Ballinamere Strategic Development Plan 2017 - 2022ballinamere.gaa.ie/Shared Documents/Ballinamere... · to grow from there. Two years later we qualified for our first Offaly County

Ballinamere GAA Club

Strategic Plan 2017 – 2022

Email: [email protected]

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________BALLINAMERE GAA CLUB STRATEGIC PLA N 2017-2022

Contents

Chairman’s Address 3

Message from Underage Chairperson 4

Message from Ladies Football Chairperson 5

Camogie 6

Message from Scór Chairperson 6

Message from Strategic Plan Chairperson 7

Ballinamere Club Listings 8

Club History 9

History of Club Crest 10

Methodology 11

Mission, Vision, Values 12

Coaching and Games Development 13

Club Structures and Administration 15

Finance and Fundraising 17

Facilities and Development 19

Communications / PR and Social / Cultural 21

Appendix A 24


Chairman’s Address

Táim an-bhró dúil bheith mar Chathaoirleach ar chlub Baile na Maor im blain agus an phlean seo alainseáil.

Ballinamere GAA Club has been central to the community in this area since its foundation over 130years ago. Over those many years the club has served the members and the community extremely well.These are exciting times in the club, membership & participation across all ages continue torise, with our young & not so young people enjoying the benefits of community and team basedsport, exercise, competition and camaraderie leading to lifelong friendships.

With a larger membership comes additional pressure on our facilities. In that regard I’mdelighted to say that we are currently finalising plans for our new development which will be a welcomeboost to the club. With that in mind, I wish to thank our patrons who have contributed to ourdevelopment fund to date as we look forward to nurturing our wonderful club for future generations.

This plan will provide us with a roadmap to grow and develop our club, and outline where we wouldlike to be in five years time. We want to attract the maximum number of young people to play ourgames, make it a safe and enjoyable experience and yet, create an environment where they can beambitious to compete at the highest possible level.

Over the period of the plan we will critically assess our position and measure our progress througha process of regular reviews.

On the occasion of the launch of our Strategic Plan 2017-2022, I would like to acknowledge thecontribution of our club and committee members to it completion, and I believe that with thesupport of the club members, the aims of our five year plan can be brought to fruition.

Míle buíochas daoibh go léir.

Donal O’BrienCathaoirleach


Message from Underage Chairperson

Ballinamere/ Durrow GAA Underage Club has enjoyed a period of significant growth in terms of player

participation, coach recruitment and on field success over the past few years. Four years ago we had

155 boys & 49 girls registered with just 14 coaches active. Today we have 231 boys & 108 girls registered

with an incredible 48 coaches involved.

There have been a number of key driving factors including:

The setting up of the club nursery catering for children between the ages of 4 & 6.

The unprecedented growth of our Ladies Football.

The recruitment and training of 34 new coaches.

The development and nurturing of relationships with key personnel in both Durrow & Ballinamere

national schools.

The provision of almost year round well organised and high level coaching to our children including

SAQ & fitness testing.

The high level and professional quality of our communication & interaction with our valued parents.

The development of our social committee who provide 2 BBQ’s a year but more importantly the

refreshments after matches where parents, children, coaches & opponents can interact.

A continued & ongoing emphasis on looking after our players' welfare. In this regard measures

such as Child Protection courses and annual Garda vetting are now ingrained in our culture.

The embracing of the Go Games model which has had a direct influence on our player development

and retention.

The hard work and unity of our small decisive committee has been vital.

Close and valued working relationship with both Ballinamere and Durrow adult

clubs with the inter- club forum being a particularly beneficial initiative.

2nd largest cúl camp in Offaly.

To continue the good work that has been done we need to ensure that we can continue to train and

field 19+ teams. As mentioned earlier neither Durrow or Ballinamere have ever been found wanting in

terms of support particularly when it came to provision of pitches. However we have simply out grown

the facilities and we need more room. I urge you to please support the fund raising efforts that will be

undertaken over the next 12 months by Ballinamere GAA as they seek to develop the new pitch at

Ballinamere.

