Only way to Go says chief Liam
FORMER GAA president Liam O’neill has launched a robust defence of the Go Games model in light of recent controversy.
Go Games have been in existence for the last 13 years and are typically run on a blitz basis from under-12 down with no competitive or knockout element. The matches are small-sided with all players guaranteed game time and scores not to be published, while trophies should not be presented.
However, with the rule being flouted in places, the GAA sent out a notification to clubs recently reminding them that there had been no change to existing policy as well as the sanctions for a breach of rule.
The matter was discussed on RTE 1’s current affairs show Upfront with Katie Hannon with speakers for and against, though former inter-county football referee Rory Hickey was among those who spoke strongly in favour of Go Games, citing the abuse that teenage referees suffer from overzealous coaches during underage games that have a competitive element.
O’neill, who was president from 2012-15, then weighed in, saying: “I was proud to be part of this. I think it was one of the best decisions we ever made.
“The Go Games was a move to make underage games child-centric. The child was at the centre of it.
“In this, because it’s short-sided, because it’s conditioned, because there are rules like one solo, one hop, you can’t go from one end of the field to the other, everybody gets involved.”
The point was made that children need to develop coping mechanisms for winning and losing.
O’neill cited his experience as a school teacher over a 40-year period.
He added: “We know they can keep the score, we know they can count but the point we’re making is, that doesn’t decide your status in life, whether you win or lose.
“It’s the fact that you played the game and you enjoy it.”