Rathgarogue Cushinstown GAA Club Five Year Strategic Plan 2013 to 2017

Transcription

1 T ABLE OF CONTENTS Rathgarogue Cushinstown GAA Club Five Year Strategic Plan 2013 to 2017

2 T ABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE CHAIRMAN S ADDRESS 1 BACKGROUND TO THE PARISH/CLUB 2 METHODOLOGY 3 THEME 1: COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT 4 THEME 2: FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT 8 THEME 3: FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING 11 THEME 4: CLUB STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION 13 THEME 5: COMMUNICATION, PR AND CULTURE 15 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW OF THE PLAN 18 MISSION AND VALUES 19 APPENDIX 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 20 APPENDIX 2: CLUB HISTORY 24 APPENDIX 3: ATTENDEES AT PLANNING FORUM AND FOCUS GROUPS 28 APPENDIX 4: CLUB STRUCTURE 29

3 C HAIRMAN S ADDRESS On behalf of Rathgarogue Cushinstown GAA Club, it is my great privilege as Club Chairman to welcome you all on this important day in the history of our Club as we launch our Five Year Strategic Plan. Rathgarogue Cushinstown has a long and proud tradition of promoting and nurturing Gaelic games. Many Club members have unselfishly devoted time and energy to develop our Club and help it to survive through difficult times. I would like to pay deep gratitude to all our Club members, past and present, for their dedication, commitment and loyalty to our Club. Like all GAA Clubs around this island, we rely completely on the hard work and devotion of all our Club members to help us prosper and grow. A genuine thank you to all those who have given so much to Rathgarogue Cushinstown GAA over the years. In keeping with guidelines from our national organisation, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, we are launching our first Five Year Strategic Plan for the Club. Our vision for the next five years is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association Coaching and Games is one of the key areas to be addressed by this five year plan. The aim is to have teams competing at the highest level in their age group with well-trained mentors at all levels providing best practice coaching to all teams and players. The key coaching strategies are as follows: Appoint a coaching officer & establish a pro-active coaching committee Provide top class training, coaching and procedures for team mentors Provide coaching and a well established school link in both schools Establish structured links between senior teams/mentors and underage sections and to tap into the wealth of experience within the Club Learn and apply initiatives from other clubs, codes and counties To establish loyalty and retention of players To promote enjoyment and team building In addition to coaching and games development, we now have in place a plan which will guide us through other important initiatives for the coming five years. Work on this Plan has been ongoing over the past few weeks and has involved a lot of energy, time and commitment from many people in our Club. I would like to thank everyone associated with the preparation of the Plan for their vision and dedication in bringing it to fruition. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. Davy O Dwyer Cathaoirleach Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association. 1

4 B ACKGROUND TO THE P ARISH/CLUB The membership of Rathgarogue Cushinstown GAA Club is drawn from Rathgarogue, Cushinstown and Terrerath. The total population of the catchment area is approximately 2,200. There are two schools, Cushinstown which currently has an enrolment of 235 pupils and Scoil Naomh Áine in Rathgarogue which currently has a population of 225. The number of registered members in the Club is as follows: Adult: 96 Underage: 137 The Club has approximately ten foundation level coaches and five level 1 coaches. The Club is represented at all age groups in adult and under age, fielding 28 teams in total across both codes. The Club has a well developed facility in Cushinstown with two pitches, a hurling wall and a clubhouse. The Club is well supported by the local communities. During the playing season, the Club grounds are a hive of activity with games, training, supporters and visitors. Over the past decade we progressed from intermediate to senior level in hurling but unfortunately returned to intermediate in We are currently competing in junior football. In 2012, our intermediate hurlers were beaten in the intermediate championship quarter-final and our junior footballers were narrowly beaten in the junior football semi-final. The Clubs roll of honour is outlined in Appendix 2. 2

5 M ETHODOLOGY Intent The plan is formulated against a background of years of successful Club management and at a time when many initiatives are being undertaken in all areas. The attendees at the planning forum and focus groups are detailed in appendix 3. The intent of the plan is to build on that success by harnessing various ideas in different sectors of the Club into a cohesive, unified and structured strategy to be monitored and tracked to conclusion. Some of the more ambitious and costly initiatives will require a comprehensive assessment prior to any decisions being made. Plan development: Key steps in developing the plan: Club planning forum - 15 November 2012 Assessment of ideas and planning by focus groups 21 November 2012 Plan finalised and launched 2 December 2012 The forum to discuss the five themes below was attended by 70 people, a record number for such an event by any Club in Wexford. Coaching and Games Facilities and Finance and Fundraising Administration and Structures Communication, PR and Culture Suggestions and proposals were then pooled and later on these ideas were assessed and streamlined by focus groups into clear strategies, actions and timelines. All attendees at the forum were invited to participate in the focus groups. 3

