A coach is a person who assists and challenges players to achieve their full potential.
At Moy Davitts GAA, we want to ensure our coaches are properly educated, empowered
and prepared to deliver quality, fun, engaging and developmental training sessions to cater
for the needs of all playing abilities within our club.
Coaching Committee
Each year, the club will appoint a coaching committee to oversee the development of
coaching structures for underage teams. The lead coaching officer will act as chair of the
coaching steering committee and consult with the executive on matters relating to
underage teams.
Coach Education Courses
The following courses are provided by the GAA:
All coaches must complete the foundation training course (as a minimum) prior to the
commencement of any coaching session. This is to ensure players are trained by a suitably
qualified coach.
Coach education has changed to take into account the player capabilities at the following
age groups:
Child Safeguarding
All coaches must complete the level 1 Safeguarding course prior to coaching involvement
with underage players. Re-fresher courses will need to be completed each year.
Moy Davitts Player Pathway
We have established a Club Player Pathway to inform lead managers and coaches of all
underage teams of the milestones/ skills development for each age group (U17) with the
aim of developing skilled players who will remain at the club for the duration of their playing
careers. Coaching manuals with skills/ games based activities will also be provided to
coaches.
GAA Educational Resources
Coaches will be asked to familiarise themselves with online resources/ courses which are
provided regulary by the GAA (e.g.The GAA ‘Be Ready To Play’ program). Coaches will be
encouraged to avail of the bank of resources which are available online (e.g. GAA Activity
Planner) to support training sessions.
GAA Code Of Behaviour
All coaches will be made aware of the Underage Code Of Behaviour and Maintaining Good
Practice and Behaviour booklet yearly, and may be asked to refer to them at different
points throughout the playing year.
Rules of the Game
Coaches of all teams will be made aware of the playing rules for their age group each year-
from Go Games to Senior. These rules should be practised at training sessions. It is the
responsibility of the Executive to inform managers of any changes to rules which may take
place at Congress.
Peer Coaching and External Support
The coaching committee will monitor the effectiveness of coaching at underage sessions.
They may seek the support from other coaches within the club or external coaches (e.g.
qualified strength and conditioning coaches, Mayo GAA coaches) to support the
development of coaching structures.
Appointment of Coaches
The appointment of coaches is included in the Coach/Volunteer Recruitment Policy.
