GAA issues updated guidelines ahead of resumption of collective inter-county activity
April 16, 2021
Inter-county senior training returns next Monday.
The GAA has issued updated guidelines ahead of the resumption of collective inter-county activity.
From next Monday, April 19, inter-county senior training will be allowed, given teams at least three weeks to prepare for the start of the Allianz Leagues on May 8/9.
Among the guidelines in the return to play document sent to all county boards by the GAA's Covid Advisory group this afternoon is permission to open county and club gyms for inter-county players on an individual basis and collective training sessions again capped at three per week with two in the week of a match.
Although the use of dressing rooms is permitted, teams are being asked to avoid indoor gatherings as much as possible and travel to training individually, unless players are members of the same household. Team photographs, huddles, celebrations involving physical contact and handshaking should also be avoided, similar to last year.
The GAA are awaiting guidance on how many squad members and backroom staff will be allowed to attend matches. In 2020, there was a 40-person per team limit on match days with 26 players, 12 backroom staff and two county board officials.
They are hoping the Government will allow the playing of challenge matches as part of the gradual easing of restrictions but currently none can take place until May 4 at the earliest as well as a return for inter-county U20, minor and development squads.