6 T HEME 1: COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Where we aim to be in 5 years: Rathgarogue - Cushinstown have one of the finest coaching structures in the county. This has been achieved by excellence in coaching standards and encouraging skills development by providing the correct coaching for the correct age group at the correct time of the year. Respect and fair opportunities are at the heart of this success. All teams perform to their full potential because the best possible coaching systems and structures are in place. We pride ourselves on our success in retaining players and ensuring that everybody fully enjoys playing with our Club. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Club Coaching Officer Coaching & Games Representative from County Coaching and Games Team meets with our Club Coaching & Games (e.g.: Dave Guiney) Go-Games model in place for all u-12 players Fun-Do education resource pack (Go Games) available for all Juvenile coaches We will appoint a Club Coaching Officer, who will be chairman of the Coaching and Games. They will have responsibility for managing the affairs of the committee and for overseeing all coaching and games related activities and policies The role of the Coaching officer is detailed in appendix 1 We will appoint a Coaching and Games to oversee all aspects of games development in the Club. This will include identifying new coaches in the community, encouraging parents to become involved in coaching and ensuring that all our Clubs coaches have GAA Coach Education qualifications. The committee will also ensure that a balanced programme of games is in place and that all players get an opportunity to play and participate. The chairman of this committee (Club coaching officer) will sit on the Club Adult Meets with Club Coaching and Games to discuss and advise the Club on all aspects of Games in the Club To ensure that all under 12 players get appropriate games in a fun environment that promotes skill development To aid our Club coaches in skill development of our players Proposed by the Underage and ratified by the Adult Club coaching officer & ratified by the Adult Coaching & Games Coaching & Games Coaching & Games Jan 2013 first committee meeting Jan 2013 first committee meeting March 2013 March 2013 March

7 THEME 1: COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date To encourage more parents to become coaches To increase the number of coaches available in our Club Coaching & Games Share Club coaching knowledge Organise four specialist training sessions per year for coaches to Coaching & receive internal training and learn from each others experience Games and the introduction of specialist coaches if required 2013 All Club coaches receive GAA Coach Education and have access to coaching resources ( All Club coaches will receive GAA coach education qualifications. Each coach will have a minimum of a Foundation Award coaching certificate. We will aim to have all coaches at Award 1 level over time Coaching and Games Lesson plans for coaches to keep sessions fully up to date and interesting for all players Coaching and Games March 2013 Structured coaching modules to enable each new year to focus on new skills and eliminate overfocus on the same skills year on year Coaching and Games March 2013 School link A full index of coaches and their training levels is maintained School links to be set up between the Club and both primary schools by appointing a school liaison officer Club registrar & Coaching Officer Coaching officer September 2013 Club to commit resources to help coach kids in schools Adult September 2013 Cύl Camp held and promoted each year supported by our own Club coaches GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behavior in place To give all children in the locality the opportunity to be coached in Gaelic Games To promote an environment of respect in the Club and to ensure that all children participate in a safe environment Coaching and Games Child Welfare Officer Annually 5

8 THEME 1: COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date All coaches working with underage players attend Child Protection Workshop All coaches working with underage players have received Garda Vetting Programme of games in place for adult teams, including challenge games with other Clubs outside the county To ensure that all children participate in a safe environment To ensure that all children participate in a safe environment To ensure that along with league and championship games, all players participate in a meaningful program of games. Encourage senior players to get involved in team management. A panel of experienced players drawn up for specialist skills (e.g.: free taking and goal keeping). Child Welfare Officer Child Welfare Officer Coaching and Games Players Rep 2013/14/15 September 2013 Players at minor level to get the chance to play with Senior teams for experience and possible inclusion Improve social aspect and player bond with social night each year Senior teams management Executive committee Investigate bringing in specialist coaches to deliver focus sessions on specific skills at the correct time of the year Coaching and Games Club defibrillator in place and coaches trained To ensure that the welfare of our players and supporters is of top Coaching and in its use priority Games New referees identified and trained The Club has sufficient referees at underage and adult level Coaching and Games Nursery programme in place for 4 to 7 year To encourage our young players to become involved in Gaelic Coaching & olds Games in a fun and safe environment Games Super-touch games programme in place To put in place a meaningful programme of games for all youth Coaching & players (13-18 years). Games March 2013 Complete March 2014 March

9 THEME 1: COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Learn from best practice in other clubs and codes Coaching & Games to research/contact other clubs/codes for ideas & processes to develop our underage players Coaching & Games Encourage parents to get involved in Club Parent and me sessions to help involve parents into Club Coaching and Games Points raised during the Club planning forum Other specific points not covered in this five year plan will be Coaching & will be reviewed on an annual basis expanded and developed by the Coaching & Games Games on an annual basis depending on progress/achievement of the objectives above January 2014 September 2014 Annually 7

