eamon O Sullivan John Farrell Anne Kennedy Eibhear O Dea Ollie McElhone Maureen Gill Laim O Sullivan Val McMahon Catherine Gillen John O Leary Mark Owens Megan Robinson Christy Cooney Sean Breen John McDevitt Paraic Duffy Tony Halloran Steven King Pat Daly Cassidi Gross Peggy Murphy Joe McDonagh Paul McGarry Farris McManus Liam Moloney Lisa Kreuger Manus Gallagher Gareth Fitzsimons Page 26 North America County Board North America County Board Page 27

15 Glossary of Terms Award 1: Coaching award that qualifies the participant to be a lead coach for either child, youth or adult players Best Practice Model: GAA policy with regard to creating and maintaining the safest possible environment for all young people who wish to participate in our games and activities. We shall take all practicable steps to protect them from discernible forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading treatment and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings. Camán Abú: Adult recreational hurling Cúl Camps: GAA Cúl Camps provide boys and girls, between the ages of 7 and 13, with an actionpacked and fun-filled week of activity during the summer holidays which revolves around maximizing enjoyment and sustaining participant involvement in Gaelic Games. CYC: Continental Youth Championships; annual tournament held in July for youth Gaelic Games teams from the U.S.A. (including areas under the control of the NACB & New York GAA), Canada, Britain and Ireland compete in hurling, camogie, and Gaelic football from ages u-8 to u-18. Foundation Award: Basic coaching award for beginner coaches that qualifies the participant as an assistant coach for child, youth and adult players GDA: Games Development Administrator; this individual is a paid official who is employed by the Association to deliver and coordinate a comprehensive games development programme in a particular area. This is done mainly by providing leadership, backup and support for our existing volunteers and also by recruiting new volunteers in order to broaden our volunteer base. Go Games: GAA Go Games are small-sided games with modified rules in both Hurling (Go Hurling) and Gaelic Football (Go Gaelic). They form a central element of GAA policy on games for children up to and including the Under-12 age grade. NACB: North American County Board; the controlling body of Gaelic Games for men, women, and youth in the United States of America (excluding the New York City area). NACYB: North American County Youth Board; committee in charge of youth Gaelic Games in the U.S.A. (excluding the New York City area). NCGAA: National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association; committee in charge of organizing Gaelic Games within colleges and universities in the U.S.A. (including the New York City area). Peil Abú: Adult recreational Gaelic football Respect Initiative: The GAA Respect Initiative aims to promote positive behaviour and to ensure that an enriching environment is provided for the promotion and development of Gaelic Games. This includes respect for and from all participants on and around the field. Tutor: A person certified to train others in coaching and/or refereeing Gaelic Games U Can Awards: A series of skill awards/tests which are used to measure the progress made by juvenile players over a range of skills. Page 28 North America County Board North America County Board Page 29

16 Follow us on facebook: North-American-GAA Brochure Photo credits: Amanda Rieker/ Wicked Shamrock Photography, Ltd. Page 30 North America County Board North America County Board

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