A chairde,
I hope you are keeping well and safe.
I am pleased to confirm that despite the GAA’s decision that indoor GAA facilities should remain closed GAA Handball clubs will proceed to phase 2 of the Return to Play Roadmap and are permitted to reopen indoor facilities on Monday 20th July in line with the recommendations outlined in the previously released Safe Return to Play Roadmap.
I know this is a most welcome development for a lot of our members and clubs are reminded that the return to play on Monday is in line with recommendations in the GAA Handball Return to Play Document and that clubs and members are required to follow same in order to allow a safe return for members.
Clubs are also reminded that there is no onus on any club to reopen immediately should they not feel comfortable in doing so.
Before opening, clubs should have familiarised themselves with the return to play document, watched the online webinar, completed the online education module, appointed Covid Supervisor(s), have a booking system in place and have the required signage and sanitizing equipment in place.
There are a number of updates with regards to the return to play as follows:
UPDATED ROADMAP
Following the update from the NI Government in terms of a resumption of indoor sporting activity in the six counties, Phase 2 of the Return to Play Roadmap for clubs in Northern Ireland has now been updated to reflect same with the date for Phase 2 for clubs in Northern Ireland brought forward to 20th July in line with the rest of the country. The updated roadmap is attached to this email.
CHECKLIST POSTERS
Click Here for Player Checklist Poster
Click Here for Club Checklist Poster
VIDEO - GET IN, TRAIN, GET OUT
GAA HANDBALL ONLINE SHOP
The GAA Handball Online Shop is now open once more. Please allow extra time for deliveries due to some restrictions still in place. Please note there will be no public access to the National Office until further notice.
CLÁR
CCCC are currently working on an updated Clár. It is planned to resume competitions in the 60x30 code. Depending on available venues and volunteers a Clár will be composed to allow for as much competitive Handball as possible in the safest possible environment while also ensuring our volunteers safety at all times. It is also a priority to complete the outstanding 40x20 finals postponed in March later in the year. A decision will be made on other codes too depending on available space in the clár and availability of facilities.
Information is available to clubs at the below links:
Return to play document & Roadmap
In the meantime if a club requires any further clarification please email info.handball@gaa.ie and we will endeavour to provide same.
Finally I wish you all a safe return to indoor play on Monday and hope you enjoy getting back in the courts and playing Handball.
Is mise le meas,
John Kelly
National Manager
GAA Handball