Michael Duignan/ Eoin O’Ceilleachair

Cathaoirleach Cóiste na nÓg

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BALLINAMERE GAA CLUB STRATEGIC PLA N 2017-2022

Message from Ladies Football Chairperson

Ballinamere Durrow Ladies Football began seven years ago with about six girls and one coach.This year we now have in excess of hundred girls registered together with 16 coaches. We are delightedwith the progress we have made and have so many people to thank for helping along the way.

The first year we played only challenge games, mainly against Clara who were very helpful with adviceand support. The Ballinamere Durrow Underage Club were extremely supportive to us as were DurrowFootball GAA Club. The first few years, we trained on the same night as the boys but as numbers grew inboth girls and boys this was no longer tenable. So thanks to the two clubs mentioned we got our ownevening to train, Thursday, which we still have today. In fact, we now train up to four times a week withdifferent teams.

Following on from the challenge games we entered an U10 team in a league six years ago and we beganto grow from there. Two years later we qualified for our first Offaly County Final beating St. Broughansin an exciting semi final. While we lost the final narrowly to Shamrocks, we were up and running. Thefollowing year we won our first silverware when our U14's won the Shield Final by beating St. Rynaghs.Later the same week on a memorable Sunday morning we won our first County B Final when our U12'sbeat Rhode after extra time.

Since then we have won several competitions including another U12 County Final and a B Feile Finalboth last year. We are proud to be now playing in the A championships this year and competing verywell in both U12 and U14. We are also very proud that for the first time this year we had a strongand competitive U16 team, who went on to become County Champions. However winning competitionswas never the main motivation behind setting up a Ladies Football Club. It was, and still is, to provideenjoyable exercise, a sense of belonging and an opportunity to learn new skills for the girls of BallinamereDurrow. It gives them a chance to meet their friends and make new ones in a positive environment.

As previously mentioned we certainly could not have achieved the participation levels we have withouthuge support from the Ballinamere Durrow Underage Club, Durrow & Ballinamere Clubs, various sponsorsbut most of all an incredibly supportive group of parents, so many of whom help out in coaching, atcommittee level or simply show great support by tirelessly chauffeuring the girls to trainingin Durrow and Ballinamere and all over Offaly for matches. No matter what plans we put in place, wecould not continue without this commitment.

For the last two years in particular we have worked closely with the boys club and I think it has enhancedboth clubs as so many parents have children in both camps. The sharing of courses in coaching, first aid,child protection and Garda clearance, as well as equipment and facilities are areas where it has been anadvantage to work together. The nursery, SAQ training & fitness testing during the winter and theenjoyable club barbeque are also things in which both boys and girls participate.

A challenge now will be to continue to grow the club, maintain the participation levels andto progress to minor and adult level. I feel that if the support we have received up to nowis anything to go by we have every chance of succeeding in these aims.

John LydonCathaoirleach Peil na mBan

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Camogie

Ballinamere has strong links with Tullamore camogie for the last 40 years. The camogie club has

coaches from Ballinamere at all levels in Tullamore and they have a provision of players and pitches.

Tullamore camogie have registration for their members from Ballinamere and Durrowat our underage night. Hopefully the strong link with Tullamore will continue topromote camogie.

Message from Scór Chairperson

Bail ó Dhia oraibh.

While we will strive to promote Ballinamere’s club games and coaching programmes at all levelswe will also endeavour to promote the cultural side of our club, promoting and celebrating boththe diversity of our membership and our community’s longstanding Gaelic traditions. As partof our proposal to strengthen our club’s role within the wider community we strive to promotethe cultural side of the club and to attract people who, though might not have any interest inbecoming an active club member but who will appreciate an opportunity to enjoy communitybased social events with a Gaelic hue. All our members and supporters are connected throughtraditional and new media. Our club is a social outlet for people of all ages and gives people anopportunity to promote their sense of Irishness.

We will increase the use of Irish language in our club affairs and encourage people to use whatevercúpla focal they have. We will include the use of “Gaeilge ag an gCruinniú” where members willbe encouraged to meet and greet trí meán na Gaeilge.