10 THEME 2: FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT Where we aim to be in 5 years: Our players and members now enjoy the very best possible facilities in the area, both on and off the pitch. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date To make Club grounds safer for players, members and visitors Ensure there is an up to date club safety statement that will help identify all potential safety hazards, thus ensuring that our grounds follow best practice in providing a safe environment for players and supporters. committee June 2013 Ensure the defibrillator is maintained and in good working order. Adult January every year/ To ensure continuous monitoring, improvement & development of the Club & Club grounds Improve & maintain existing facilities at the Club Maintain Clubhouse & Shop Minimum of one first aid training course per year & training records documented. Ensure all teams have at least one trained first aid person as part of their backroom setup. Elect a at the first adult committee meeting following the AGM to assess cost and necessity of any development work. This sub-committee will also be responsible for overseeing any work agreed by Club members and then undertaken. As required, continue to sand, vertidrain & fertilise all pitches to ensure the best possible playing surface on both pitches Display the Tri-colour, Wexford flag and Club flag on the GAA grounds As required, paint the Clubhouse & ensure any necessary maintenance work is carried out Cleaning rota to be put in place and adhered to Coaching officer & Club registrar Adult January

11 THEME 2: FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Develop the Club grounds & facilities for the benefit of players and the Club Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of extending grounds for a third adult pitch Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of applying Astro Turf to the floor of the hurling wall. Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of building a play area for children Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of erecting bollards to prevent parking in front of the shop area Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of stocking and upgrading the gym. Certain gym equipment could be donated to the Club Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of developing a walking track in conjunction with local community groups i.e. Slí na Sláinte Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of resurfacing the goal mouths with Astro Turf this could potentially be done in conjunction with the hurling wall surface. Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of erecting a spectators stand on the main pitch and/or upgrading the dugouts. Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of upgrading the lower car park facilities (near the underage pitch) Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of roofing the hurling wall area /2014 June 2013 June 2013 June 2013 June 2013 June 2014 June 2014 June

12 THEME 2: FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Develop the Club grounds & facilities for the benefit of players and the Club Develop the Club grounds & facilities for the benefit of players and the Club Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of purchasing an electronic scoreboard Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club of upgrading the existing toilet facilities

13 THEME 3: FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING Where we aim to be in 5 years: Our Club is successful in fundraising and in financial excellence in order to support the continued development of our Club. We have new and innovative fundraising ideas and have new people helping in the fundraising efforts across adult, under age and ladies camogie/football. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Finance and Fundraising appointed Club accounts audited every year Club Budget prepared at the beginning of each year Fundraising events calendar Joint fundraising initiatives eg: underage, adult, ladies camogie/football Embrace new fundraising ideas Membership/registration To organise and oversee the preparation of accounts and fundraising in the Club To ensure best practice is followed and to comply with Croke Park guidelines To help the Club prepare for the year ahead and to help plan for fundraising events Sit down and draw up calendar of fundraising events for the year and ensure it is agreed with the adult committee. This should vary between ticket selling and other activities. Assess the possibility of holding joint fundraising initiatives to bring the entire Club under the one umbrella for fundraising events and all funds are pooled together for the ongoing maintenance and development of the Club Try new fundraising initiatives every year to keep volunteers interested (e.g.: bingo) Appoint a subcommittee from the Finance & Fundraising to develop a membership and payment structure Adult Adult Finance and Fundraising Finance & Fundraising with backing of Adult Finance & Fundraising Finance & Fundraising Finance & Fundraising in conjunction with the Club Registrar Jan 2013 first committee meeting November every year January every year January every year January every year January every year 31 March every year 11

14 THEME 3: FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Process for any Club development projects Support for the Finance and Fundraising events Communicate how all monies raised are being used Paid up members list 1) Assess the benefit, necessity and cost to the Club before commencing any development work (see theme 2 above facilities and development). 2) Assess the financial circumstances of the Club and the budget for the year. 3) Create a project team from the and the Finance & Fundraising to manage agreed projects. Approximately three from the Finance & Fundraising and two from the will sit on this project team. (note: the team can change depending on the project) 4) A minimum of three quotes must be obtained by the project team before presenting the proposal to the EGM/AGM. 5) Ensure any capital spend is authorised in accordance with Club policy agreed at the most recent AGM (eg: any capital spend in excess X k needs to be agreed at an EGM/AGM of all paid up Club members before the spend occurs). [ X is defined as the euro amount agreed at the most recent AGM] 6) Once the project is agreed a budget is drawn up and all parties work together to ensure the project is delivered on time and on budget. This is reviewed at the AGM every year as part of the audited accounts. Use all social media outlets (website, Facebook, Twitter) the local newspaper, webtext and . Treasurer s report at the AGM, registration nights. Continue to put a paid up members list on the notice board in the Clubhouse and ensure it is updated on a quarterly basis Where possible ensure that all players are paid up members before being allowed to play for the Club 12 Adult committee Adult & PRO Finance & Fundraising Club registrar throughout the five year plan April and July every year

