GAA ‘preparing to make radical changes to amateur status of gaelic football and hurling' following fan survey
MONEY GAME GAA 'preparing to make radical changes to amateur status of gaelic football and hurling' following fan survey
THE GAA are in discussions to make a serious change to the amateur status of hurling and Gaelic football.
Per the Irish Independent, the payment of inter-county managers and coaching staff is high on the agenda of the GAA.
2
Jarlath Burns has been very vocal on the underlying issue within the sport
2
The amateur status is one of the core values of the Gaelic Athletic Association
The GAA has remained an amateur organisation since it's inception in 1884, relying almost entirely on volunteers.
As it stands, all managers, coaches and backroom team members are volunteers but that could soon change.
Eleven inter-county football managers have left their role this season, marking four years in-a-row with more than 10 managerial exits.
The GAA conducted a widespread survey on their website asking fans if 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.'
The results of the survey have yet to be revealed but GAA president Jarlath Burns has voiced his opinion.
He said: '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.
"The time demands on players are also at an all-time high. Establishing the views of our members and players is critically important.
'I urge people to make the most of the opportunity to have their voice heard.'
Henry Shefflin among GAA stars at Oasis gigs where Man City tradition made its Croke Park debut
The issue has been something long in the minds of the Association with Burns having spoke up on it last year.
In 2024 the GAA president had said: "I think there will be a debate on whether we should put managers on contract.
"It is nearly a full-time job, the amount of accountability is there. Even when you are winning there can be difficulty listening to criticism."
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