We will develop a strategy to develop bi-lingual signage around our club grounds and communitycentre.

We will continue to promote Irish song, music & dance in the Ballinamere area. Our vibrantcommunity centre will continue to be available for weekly set dancing classes and monthlycéilí. Our local youth who have a grá for Irish music will continue to be welcomed to practicein the community centre as they prepare to participate and contest in seisiún, scór, FleadhCheoil na hÉireann, Mummers festival etc. They in turn will showcase their talents to entertaindifferent social groups in our area, eg Active Retirement Group.

There have been many local families synonymous with Scór down through the years in the localBallinamere area. We will continue to re energise and promote Scór and Scór na nÓg amongclub members as a great opportunity for people who may not participate in our games tobecome involved and become part of the Ballinamere club.

Go néirí an tádh leis an bPlean Forbartha.

Beir bua!


Message from Strategic Plan Chairperson

A chairde,

It is with pleasure as Chairperson of the Club Strategic Committee, that I present to you theBallinamere Strategic Plan 2017-2022. It is envisaged that the plan will provide a framework to growand develop our club further in the next five years, in a co-ordinated fashion.

The plan is devised in a manner which encourages people to take ownership and responsibilityfor club development in all areas.

It is foreseen that each person involved is fully aware of their role in the club, that these rolesbe monitored by the club executive, and that suitable people are assigned to each role. Thesuccess of the plan will ultimately be decided by the strength of the people assigned to thevarious positions.

The GAA has become a massive organisation and society now demands much more of it thanit once did. It now must involve itself in issues such as Health & Safety, Child Welfare, GardaClearance, Registration, Coaching Standards, Organised Games for all groups, and much more.

We are extremely lucky to have had such forward thinking people involved in the club since itsfoundation, who have taken the club from strength to strength. We must now hand on the clubto the next generation in an even better place. Much of the heavy lifting has already been done,which has resulted in excellent facilities largely debt free and with a good club structureat adult and minor level. The planned new development will put us at the very highest level interms of club facilities.

The GAA has undertaken a massive transformation in the past fifteen years, and it is thegreater inclusion of ladies in its activities which has been the revolutionising factor. Ladies andvolunteers now form a central role in the club, both in the playing of its games, and partaking in theorganising of its activities. This has resulted in full family involvement in the association whichhas many positive effects.

The club must enhance and develop our already good relations with our sister club Durrow, in amanner which benefits both clubs.

Finally, I would like to thank all people who played a part in the delivery of this plan.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile”

Pat ClearyChairperson Strategic Plan Committee


Ballinamere Club Listings

Club Officers:

1. Chairperson

2. Vice Chairperson

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

5. Assistant Treasurer

6. Public Relations Officer

7. Coaching & Games Officer / Minor Club Representative

8. Club/School Link Co-ordinator

9. Club Registrar

10. Children’s Officer (appointed not elected)

11. Designated Person (Child Protection) (appointed not elected)

12. Irish Language & Culture Officer

13. ASAP and Health & Wellbeing Officer

14. Club Development Officer

15. Pitch & Facilities Officer

16. Health and Safety (including responsibility for public and property insurance)

Note:

a) It is important that each officer understands their role in the Club & carries out their duties as required.(see Appendix A for information on Club Officer Roles). Each Officer must prepare & present a report for AGMevery year.

b) The Club Executive is formed with the above 16 roles plus 5 additional members. (at least, max of 8)

c) The Chairperson & Secretary will attend County Board Meetings. A club delegate also to be elected.

d) The executive to form sub-committees.

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Club History

Early Years

The origins of Ballinamere GAA Club date to the late 1880’s. A priest ministering in Tullamore Parish waseager to promote the aims of the newly formed Gaelic Athletic Association. Following the death of a youngman participating in a “faction fight” which was a common “sport” at the Fair Green in Ballycowan, hegrasped the opportunity to actively promote hurling as an alternative. In the early years of the GAA,promoting Gaelic Games and Irish culture was a strategy used to stimulate Irish identity in a period ofcivic discontent. The clubs formation was influenced by the O’Brien, Craven and Horan families. withPat O’Brien being the first chairman.

