LGFA: You’ll train at your ‘own risk’

THE Ladies Gaelic Football Association has suspended its player injury fund in response to reports that some teams had planned to return to training next month. The LGFA’s management committee took the decision to suspend its insurance scheme after it claimed that ‘some LGFA groups intend hiring or using facilities (private and public open spaces) outside of GAA grounds to commence training in small groups’ from June 8. That is the date when phase two of the Government’s roadmap allowed for teams to return to non-contact training in small groups. However, the LGFA made it clear earlier this month that it would not sanction the return of organised training sessions at inter-county level. ‘Games will not be played until October at the earliest. The LGFA is recommending that inter-county training should cease for now and should only resume when it is advised to do so,’ advised an LGFA statement last week. It has not been clarified if it was club or county teams – or both – who had intended to return to training next month, but the LGFA warned that players would do so at their own risk. ‘Should an individual sustain an injury and incur medical costs while taking part in an online training session or an individual training program from 22nd May, the individual will be personally responsible for all such costs. ‘The GAA Public Liability Insurance stands suspended until July 20th,’ confirmed yesterday’s statement. ‘Return to Train & Return to Play protocols are currently being drawn up by the GAA Covid-19 Advisory group and will be circulated when completed and agreed in June. In the meantime we are urging all members to stay vigilant and to stay safe.’