Players voice their concerns over return to action
How can social distancing be enforced on a pitch?
THERE IS little doubt about it: the G.A.A. and sport in general will not cruise back to normal activity, particularly contact sport.
And this stark reality has left the Association’s players pondering whether or not it will be possible to provide adequate health safety measures should they be allowed return to normal club activity at the outset.
With serious doubt still cast over whether club or inter-county games will take place at all this year, one significant takeaway from all the discussions and speculations, is that player safety will need to be elevated much higher up theagenda.
It will be every bit as important, in fact more so, than the possibility of rescheduling the championship, in whatever format.
Even at this stage, the championship as we knew it is a non-runner, with the Association both at national, provincial and county levels now expressing the possibility of holding a knockout championship, should there be a time frame allotted, or given when the lockdown on competitive sports will be lifted.
With facemasks along with social distancing now becoming a key to halting this lockdown, this is making a real statement to the effect that contact sport such as G.A.A., rugby and soccer is still some considerable way down the agenda in terms of getting a return date.
And this in itself casts serious doubt as to whether there will be any championship this year, given that time is running out, and running out fast.
As players wait for answers, the only result so far is uncertainty. The time is fast approaching when players need a definite answer, and a fully-explained championship format should they get a timeframe for when there is a possibility of a return to competitive sport.
Clubs and players are being bombarded with questions, and there is utter confusion, with little guidance from the top of the Association at county level.
The questions being asked are: When will the championship at club level begin? Will there be an inter-county championship? When will the G.A.A. make a decision?
The short reply is, there is no answer right now. And has there been any consideration given to the players, and if they even want to play under such a health threat?
Wexford football star Ben Brosnan has spoken of how tough it is to train in the present climate.
‘We need to stick with the protocols, which is why I find training so difficult,’ he said.
‘It’s not easy on your own, not being involved as a squad, and it’s all the more difficult. It has been tough over the past six to seven weeks.’
Brosnan doesn’t see the new guidelines regarding attendances of up to 5,000 as being of any real assistance.
‘On the club scene it may be okay for early round games, but once the semi-finals and finals are reached, that scenario would fail, particularly when it comes to hurling in Wexford, given the appeal it’s enjoying at the moment,’ he noted.
‘While everyone wants to get back playing, the health authorities and the government will provide the guidelines Social distancing will still be there, it seems, so that in itself rules out contact sports, like football and hurling.
‘Also there is the contact problem within dressing-rooms. I know how hard it is to get a balance, but players’ health would also have to be considered.
‘Like every player, I wonder would the clubs be in a position to guarantee our health safety? That would be difficult at inter-county level too.
‘The health of all players at club level, along with mentors, would have to be a priority, along with others who would be in attendance.
‘Given the impact Covid-19 is still having, I believe for everyone, including players, health must come first.
‘This is vital before a return to competitive sport. I know it’s hard, but it is also going to be a huge call for the players.’
Wexford hurling forward Conor McDonald is of the view that it’s difficult to decide whether it would be safe to play or not.
‘Safety and health of players must be a priority. Like every player I am trying to stay fit and active, but this is a huge issue for the G.A.A.,’ he said.
‘Social distancing and contact is top of the list so we have to go with that. That makes it difficult to see how you can return to competitive games, even at club level.
‘Club is also important, the same applies there as inter-county. I believe nothing should be played until it’s a lot safer.’
McDonald put matters firmly in perspective. ‘This morning we as a club [Naomh Eanna] were unable to attend thefuneralofthelateJoeSheehan.Even many family members were unable to attend.
‘The club provided a guard of honour, standing on footpaths on either side of the road. To me that demonstrates that it would be impossible to have contact sports, as we also had to ensure social distancing. How could you ensure that on a playing pitch?’
‘These are unprecedented times we are in. Players’ health must be a priority,’ McDonald added.
‘Players would have to be guaranteed this before any return to games. You would have 30 to 35 people at a minimum in a small, compact dressing-room, so social distancing would be impossible.
‘We all have family, have parents at home, have grandparents. We would fear bringing the virus home as we cannot guarantee anything.
‘Playing behind closed doors would present the same problems. It would still impact on players.’