Hurling was the favoured sport and the club participated in Offaly championships in the early years,however progress was stalled following defeat by Drumcullen in SH final in 1908. The Parish Rule, Warof Independence, Civil War and its ensuing issues made it very difficult for the GAA clubs to functioneffectively. Ballinamere was no different resulting in a lapse of activity until revival in 1930. Fieldinga team in the newly introduced Juvenile grade was a basis for success in later years. The 40’s and 50’sbrought unprecedented success with five championship wins – Junior ‘44, ’50,’59 and Intermediate ’45,’53. After a barren period, success was again attained with Junior Hurling ’80, Junior Football ’83, ’98 andJunior Hurling 2010. These set the scene for further achievement.

Club Progress

In the early decades Ballinamere like many had no fixed abode. As was the norm then, clubs weredependent on the goodwill of local landowners for the use of a “field” for hurling or football. Thedevelopment of the present pitch with dressing rooms in 1980 secured the future of the Club.Ballinamere / Durrow Minor Club formed in 1982 to coach young players. It was a natural progressionin 2006, when both clubs linked as adult level, Ballinamere becoming a Hurling Club and Durrow aFootball Club.

Modern Era

Championship success followed with Junior ‘B’ Hurling ’06, ’14, Junior ‘A’ 2010, U21 2011. Thisprogression paved the way for success in 2013, winning Offaly Intermediate and a historic LeinsterJunior Hurling Championship. The club’s most successful year concluded with Ballinamere beingnamed Offaly GAA Club of the Year. These achievements together with quality coaching at underagehave reinvigorated the club. Underage hurling and football teams are now consistently competing for‘A’ championships. Ultimate success came in 2016 with a Minor Hurling Championship win – a first ‘A’championship for B/D. Additionally the club was awarded Offaly GAA Bord na Nog club of the Year 2016.This emerged through persistent efforts from players and coaches.

In 2016 the club embarked on its ambitious development plan to provide a second pitch with all ancillaryinfrastructures. The integration of GAA and Community Centre in Ballinamere has enriched the GAAClub. Embracing ‘community’ will ensure the successful delivery of the joint ambitious plans for ‘JackWyer Pitch’, Walkway and Playground. A bright future beckons for Ballinamere GAA Club.

‘History is merely a reminiscence of past deeds and failures. Achievement is reliant on vision,ambition, and action’.

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History of Club Crest

The Ballinamere Crest uniquely depicts the location, history and traditions of the Ballinamerecommunity. Ballinamere is located in the Barony of Ballycowan within sight of its castle. It wasbuilt in 1626 by Sir Jasper Herbert and his wife Lady Jane Finglas who controlled the lands of theBarony. The castle is the main feature of the crest.

The violin represents Irish culture, music and Dan Cleary’s Ballinamere Ceili Band, famousthroughout Ireland and England in the 1950’s and ‘60’s.

The handshake portrays the lengthy tradition of welcome and friendship afforded to all who reside andengage with the community.

The hurley’s epitomise the association with hurling in Ballinamere. Tradition revels the game wasintroduced in the latter half of 1800’s by a local priest anxious to calm energetic young men. This wasin response to the death of a man participating in ‘faction fights’ at the Fair Green in Ballycowan.

The Club colours of Green and Gold are prominent in the crest which was designed by Aisling Molloy andadopted by the club in 2004.


Methodology

The purpose behind our planning process for this document was clear: we needed a plan that would:

• Be consistent with the amateur ethos of the GAA.• Make use of the skills, experience and qualifications of our members and anyone else who could assist us.• Seek to ensure that all sections of our club were involved and represented.• Provide a vision and clear plan of where we would like to be in five years time.