15 THEME 4: CLUB STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION Where we aim to be in 5 years: We have excellent structures in place appropriate to the Clubs needs. Our Club is vibrant and we have increased the number of people volunteering in our Club. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Children s Welfare Officer and Designated Person in place To oversee implementation of the GAA Code of Best Practice and to deal with any allegations of abuse in the correct manner. Complete Complete ASAP officer Current Child Welfare Officer: John Michael Porter Current Designated Person: Robbie O Connor Ensure a Club alcohol and substance abuse officer is in place. Complete Complete GAA Club Constitution adopted and in place Plan Implementation appointed by Adult Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy Under age registration GAA online Club Advice Manual used by Club Officers ( All Players and Members registered on GAA online registration system. All teams affiliated to the Player Injury Fund. All Club property vesting documents in order and Club Trustees up to date Adult registration night Currently: Fr. Michael Byrne. To make sure that the Club is being run in accordance with GAA Adult Secretary Complete rules. To monitor the implementation of the Club plan Francis O Brien January 2013 Policy is already complete but should be included on the Club website and available in the Clubhouse Circulate a letter in both schools prior to the underage registration night To assess the use of this toolkit by the Club to help all Club officers with administration in the Club To comply with GAA regulations on registration of players and members Francis O Brien January 2013 Club Registrar January 2013 Adult/Underage March 2013 Secretary Club Registrar March 2013 To safeguard all of the Clubs property Adult Secretary March 2013 Assess the possibility/necessity of holding an adult registration night Adult committee & Club registrar March

16 THEME 4: CLUB STRUCTURES AND ADMINISTRATION Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Attracting Volunteers Assess ways of attracting younger volunteers for administration roles. Coiste Na Nóg April 2013 Implement best practice in terms of recruiting and retaining volunteers Welcome booklet Assess the possibility of joining with the Camogie and Ladies Football Club GAA Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit used by Club officers ( Assess ways of attracting more parents to volunteer for under-age teams or administration perhaps by holding a members volunteer night so all members (ladies & men) can meet Draw up panel of members available for once-off projects (e.g. Club maintenance, fund raisers, etc.) Develop a welcome booklet for new members with contact details and the main Club officers/roles. This should also contain the policies adopted by the Club Creating one Club for ladies and men To assess the use of this toolkit by the Club to follow best practice in terms of recruiting and retaining volunteers Finance & 2014 Fundraising Adult Secretary 2014 Adult GAA committee & Ladies Camogie and Football club Adult/underage secretary December 2013 March

17 THEME 5: COMMUNICATION PR AND C ULTURE Where we aim to be in 5 years: Our Club is the best possible sporting, cultural and social organisation in our Community. All our members and supporters are connected through traditional and new media. Our members in the community are aware of everything that is happening in the Club. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Appoint a parent/selector from each age group to /text the Club PRO with relevant details about their team on a weekly basis Communicate all news to the relevant people The PRO is then responsible for ensuring this information is coordinated and communicated (see next point below). The same information should be posted on Facebook, the website and the local newspaper. This will improve the profile of the Club and encourage more parents to get involved. Coaching & games committee PRO Jan/Feb 2013 Once a week PRO will send one to the local paper (for Rathgarogue Cushinstown notes), to the offical Facebook administrator and to the official website administrator Weekly Club notes in the local newspaper To inform the local community about all of the Clubs activities results, fixtures, match reports and lotto results. PRO Weekly Official Club website Where possible, match reports should be improved and scores available to give underage players better recognition. Continue to enhance and improve our excellent Club website. Ensure it is up to date and as informative as possible within GAA social media and our own Club guidelines. Brendan Lyng Weekly Official Club Twitter Account Actively use Twitter in line with GAA social media recommendations and our own Club guidelines. Alan O Shea Weekly 15

18 THEME 5: COMMUNICATION PR AND C ULTURE Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Official Club Facebook page Continue to enhance and improve our excellent Club Facebook page. Ensure it is up-to-date and as informative as possible with results, fixtures, photos, teams, lotto results etc. Alan O Shea Promote Club Lotto Collect addresses and phone number for all Club members Utilise and improve the webtext system Ensure this is maintained within the GAA social media recommendations and our own Club guidelines Assess the possibility of advertising the lotto at different locations throughout the parish (on private property to reduce cost) eg: Cassagh, Ballywilliam, Ballinaboola. and phone numbers will be available for all Club members in one central location from the Club registrar. This will be collected as part of the Club registration process (e.g.: registration form) and will have a formal opt in/out option that people mark with an X if they are happy to be contacted via /phone. This will allow us to communicate directly with all Club members Ensure a process is put in place around webtext usage to determine its best use in the Club. Finance & February 2013 Fundraising Club registrar April 2013 Seámus Doran April 2013 Information board erected at entrance to the Club This could be used to ensure greater integration between adult and underage members. Assess the possibility, necessity, cost and benefit of erecting an information board at the entrance to the Club. This could be used to communicate games and the Club lotto. If erected a person needs to be in charge of keeping the information up to date. June 2013 Club to increase the number of people entering Scór competitions and promote use of Irish language To promote Irish music and dance and to attract new people to the Club. A Scór Officer should be appointed. Paul Barron

19 THEME 5: COMMUNICATION PR AND C ULTURE Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Assess the possibility/appetite for publishing a Club yearbook/calendar To record all Club activities for the year in one publication in order to raise the image of the Club in the locality. This could include player profiles, panel photos etc. PRO October 2014 Issue bi-annual Club newsletter Achievement of this objective will depend on the success of the previous steps in To better inform all Club members of the Club s activities. This should also be distributed in the two primary schools. PRO/Adult committee October 2014 Assess the possibility of an online monthly newsletter with fixtures, news, events and banter. Assess the possibility of including slogans and banners around the GAA grounds Achievement of this objective will depend on the success of the previous steps in To promote best practice and the profile of the Club

