Organising challenge games in Dublin GAA (not LGFA) involves several important steps, including obtaining approval, adhering to scheduling rules regarding the separation of hurling and football weekends, and ensuring coverage under the GAA Injury Fund. Here’s what clubs need to know:

1. Obtaining Approval for Challenge Games
Before any challenge game can take place, official approval must be secured. The process is as follows:

  • The requesting club (host club) must submit a formal request to the Dublin County Board. Forms are available in the Admin Portal for use by the Club Secretary.
  • The request should include details such as the date, time, location, and teams involved.
  • Both clubs participating in the challenge game must have the necessary permissions in place.
  • Approval is typically granted by the Dublin GAA County Board, but for inter-county or cross-county matches, additional permissions may be required from provincial or national bodies.
  • A challenge game should not proceed without formal approval, as doing so can impact insurance coverage and disciplinary considerations.

2. Separation of Hurling and Football Weekends
Dublin GAA, in line with national regulations, enforces a separation between hurling and football weekends. This means:

  • If a weekend is designated for hurling fixtures, football challenge games are generally not permitted, and vice versa.  Special allowance can be given if the challenge game can be organised on a Friday evening or Sunday; schedule permitting.
  • This rule is in place to avoid conflicts with league and championship matches and to support player welfare by ensuring adequate recovery and preparation time.
  • Clubs should check the official Dublin GAA fixtures calendar when planning challenge games to ensure compliance with these regulations.

3. Coverage by the GAA Injury Fund
One of the most crucial aspects of organising a challenge game is ensuring players are covered by the GAA Injury Fund. To be eligible:

  • The game must have been officially sanctioned by the County Board.
  • The teams involved must be registered and compliant with GAA regulations.
  • If a game is played without approval, any injuries sustained may not be covered under the GAA Injury Fund, leaving clubs and players at financial risk.
  • It is the responsibility of club officials to verify that all necessary approvals are in place to protect their players.

Key Takeaways for Clubs

  • Always seek approval from the Dublin County Board before arranging a challenge game.
  • Be mindful of hurling and football weekend separations to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • Ensure all challenge games are properly sanctioned to maintain eligibility for the GAA Injury Fund.
  • Club Secretaries play a critical role in obtaining approval for any challenge game; therefore, providing insurance coverage and adherance to Dublin GAA rules. Contact the Club Secretary at least 48 hours in advance before agreeing to any challenge games – home or away.

By following these guidelines, clubs can organize challenge games in a way that ensures compliance with Dublin GAA regulations while protecting their players and maintaining the integrity of competitions.