Players

The player is central to the GAA Handball and all its activities.  

The welfare of players is of great importance to GAA Handball and the future success of its games. GAA Handball player welfare focuses on safety, injury prevention, mental health and prioritising player wellbeing through concussion/injury protocols. 

Key Player Welfare Information Includes: 

Child Safeguarding and Protection  

Mandatory Code: The Gaelic Games Child Safeguarding Policy is mandatory for all Handball clubs, ensuring a safe environment for players under 18. 

Club Children’s Officer: Each club must appoint a Children’s Officer to oversee compliance with safeguarding policies. 

Vetting: All coaches and relevant personnel working with young players must undergo Garda Vetting. 

Code of Behaviour: Defines best practices for working with young players, promoting fair play and positive conduct. 

GAA Injury Benefit Fund  

Mandatory: The benefit fund provides benefits to registered members playing handball whose clubs are registered with the fund. 

Self-Funded: The GAA Injury Benefit Fund is a funded entirely from GAA funds with no outside involvement. It does not seek to compensate fully for injuries sustained but to supplement other schemes such as Personal Accident or Health Insurance. 

Membership: Any player seeking to benefit from the GAA Injury Benefit Fund must be a registered member of GAA Handball on Foireann at the date of injury.  

Deadlines: Claims must be submitted within 60 days of the injury date.   

Player Welfare Resources 

Tobar: GAA Handball’s learning site, Tobar, contains resources on anti-doping, health, nutrition, and training. 

Welfare Booklet: The GAA Player Welfare Booklet offers comprehensive information on injury, prevention, and management.