20 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW OF THE PLAN Where we aim to be in 5 years: In so far as possible all of the actions across each theme above will be implemented by the person/committee responsible. If an action is not implemented a reason will be provided in this document outlining why it was not achieved. This Plan is a live document. It will be reviewed, assessed and adapted to ensure it provides the platform for the Club in reaching its potential over the next five years. Action/task Outcome/how will it be achieved Responsibility Completion date Plan implementation sub committee appointed Review Sub-committee appointed at the first adult committee meeting in 2013 This sub-committee will meet three times during 2013 and assess the progress of the plan against its stated objectives and will report directly to the Club Adult. Francis O Brien January 2013 Plan implementation sub committee March/June/ September Annual review In 2014 to 2017 the committee will meet bi-annually. This team will decide on the most appropriate method to carry out a comprehensive annual review of the Plan. This will involve the assessment of the current objectives, their appropriateness for the needs of the Club and the identification of additional initiatives and goals. If required, the Plan will be modified and adapted as required. The will also be responsible for communicating the modified Plan to all Club members. Plan implementation sub committee April and September 1st November every year 18

21 MISSION AND VALUES Mission: The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation. The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irish identity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games and the values we live enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. We are committed to active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all our members to achieve their full potential in their chosen roles. Values: To welcome everyone in the community as members of the Club regardless of background To manage all Club affairs in an atmosphere of teamwork and unity between all sections of the Club To have respect for the efforts of all colleagues and volunteers in the Club and strive to improve the Club through constructive ideas. Ensure a safe and protective environment for children To reward commitment and participation at all ages and provide encouragement and involvement to players of all abilities To promote a mutually beneficial relationship with the local community To promote the Irish Language and Irish Culture 19

22 A PPENDIX 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Club President sits on the adult committee Chairman a guide to the role of Chairman can be found at Secretary a guide to the role of Secretary can be found at Treasurer a guide to the role of Chairman can be found at PRO a guide to the role of PRO can be found at Child welfare officer sits on the underage committee see page 22 for main responsibilities Designated officer sits on the adult committee - liaison person that works with the child welfare officer to investigate or validate child protection allegations or concerns within the Club ASAP officer sits on the adult committee implement the ASAP policy Club registrar sits on the adult committee - registration of all players, maintain database of people trained in first aid, garda vetted list, trained coaches, insurance etc. For more details see page 21. Purchasing officer sits on the adult committee - generally the Club treasurer, purchases all gear/hurls etc. required by the Club Field booking officer Sits on the adult, under-age committee (and shop committee if possible) maintains field bookings mentors must book all games with the field booking officer Players rep sits on the adult committee acts as a link between the committee and all players Club coaching officer sits on the adult committee - see page 21 for main responsibilities Club/school link coordinator sits on the Coaching & Games - see page 21 for main responsibilities County board rep sits on the county board committee and reports back to the adult Club committee District rep sits on the district committee and reports back to the adult Club committee Recruitment officer & scór officer (both new in 2013) 20

23 A PPENDIX 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES RESPONSIBILITIES Coaching officer The main role of the Coaching and Games Officer is to promote best practice in coaching and games development in the Club, helping to ensure that there is a regular programme of games for all players. The coaching and games officer should work closely with the Club Chairman and the Club Executive to help put in place the best possible coaching and games development structures for the Club. The coaching and games officer should ensure that Go-Games are adopted as best practice in the Club, that a Cul Camp is organised each summer and that a regular programme of games is provided for child and youth players by participating in internal blitzes and blitzes with other Clubs etc. He/she should ensure that all Club coaches have received the appropriate GAA Coach Education training and that Club coaches use all available resources, including the GAA Fun-Do coach education pack. To manage coaching programmes at all ages To work with the school liaison officer to develop and cement links between the school and the Club To develop a link with all coaches on the subject of practice matches, trips away e.g. playing teams from other counties. For more information on all aspects of coaching and games activity, consult the games development section of this report and the Games section of the GAA website Club/school link co-ordinator The main responsibilities of the Club/school co-ordinator are to: 21 Liase with the local school teachers to promote Go-Games and the Ú-Can Awards in the school and to work closely with the Club Coaching and Games Officer in all aspects of coaching and games development in the Club. To organise coaching and other events within the school (e.g.: a class blitz). For more information on the Club/school link, consult the games development section of this manual and the Games section of the GAA website. Role of Coiste na Nóg Chairman and To oversee the smooth running of the underage section within the Club. To help interact with all persons in positions within Coiste na nóg. To report to the adult committee on all issues. To ensure that all children are treated equally. To explore ways to develop the Club and retain players (as in a youth Club or bonding days to address the issue of fall-off rate from Under16s to minors as experienced in all Clubs.) Club Registrar The Club Registrar is responsible for ensuring that the Club is up-to-date in the registration of players and members. Each year, a Club must complete two registrations i.e. the registration of Full and Youth members and the registration of players in accordance with rule 2.2 and 2.3 of the Official Guide. Registration is now facilitated on the on-line GAA Player and Member registration system, which is the only acceptable method of registering players and members with the GAA. Each Club Registrar is provided with a password to this system and therefore the Club Registrar needs access to broadband internet and have reasonable PC skills. For more on this visit