Key Dates:

• Decision taken by Executive to Committee to prepare a new Strategic Plan - January 2016• Strategic Plan Committee hold first meeting and Focus Groups formed - February 2016• Public Forum Meeting - May 2016• Focus Group meetings as required – Summer 2016• Strategic Plan Committee meet to review Focus Groups’ recommendations – October/November 2016

The Public Forum Meeting took place on Thursday 20th May 2016 and was chaired by Bill Kavanaghrepresenting Leinster, Offaly & Kilclonfert GAA.


Mission, Vision, Values

Ballinamere GAA Club fully supports the Mission, Vision and Values of the Association. The GAA’svalues are the heart and soul of our Association. In every Club around the world they are whatbinds us, what makes us unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers andsupporters.

Mission

“The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelongparticipation.”The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irishidentity and culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that our family of games, and the values we live,enrich the lives of our members, families and the communities we serve. We are committed to activelifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out to and include all membersof our society. We promote individual development and well being and strive to enable all our membersachieve their full potential in their chosen roles.

Vision

Our vision is that everybody in the community has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in ourgames and culture, to participate fully, to grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelongengagement with our Association.

Values

Community Identity• Community is at the heart of our Association. Everything we do helps to enrich the communities we serve.• We foster a clear sense of identity and place. Our centre and pitch are the hub of the community.Amateur Status• We are a volunteer led organisation.• All our members play and engage in our games as amateurs.• We provide a games programme at all levels to meet the needs of all our players.Inclusiveness• We welcome everybody to be part of our Association, regardless of race, creed or gender.• We are non sectarian & non political.

Respect• We respect & trust each other on and off the playing fields.• We operate with integrity at all levels.• We listen and respect the views of all.Player Welfare• We provide the best playing experience for all our players.• We structure our games to allow players of all abilities reach their potential.Teamwork• Effective teamwork on and off the field is the cornerstone of our Association.• Ní neart go cur le chéile (There is no strength without working together).


Coaching and Games Development

In 2022 we will be able to say:“Our underage Club’s teams perform to their full potential because we have the best possiblecoaching and games development structures in place to support our adult section. Our underagesection is one of the best. We have achieved excellence in coaching standards thereby helping playersachieve their full potential. We are providing games for our young players in a safe and enjoyableenvironment. Our Club’s adult teams perform to their full potential because we have the best possiblecoaching and games development structures in place supporting our adult section”.

Key Projects:

Club Coaching OfficerThe position of the Club Coaching Officer was created in 2011. The officer will coordinate the activitiesof the club coaches and managers to provide a safe, smooth and rewarding progression for all itsplayers from U6, U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, Minor, U21, and underage players playing at adult levelthrough the Pathway to Elite Performance (PEP). They will also be responsible for progression of adulthurling through appropriate coaching. It is the responsibility of the Coaching Officer and underagecommittee to nurture young coaches and to provide a consistent programme of games, supported andcomplimented by quality coaching sessions.

Club School LinkThe Club-School Liaison Officer will have close links with the local national and secondary school s tomonitor the participation and progress of all the club’s players within the schools’ system. The officerwill help co-ordinate a balanced programme of training, rest and games between school and clubactivities. The club intends to build on and strengthen the existing club -school links with the expansionof our school liaison programme. The club will liaise with the Ballinamere and Durrow National schoolsand provide whatever support is required in terms of coaching, equipment etc. We will also maintaincontact with post primary schools in the area -Killina Presentation School, Coláiste Choilm, Sacred Heart& Tullamore College.

Laochra óga Programme (4 to 6 year olds)The club intends to enhance our existing academy programme that commenced in 2013. It is provingvery popular in creating a safe and secure environment for an age-appropriate introduction to sportand Gaelic football, hurling and camogie. The academy will not be just concentrating on GAA skills butalso fundamental skills known as the ABC' s (Agility, Balance, Coordination). Children will follow aprogramme to develop their individual motor skills (jumping, throwing, catching). The club will beseeking more coaches to get involved particularly parents and minor players.

Coach EducationThe club will put in place a programme that ensures every player is coached by a person qualified tothe appropriate level. We already have an excellent record in coach education, with 4 foundation, 48Award 1, and 3 Award 2 level coaches. This coupled with ongoing in-service training and monitoringwill ensure we continue to reach for the highest standards possible.

