Protests planned for Leinster camogie finals this weekend
Gaelic Players Association (GPA) CEO Tom Parsons says the Camogie Association's rule on skorts is 'not fit for purpose' and claims it does not stand up to Irish or European sports policy.
In the light of player protest over existing playing attire, the Camogie Association has called a Special Congress on May 22 to debate the question of whether players should be allowed the choice of wearing shorts. But after a similar motion failed last year, Parsons said players won't be forced to go against prevailing player welfare concerns.
Speaking on Wednesday at a briefing on the GPA's AGM which took place on Monday, he spoke strongly on the topic that has generated international headlines after Dublin and Kilkenny players were made to change out of shorts to let their Leinster semi-final go ahead. Gaelic Players Association (GPA) CEO Tom Parsons. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
'On the basis of player welfare and policy and Sport Ireland's policy and European policy and the engagements we've had with the European athletes, there's a player welfare issue here,' said Parsons.
'So you can't force players to wear a garment that is causing anxiety amongst a cohort of players. Why do we have rules? It's to serve the membership. We have a rule that's not fit for purpose.
'I just hope, for the sake of the Camogie Association, and there's fantastic people in the Camogie Association, that they really read the GPA paper. Because this isn't about skorts or shorts, it's about choice and it's about player welfare. And if you have one player that leaves the game because of the attire they're forced to wear, it's just not good enough.' The Camogie Association has called a Special Congress on May 22 to debate the question of whether players should be allowed the choice of wearing shorts. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher
The Munster final between Cork and Waterford was postponed at the 11th hour after both teams announced that they intended to wear shorts on the day, rather than the traditional skort — shorts with a panel of fabric that makes them have the appearance of a skirt.
'This was a player welfare issue,' added Parsons. 'Players are feeling anxious. Numerous players talked to us about ringing photographers at the game to say, can I check those photos? 'The rule should have been suspended if it's a player welfare concern.'
Meanwhile, the GPA issued a statement on Wednesday outlining planned protests for this Saturday's Leinster camogie finals. Players plan to wear shorts as an act of protest against the skorts rules but are willing to change into skorts to avoid the games being called off. The GPA issued a statement on Wednesday outlining planned protests for this Saturday's Leinster camogie finals. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
That statement, issued on behalf of senior finalists Wexford and Kilkenny, and intermediate finalists Carlow and Laois said: 'Today, we come together, united, to make an almost impossible choice because camogie authorities refuse to do so. We will be togged out in shorts at Cullen Park on Saturday and we want our choice to be respected.
'However, if the current outdated rule is enforced, we will change into skorts, solely to ensure the games are not abandoned. We will play the games under protest.'
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