24 A PPENDIX 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Club Child Welfare officer This position is compulsory in the Club. Formerly known as the Youth Officer, the title of this post is being amended to reflect the legal status of a child in Ireland. The adopted definition by the GAA of a child is any person under the age of 18 years, excluding a person who is not or has not been married. The Children s Officer shall have as his/her primary aim the establishment of a child and youth centred ethos within the Club and will be viewed by many as the link between the children/young people or their parents and the Club. The person chosen for this role shall have the confidence of parents, mentors and children alike as somebody that can represent the views of others and ensure that the Club acknowledges and delivers upon their responsibilities at all times. The Club Children s Officer shall be a person of high integrity, shall have good communicative skills and shall have knowledge as to how the Club can ensure the rights of young people are respected and maintained. It is the responsibility of the Children s Officer to regularly report to the Adult on how Club policy and procedures and the participation of young people in the Club may be impacting on the welfare and safeguarding of under-age players and their coaches/mentors. The Club Children s Officer should ensure, in as far as possible, that: All players, Coaches/Team mentors, Parents/Guardians, Officials and spectators adhere to the GAA Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport. Assist with organising the delivery of the Code of Ethics (ISC/SportNI) training within the Club and other appropriate training in consultation with the Club s Designated Person (see next page). Distribute copies of the GAA Joint Code of Behaviour at Club level and ensure that all mentors in particular sign and abide by the Code. Influence policy and practice within the Club in order to prioritise children s and young people s needs. Ensure all coaches are Garda Vetted 22 Club Children s Officers do not have the responsibility to investigate or validate child protection allegations or concerns within the Club. The liaison person appointed by the Club to deal with such concerns is the Club s Designated Person as per the GAA Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse (Fourth Edition). For further and more detailed information on this role within the Club, consult the Child Welfare section of the GAA website, A guide to the role of the Club Chairman, Club Secretary, Club Treasurer and Club PRO can be found at the following link: Role of the parent/guardian To encourage your child to play by the rules. To respect everyone on the team regardless of their ability, cultural background or religion and never to use embarrassing, flippant or sarcastic remarks towards them. To respect officials decisions and encourage your child to do likewise. Not to enter the field of play unless specifically invited to do so by an official in charge. To show encouragement and approval for effort and participation regardless of the result. Avoid asking How much did you score today? or How much did you win/lose by? Instead ask, Did you enjoy the game? To ensure that your child attends punctually and is collected on time from coaching sessions, games or other activities within the Club. To endeavour, as far as possible, to attend Club matches and fundraising events and to assist in Club activities. To ensure that the nutrition, hydration and hygiene needs of your child are met. Always listen to what our young people have to say.

25 A PPENDIX 1: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The supporter s role To applaud good performances and effort from your Club players and opponents regardless of the outcome. To condemn the use of violence in any form by players, fellow spectators, coaches or officials. To encourage players to participate in accordance with game rules and the decisions of the referee. Never to enter the field of play. To demonstrate appropriate behaviour by not using foul language or harassing players, mentors or officials. Never to ridicule or scold a player for a mistake. Instead, encourage them. To show respect for your Clubs opponents. Remember, without them there would be no game. To uphold the principles of fair play and respect for all. 23

