Blueprint for major change Must be ruthless Much more expected from clubs

Football report published

THE findings of the Football Commission established in 1989 were published in the Wicklow and Bray People newspapers around this week 31 years ago.

The articles on the report took centre stage in that week’s edition, claiming three quarters of the centre spread of the newspaper with lively headlines such as ‘Radical Blueprint For Major Change’.

We republish the articles to see what exactly has changed.

Radical changes to bring about a vast improvement in Gaelic football in Wicklow are proposed in a lengthy and detailed report prepared by a Football Commission set up in the county last year.

This report has already been considered by the Co. Management Committee and, with the exception of a few minor changes, has been accepted in principle.

But it will now go before the 80-strong Co. Board Committee at the June meeting for approval and if accepted, will bring about some immediate changes. In essence the report calls for: A reduction in Senior championship teams to 12, plus four divisional group sides made up of representatives from lower grade clubs.

A greater emphasis on the importance of leagues with relegation also bringing a demotion at championship level.

A move to give the Co. Management Committee greater authority in running affairs and a cutback in the amount of decision-making by the Co. Committee.

Higher standards expected from clubs before they can affiliate.

Appointment of a management team for the county Senior football side for a period of up to three years.

The formation of a Co. Supporters Club.

A greater emphasis on juvenile affairs with particular attention to schools and colleges.

A change in recruitment standards for principal officerships.

Ruthlessness in dealing with clubs and individuals who bring the game into disrepute.

The setting up of a juvenile board in the Bray area with links to schools and colleges.

THE Commission clearly recognises the need for discipline by suggesting that the Co. Board be ruthless in dealing with clubs and individuals who bring the game into disrepute.

It suggests that the GAA must aim for a fast, skillful and free-flowing game in order to improve standards and to be in a position to compete with the best.

And the report says curtly - ‘Any clubs who do not aspire to these standards do not have any role to play in the future of the county.’

The Commission suggests that grade ‘A’ and ‘B’ referees liase and alternate with neighbouring county referees in Dublin, Kildare, Carlow and Wexford on a given number of occasions each year.

The report also urges that the Referees’ Committee lays down a set of main guidelines on playing rules to be strictly adhered to for every game.

It suggests that some players cannot be allowed to continue as they are at present because skillful footballers would not be allowed develop leading to a deterioration in the game.

The Commission recommends the following:

Appointment of inspectors by Referees’ Committee to oversee proposals, and all new referees to be interviewed by their committee.

Directives to each referee on a regular basis by the Referees’ Committee, and referees’ representatives be appointed to the supporters club.

Clubs be notified individually on Refereeing directives at time of affiliation.

Playing pitches not up to standard are to be reported, especially with insurance playing such an important role in the association.

Swift action against clubs who field undisciplined players/teams.

CLUBS will be screened and expected to maintain high standards when applying for affiliation each year, the Commission has recommended.

While most of the 12 rules set down already apply, there are a number of points that will force clubs to operate on a more professional level.

For instance, each club must supply at least one referee for adult competitions and every club must have a football officer.

Senior officers of the club will be expected to liaise with FÁS to develop job opportunities in local areas.

All future development plans that cost in excess of €10,000 will require ratification by the Co. Management Committee.