Code of Best Practice and Code of BehaviourThe club will continue to support and promote the GAA’s Our Games - Our Code, the joint Code of BestPractice in Youth Sport and will also update and publish our own Code of Conduct, for players, coaches &parents. Coaches cannot coach without Garda vetting or code of best practice.


Coaching and Games Development

Action Outcome Sought Timescale Milestone Responsibility

Club Coaching Officer appointed withappropriate support in place.

Ensure best possible coachingstructures are in place operating atthe highest standard

Annual

Durrow &Ballinamerecoaching officerappointed

ManagementCommittee ofboth seniorclubs

Club-School Link - appointment ofSchool Liaison Officers (SLO)

Improve and enhance therelationship between schools andthe club to ensure Gaelic football &hurling are being coached.

AnnualDurrow &BallinamereSLO appointed

ManagementCommittee ofUnderageExecutive

Enhance existing DevelopmentAcademy Programme for 4 to 6 yearOlds

Increase participation and provideplatform for our young players toexperience Gaelic football, hurling& camogie in a safe environment.

AnnualCo-ordinatorAppointed

Underage

Executive & Co-ordinator

Go-Games model in place for all U8/U10/U12 players

Ensure all our players get

appropriate games in fun

environment that promotes skilldevelopment.

All season

All teamsentered –Hurling &Football &Ladies

UnderageExecutive &coaches

All coaches to receive GAA CoachEducation and have access to higheststandard of resources.

Ensure that a development plan isin place for our coaches to be thebest they can be.

All season Ongoing coacheducation

UnderageExecutive

GAA Code of Best Practice and Code ofBehaviour in place.

Promote respect throughout theclub and ensure all childrenparticipate in a safe environment.

Preseason Complete Club Children’sOfficer

Adequate programme of games inplace for all teams including challengegames and tournaments outside ofcounty.

Set target number of games andtraining sessions for each agegroup per season.

Start ofseason

Coachesinvolved indecisionprocess

UnderageCommittee &Club CoachingOfficer

Appropriate training and equipmentto be in place with regard to First-Aidand Defibrillator

Ensure all coaches are suitablytrained to safeguard the welfare ofour players and supporters.

Pre-season

Assignedqualified medicwith each team

UnderageExecutive

Existing off-season training programmeto be developed and enhanced.

Introduce all players under 18to the importance of mobilityand conditioning exercises. SAQTraining indoor. Fitness Testing.

Pre-seasonCoachparticipation

UnderageCommittee

Increase participation across all gradesMonitor playing numbers andmaximise player retention.

All season Annual reviewUnderageExecutive

Review of coaching standardsAssess performance and improvestandards throughout each year

Ongoing

CoachingOfficer and allcoaches toreport

Club CoachingOfficer

Past / current senior playerinvolvement with underage teams

Aim to have at least 1 past or cur-rent senior player as a mentor toeach underage team.

20171 senior playerper panel

Senior &UnderageCommittee’s

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Club Structures and Administration

In 2022 we will be able to say:“The administration of Ballinamere GAA Club is structured to maximise effectiveness and efficiency sothat it is fully compliant with the Official Guide and the Club Constitution. The workload of the club isshared evenly and officers are being developed at all levels in the club.”

Key Projects:

Annual Review of Strategic PlanIt is proposed that the Club Strategic Chairperson will submit an annual review of this plan to the club’s AGM .

Health and Wellbeing Officer and ASAP OfficerIn order to provide the highest standards of Health and Wellbeing at the club and promote positivehealthy lifestyles, the club will prioritise the above roles to facilitate the delivery of the GAA’s variousinitiatives including Medical and Player Welfare, Mental Health, Alcohol and Substance Abuse (ASAP),Mouthguards, First Aid etc.

Enhance existing relationships with Ladies Football and ScórWe already have excellent relationships with both of the active and successful Ladies Football Club .We proposed to build on this so we can continue to prosper as partners into the future.