26 A PPENDIX 2: CLUB HISTORY Rathgarogue Art McMurroughs was founded in 1902, and success came quickly. They won the Junior Hurling Championship in 1903 and were successful in the Senior Hurling championship in 1905 and 1912 (there was no Intermediate championship at the time). The Rathgarogue Art McMurroughs went out of existence in and a team from the Rathgarogue area did not take the field again until The GAA in the Cushinstown/Terrerath side of the parish was some time later getting off the ground. Teams took the field from Cassagh and there was a team from Camblin, but the first records of a team from Cushinstown being affiliated to the GAA was in 1925 when they played in the New Ross District Football Championship. The following panel played on the day: Pat Whelan (capt), Martin Byrne, Davy Byrne, Martin Quigley, Martin Cosgrave, Mickey Byrne, Robert Bennett, Patrick Bennett, Paddy Monahan, John Summers, Marks Cooney, John Morrissey, John Coleman, John Kennedy, Lar Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Tom Kennedy, Bill Byrne (goal keeper), Stephen Kelly, Jimmy Doran, Michael Rice and Michael Murphy. The chairman and selector was Mickey Kelly, Ballinaboola (he lived in the post office now Graces). The whole parish was united and played together from then until 1950 when Rathgarogue re-formed. There were two teams in the parish until Titles were lost during that sporting civil war - men from Rathgarogue played for Cushinstown and vice versa, with even members of the same family lining out in opposition to each other on occasion. In 1962 the half parishes met in the District Junior Hurling Final, with Cushinstown coming out on top after a hard encounter, however they lost in the County Semi-Final. A united team would surely have won the County Title that year. After many years of disunity both Clubs merged, and Rathgarogue-Cushinstown became one Club. This is the beginning of the Club we have now.the newly merged forces of Rathgarogue- Cushinstown played many a stirring battle with great rivals and near neighbours Adamstown. Rathgarogue-Cushinstown and Adamstown met regularly in the District Junior Hurling Finals and the annual clash of the teams was the highlight of the year for both parishes, with O'Kennedy Park, New Ross always packed to capacity. On four occasions in those 1960's finals against Adamstown, teams from the parish came out on top. However Our Lady's Island, Shelmaliers and Blackwater put paid to their hopes at the County Semi-Final stage, and the Hollow Rangers (now Marshalstown-Castledockrell) denied them in their one County Final appearance. The Club had to wait until 1977 for their next County Final appearance when Glynn-Barntown beat them in Junior Hurling decider. However the Club had the makings of a great team and success wasn't long postponed and the signs were there that Rathgarouge-Cushinstown were ready to assume the mantle as the District's hurling flag-bearers. The breakthrough came in the 1979 when they beat Clonee in the County Junior Hurling Final. This win might have been expected, but what wasn't expected was the upsurge in the Club's football fortunes as there was little or no tradition of the big ball game in the parish prior to this. The Junior Footballers won the County Title in 1980, and the following year they contested both the Intermediate Football and Hurling Finals. The hurlers lost to neighbours Rathnure, but the footballers beat Naomh Eanna to capture the title and go into the Senior Football ranks for the first time ever. In 1985, the Junior B Hurlers won the county title, and in 1990 the Junior B footballers were champions was a particularly special and joyous year for the Club as both the Intermediate Hurlers and Footballers won the county title. The footballers beat Fethard by one point in their final while the hurlers disposed of Marshalstown after a pulsating replay to win a history-making double. In 1992 both teams, playing in the senior championship reached the county semi finals. The footballers were defeated by Duffry Rovers and a last minute goal from Buffers Alley knocked out the hurlers. In the same year 24

27 A PPENDIX 2: CLUB HISTORY the hurlers had a bad run in the league and were relegated from the senior ranks. The footballers retained their status until 1995 when they were back in the intermediate grade. Between 1997 and 2006 the Club reached 5 intermediate county finals only to face heartache on every occasion. In 1997 the footballers were beaten by Gusserane after a replay, 1999 defeated by St. Pats and 2004 defeated by Ballyhogue, again after a replay. The hurlers were defeated in 2000 by Monageer Boolavogue and in 2001 by a Gorey outfit powered by veterans Ger Cushe and Billy Byrne. In 2006, after a number of the same players had participated in 7 county finals (allowing for the two drawn games) the intermediate hurlers beat arch rivals Geraldine O Hanrahans in the county final on a scoreline of 0.11 to Understandably, this win was met with scenes of wild celebration and a great outpouring of emotion. The hurlers retained their senior status until History of Fr. John Grennan G.A.A Park After decades of playing hurling and football in fields kindly given by the farmers who were involved in, or sympathetic towards, the GAA, the Club took the decision to purchase their own pitches in the late 1970s, and a sub-committee was appointed to search for a suitable field. was the main driving force behind the G.A.A. grounds) was officially opened in 1999 by Liam Griffin and Wexford played Waterford in a Senior Hurling challenge match on the day to acknowledge the significance of the day. Fund raising has been going on since land for the new pitches was purchased in The first major fund raiser was a house to house collection throughout the parish. It was later decided to hold a Mayoral Election and three candidates were chosen, Martin O' Dwyer, Ballywilliam, Paddy Bennett, Terrerath and Wally O' Brien, Cushinstown. The three candidates put in a tremendous amount of work in the lead up to the election night and it was Cushinstown's Wally O'Brien who received the mayoral chain, and the funds raised were more than expected. Money from the National Lottery was acquired in 1992 and the next big fundraiser was a 10 draw for 10,000. Grants were received from the Leinster and Central Council for the purchase of the field and from the Leinster Council for the building of the Club House. Today funds for the day to day running of the Club are raised from the running of the fortnightly Club lotto and through the selling of the Model County Draw tickets. It wasn't until 1984 that former Club chairman Jack Sutton agreed to sell the field where the pitches are now located to the Club. The development of the pitch was carried out by the Kehoe Brothers Boley in In 1986 the grass was sown and the first training session to take place on the new pitch was on Tuesday, 22nd September, Work on the Club house started in 1994 and were finished in The first A.G.M. was held in the meeting room in January Fr. John Grennan Memorial Park (named after the late Fr. John Grennan who 25

28 A PPENDIX 2: CLUB HISTORY Jamsie Kinsella (RIP) Jamsie Kinsella who hailed from Cassagh, gave a lifetime of service to the G.A.A. He was Club chairman for about 35 years! At that time it seems that the chairman ran the whole show, raising funds, buying hurls, selecting teams etc. and he kept the G.A.A. alive in the parish when times were far more difficult than they are today. He was New Ross District Chairman for the best part of 20 years and also a member of the County Board for just as long. He was an inter-county selector for many years and his long service was rewarded in 1961 when he was a selector on the intermediate hurling team that won the All Ireland title. His proudest moment was when he was a selector on the County Minor hurling team that won the All-Ireland title in Croke Park in 1963, when future stars like Tony Doran, Vincent Staples and Willie Carley were under his guidance. The G.A.A. was an integral part of his life and if any such policy could be attributed to Jamsie it was Mol an oige agus tiochfaidh si (praise the youth and they will come with you ) 26

