GAA to seek public feedback on whether county managers should be paid
It's part of a survey that has been issued as the Association carries out a review of its amateur status and proposals arising from it may be voted on at Special Congress later this year.
The Amateur Status Review Committee (ASRC), chaired by Prof David Hassan, was established last year by GAA president Jarlath Burns, who has expressed a preference for putting managers on contracts rather than continuing with the practice of under the table payments, which has been ongoing for many years now and has implications with the Revenue Commissioner.
Following a presentation by ASRC to the GAA's Management Committee, it has been decided to seek feedback of the GAA membership on matters such as 'whether they support the establishment of a governance oversight unit to potentially enforce the GAA's amateur status', with the survey form available on gaa.ie.
'Members will also be invited to make recommendations on how the amateur status can be protected, and whether they support the introduction of an agreed allowance for senior inter-county team managers or, indeed, whether adherence to a strict expenses model should be enforced,' read a GAA statement.
'Feedback will also be gauged about attitudes towards reducing the number of hours asked of inter-county players every week, the length of time designated for a closed season and whether foreign-based training camps should be permitted.'
The consultation process will conclude next month, with the ASRC reporting back to Central Council in the autumn with recommendations, some of which may come before Special Congress on October 4 and others in February's Annual Congress.
Burns commented: 'The amateur status is such an important core value of the GAA that it is only right that we carry out a review to ensure that it is fit for purpose in 2025.
'I know of no one in the GAA who feels that our amateur status is something to be abolished – yet within that, we have a situation where the preparation of inter-county teams is costing more than €40m and placing unsustainable burdens on our volunteer led county boards, and the time demands on players are also at an all-time high.
'Establishing the views of our members and players is critically important as part of this review and I urge people to make the most of the opportunity to have their voice heard.'
The survey form can be accessed here.
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