Health and Safety Officer (including responsibility for public and property insurance)This officer will devise a Health and Safety Statement and update as necessary on an annual basis, and advisethe Club on public liability insurance.

Appoint Pitch & Facilities OfficerThis officer will be pro-active in maintaining and enhancing the club facilities.

Nurture family ethos in club activitiesThe club will look to create opportunities for parents to get involved with the many aspects of the club.Currently we have two club BBQ’s and coaches and parents evenings. We hope to involve all parentswith our walking track& playground in association with Ballinamere GAA Community Developmentcommittee.

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Club Structures and Administration


Club Executive continue as governingbody of club with clear goals andobjectives in compliance with OfficialGAA Guide.

Efficient and appropriateleadership and decision making Ongoing

Regular

meetings

Club Executive

Continuous development and training of

current and future club officers.

High standard of competent

club officers sufficiently briefed

for their role. Attendance at

County Board in-service training.

Annually

In-servicefor allcommitteemembers

Club Executive

Health and Wellbeing Officer & ASAPOfficer role prioritised per new GAAguidelines.

Suitably experienced person to

lead the updated GAA policy.Annually

Positions tobe filled

Club Executive

Enhance existing relationships with

Ladies Football.

Continue to communicate and

promote shared interestsOngoing

Regular

contact

Secretaries of

Ladies, Senior

& Underage

Develop and maintain a SafetyStatement and advise the Club regardingpublic liability insurance.

Annual review 2017

New

Safety

Statement

Pitch &Facilities Officer& Health andSafety Officer

Club History Project Club History Book 2016Project

completedClub Member

Ensure all aspects of club are

represented at Committee level.

Review extent of representation

on Club Committee2017

Improve

gender

balance,

players rep

etc.

All Committee’s

Nurture family ethos in club activities to

encourage parents and other family

members to participate and enjoy the

facilities.

More family involvement and

attendance at club activities like

BBQ’s and social evenings

2017

Newreasons for

people to

visit club

Senior &UnderageCommittee

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Finance and Fundraising

In 2022 we will be able to say:“Ballinamere GAA is a model of financial excellence and operates in surplus each year. We have thefinancial stability to plan future developments from our own resources and invest in developing ourgames.

Key Projects:

Support structures for Financial CommitteeThe club are well aware of the substantial workload that currently exists for our finance committee.We will endeavour to spread the workload across the various fundraising activities for the day to dayrunning of the club. The Development committee have taken responsibility for fundraising for thenew development.

Programme of Fundraising ActivitiesAll of our committees need to communicate and liaise with Durrow, Ladies, Underage Club &Development committee at the start of each year when planning fundraising events to ensure anadequate time spread between initiatives. We are all relying on the generosity of the one communitywhose support has been unwavering despite the economical situation. It is only fair that we do not overdo our reliability on this good will.

Increase lotto salesOur weekly lotto is a welcome revenue stream for the club. Thank you to the supporters and the workof the lotto committee. We will look at getting more support from senior players and parents of underageplayers as well as upgrading to an online lotto facility.

Management of Running CostsAll of our teams and committees have a collective responsibility towards managing the running costs of theclub and associated buildings. This can range from ensuring that all membership fees are kept up to date,to supporting energy management initiatives through to reducing team/field expenses.

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Finance and Fundraising


Executive Committee to put in place

appropriate support structures forfinance committee.

Provide assistance to FinanceCommittee to manage theexpanding club finances

2017Spread ofworkload

Executive &FinanceCommittee

Programme of fundraising events to be

agreed at start of each year to ensure

all activities are properly planned and

timed.

All club committees tocommunicate with each otherregarding dates and type offundraising initiatives

2017

Programme of

events agreed at

start of season

All

Committees

Club to continue the promotion ofexisting and new sponsors and ensure

maximum exposure.

New sponsors with new methodsto increase brand exposure 2017 New Corporate

Sponsors

Executive &DevelopmentCommittee

Lotto committee to investigate methodsto increase ticket sales. Increased revenue 2017

New online lottofacility

Senior

Committee

Club to continue financial

management in order to reduce costs

and all outstanding borrowings.

