Coiste Iomana Discussion document

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The following is a discussion document prepared and circulated for consideration by the Dublin Coiste Iomana (Hurling Committee) at their upcoming meeting. An interesting summary... Do you have any views you'd like to share on the subject? Why not send your comments by clicking HERE

You can download the discussion document (Word format) by clicking HERE

 

 

 

 

Coiste Iomana-A Discussion Document.

 

 

1. Introduction

 

 

This year sees the 10th anniversary of the launch of the blueprint for Change and Success for Dublin Hurling presented to the County Committee in November 2001.

 

In February 2001 the then Hurling Committee assigned six people to the task of producing a format for debate on the ways and means by which the standard of Dublin Hurling could be improved.

 

The initial report from this group was superseded by the appointment of the Hurling Review Group which produced the above mentioned document.


 

 

2. Range of Review

 

 

While the report was wide-ranging in content, for the purpose of debate this Committee might firstly look at how Club Hurling has developed in the meantime.


 

2.1 Under 8 to Under 12

 

 

These competitions are currently organized under the Go-Games rules.

 

While the number of teams can vary from 45 at Under 8 to 64 at Under 12 at least 12 Clubs are fielding more than one team each week.

 

 

Questions:-


Are all clubs satisfied with the current Go-Games structures?

 

 

 Are clubs with GPO's satisfied with the level of coaching and response from local schools?

 

 Should there be more emphasis on coaching at Under 8/9 with Go-Games at Under 10/12?

 

 Are all indoor facilities being utilized during the winter?

 

 As most Go-Games can be 11 a-side competitions how does this serve the weaker club with only one team from Under 13 and later?

 


 

2.2 Under 13 to Under 16


Normal playing rules apply to these games with special exceptions for weaker clubs.

 

 The number of teams competing in these leagues can vary from 48 at Under 13 to 34 at Under 16.

 

 Again there are several clubs fielding more than one team in these competitions.


 

 

Questions:-

 

 

 Should clubs in areas of diminishing population be encouraged to amalgamate or regionalize?

 

Should there be a change of emphasis in coaching and skills training for these age groups in order to maintain interest and development?

 

Should we seek to encourage the phasing out of the dual player at say Under 16?

 

 

 

Should there be a forum whereby Clubs, Colleges and Development Officers could meet to exchange views?

 

Are late developers to the game being missed by the Development Squads?

 

The skills standard in these age groups, particularly in the higher divisions has improved in recent years, and this has been reflected at County and All Ireland levels.

 

It is important that Clubs maintain a constant review of these methods and not allow stagnation to ruin all the good work.


 

 

2.3 Minor and Under 21


 

There are 36 teams competing in the Minor Leagues and the standards displayed at all levels have greatly improved in recent years. Indeed it is mildly disappointing that Dublin have not won an All Ireland in the meantime.

 

 

Questions:-

 

 

 

Clearly there must be a break in competitions at Minor level for exams, but why is there a need to cease all activity from early July to September each year?

 

 

 

 

Could consideration be given to a special Blitz competition being run off during this period?

 

 To avoid a drift from the game at this level should the weaker clubs be encouraged to amalgamate or regionalize particularly for Championship?

 

 Under 21 is still confined to Championship only which is run off in a Blitz fashion during the worst possible time of the year. Notwithstanding this there is great enthusiasm for the games.

 

 

 

Could we not find a window in early spring or July/August to accommodate these games?

 

 Many players are lost to Hurling between 16 and 21. Should there be more scholarships made available to Third Level colleges each year?


 

 

2.4 Adult Competitions


 

 

There are in excess of 90 teams currently participating in Adult Leagues and Championship competitions.

 

 From Senior B down there is general satisfaction with the level of competition, and the standards displayed. The absence of County Players has little or no impact on the clubs participating in leagues below second division.

 

 It is at Senior A championship and League Divisions 1 and 2 that problems continue to arise.

 

 Would it not be possible to play-off the Round Robin series of the A Championship between March and May leaving the Knock - out stages to be played in the summer?

 

 All are agreed that Inter County Games impact mostly on club fixtures. However if there is strict regard to the 13 day rule why can't there more Championship matches played during the summer months.

 

The A Championship is the flagship of Dublin Hurling. Those who play in it or are part of it in any way should be made feel they are involved in something special. There is no reason why all A Championship games can't be given the highest possible status.


 

 

3. Coaching


 

3.1 Most clubs have had the benefit of at least one GPO for their Juvenile teams. Many clubs have engaged the services of outside people to coach and in some cases manage their Adult teams.

 

 3.2 It is noticeable when going around clubs that there is a monotonous sameness to all training sessions.

 

 3.3 Most if not all the drills and exercises are done with the ball in the hand. There seems to be little or no ground hurling or indeed ball control with the Hurley only. Perhaps a few changes might freshen things up.

 

 

 

In view of the current levels of unemployment clubs should Endeavour to accommodate players or mentors so affected, when seeking to engage coaches or managers.


 

 

4. Administration

 

 

  4.1 The Juvenile Board CCC1 and CCC2 have our full support and appreciation, and should be aware of our availability for assistance if ever necessary.

 

 

 4.2 The Adult CCC are a tremendous service under sometimes very difficult circumstances,and are fully deserving of our continued support and co-operation.

 

 

 

Hopefully this is the year that it will all have been worthwhile.

 

 

 

Eamonn Potts

 

 

Chairman Coiste Iomana.

 



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