29 A PPENDIX 2: CLUB HISTORY Club Chairmen early 1930's Mickey Kelly (Cushinstown) 1930's-1955 Jamsie Kinsella (Cushinstown) Fr. John Byrne & Aidan Somers (Rathgarogue) 1956 Davy O'Connor (Cushinstown) Jamsie Kinsella (Cushinstown) Jamsie Kinsella (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) John Bolger (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Michael Murphy (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) 1978 Jack Murphy (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) John Bolger (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Fr. John Grennan (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Norman Farragher (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Walter O'Brien (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Noel Dunne (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) 1999-Paddy Bennett (Rathgarogue/Cushinstown) Robbie O'Connor 2007-John Bourke 2008-Martin Whelan 2009-present Davy O Dwyer Adult Club Roll of Honour 1902 County Junior Hurling Champions 1903 County Senior Hurling Champions 1912 County Senior Hurling Champions 1979 County Junior Hurling Champions 1980 County Junior Football Champions 1981 County Intermediate Football Champions 1985 County Junior "B" Hurling Champions 1990 County Junior "B" Football Champions 1991 County Intermediate Hurling Champions 1991 County Intermediate Football Champions 2006 County Intermediate Hurling Champions 27 Underage Roll of Honour 1978 County U-16 Hurling Champions (with Rathnure) 1978 County U-16 Football Champions (with Rathnure) 1979 County U-14 Football Champions (with Rathnure) 1980 County U-18 Hurling Champions (with Rathnure) 1993 County U-21 Hurling Champions (with Rathnure) 1989 County U-16 Hurling Champions 1991 County U-12 Hurling Champions 1991 County U-18 Football Champions 1994 County U-16 Football Champions 1997 County U-18 Hurling Champions 2006 County U-16 Hurling Champions 2006 County U-14 Football Champions 2009 County U-12 Football Champions 2011 County U-16 Hurling Champions 2011 County U -14 Football Champions Intermediate Hurling Champions 2006 the last adult county title won by Rathgarogue-Cushinstown GAA Club

30 A PPENDIX 3: ATTENDEES AT PLANNING FORUM AND FOCUS GROUPS Attendees at planning forum (held on 15th November 2012) Aileen Boland Robert O' Connor Eoghan Whelan Patricia McGrath Anthony Dillon Enda Doran Paul Barron Victor O' Connor Tommy Doyle Odhrán Furlong Brendan Murphy Pat Kehoe Valerie Slattery Frank Cleary Richie Murphy Caroline Barron Larry O' Brien Padraig McGrath Connie Murphy Jim Finn Davy O Dwyer John-Michael Porter James Murphy Aaron O Neill Marty Breen Sean Bolger Tomás Young Mary Martin Carroll James Bolger Sinéad McCarthy Kathleen Carroll Charlie Kent Philip Sinnott Tommy Argue Martin Ryan Jim Kavanagh Marianne Argue Cormac Quinn Ger Cody Kevin Lyng Joe Morrissey PJ Walsh John Phelan Séan Leacy Francis O' Brien Ben Keevey Willie Leacy Michael Whitty Pat Finn Billy O' Hanlon Walter O Brien Mick Finn John Bolger Des Croke (facilitator) PJ O Farrell John O' Neill Brian O Neill Eileen McGrath Seamus Doran Mary Furlong Pat Devereux Pat McGrath Alan O Shea Thomas Furlong Mark Carroll Seámus Kehoe Andrew Carroll Garry Murphy Eanna Whelan Brendan Lyng Focus Group 1: Coaching and games development Tomás Young* Brian O Neill Aaron O Neill Pat Devereux Kevin Lyng John Michael Porter Eanna Whelan Cormac Quinn Ger Cody Paudie McGrath Gerry McQuaid Kay Connolly Anthony Dillon Focus Group 2: Facilities and development Robbie O Connor* Mick Finn Mark Carroll Marianne Argue Tommy Argue Andrew Carroll Billy O Hanlon Focus Group 3: Finance and fundraising Brendan Murphy* Enda Doran Philip Sinnott Seámus Doran Caroline Barron John Phelan Charlie Kent Focus Group 4: Club structures and administration Valerie Slattery* Aileen Boland Patricia McGrath Caroline Barron Victor O Connor Sinéad McCarthy Connie Murphy Mary Furlong Focus Group 5: Communication PR and culture Francis O Brien* Brendan Lyng * CHAIRPERSON Seámus Kehoe Alan O Shea 28

31 A PPENDIX 4: CLUB STRUCTURE Adult Adult committee Coiste Na Nóg (Under Age ) Finance & Fundraising Shop Coaching and Games 29