Reduction of existing loan and

continue to balance booksOngoing

Maintain existing

financial stability

Executive &FinanceCommittee

Membership - data base to be enhancedand club to actively promote

larger uptake.

Ensure maximum membership is

realisedOngoing

Increase

membership

Underage

Executive &Club Registrar

Energy Audit to be reviewed annually Reduction of energy costs AnnualMinimise energy

consumption

Pitch / FacilitiesManager

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Facilities and Development

In 2022, we will be able to say:“Ballinamere GAA has state of the art facilities for the playing and promotion of its games and aims.We have 2 pitches, 4 dressing rooms, all weather training area, ballwall & walking track to allow theclub grow into the future.”

Key Projects:

Continue to develop and maintain facilities to the highest standardIn conjunction with the Development committee & Pitch & Facilities Officer, the club will set out aDevelopment Programme at the start of each year based on the various items contained within thisdocument to ensure a co-ordinated and phased approach over the season.

Upgrade training pitchesWork to commence in 2017 on the redevelopment of the main training pitch and the new Jack WyerPitch . The end result will be a full size and level pitch with enhanced drainage which will be availablefor use in 2018. Consideration will be given to the development of the existing pitch within thelifetime of this plan. The Development committee will be responsible for the above.

Replace score boardOptions to be explored regarding new digital score board.

Provide walking trackWalking track to be provided with floodlighting and an appropriate membership scheme put inplace to allow maximum availability to the community.

Investigate feasibility of astro training area and ball wallThis was a recurring suggestion from members.

Continue to manage main pitch and use only for matches to ensure existing high standard is maintainedIn conjunction with all the other proposals, the club are keen to enhance the existing policy of protecting themain pitch from over use and to ensure it is kept to the highest standard possible. This will require buy-infrom all members and particularly coaches and team managers. This will helped great with the completionof the back training pitch . Our new pitch will be used as a match pitch and our old pitch will be used fortraining. Existing floodlights will be used for training.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Facilities and Development


Continue to maintain all facilities to

highest standard

Top class facilities available to all

our membersOngoing

Annual

Development

Plan

Development

Committee &Pitch Officer

New pitch Full size playing pitch 2018Availability to

all teams

Development

Committee

Replace Score Board New digital display 2018In place for all

home games

Development

Committee

Provide walking trackProvision of walking track

around perimeter of grounds2018

Initial walkwayby 2017

Development

Committee

Investigate feasibility of astro trainingarea & ball wall Development plan option 2018

Availability toall teams

Development

Committee

Continue to manage main pitch forwinter training and use only for matchesto ensure existing high standard ismaintained

Buy-in from all members, teamcoaches & managers 2017

Quantity of

playing hours

per week as

per best

practice

guidelines

Pitch &FacilitiesOfficer &UnderageSecretary

Consider the provision of suitable

storage/ equipment store facilities for

machinery

Adequate storage for protection

and security of machinery2017

All machinery

to have safe

storage place

Development

Committee &Pitch Officer


Communications / PR and Social / Cultural

In 2022 we will be able to say:“Ballinamere GAA has the most modern and effective methods such as text systems etc. in place tocommunicate with its membership and wider community and has a responsible brand. In addition, theclub is a social outlet for people of all ages and gives people an opportunity to promote their sense ofIrishness”

Key Projects:

Develop a Club WebsiteThe club will prioritise the provision of a club website to include underage. This would help with onlineregistration, documentation etc.

Develop a regular newsletterMembership database to be updated to ensure email addresses are obtained from all membersfor club communication. It is proposed the newsletter will include information on club activities &the new development.

Continue to utilise social & print media to communicate with membersClub will enhance existing online presence via social media and utilise local newspapers with club news.

Investigate potential of holding an annual club family dayThe club will consider having an annual event on Lá na nClub as a celebration of the family involvementwhich is the backbone of our clubs. We will continue to hold parent and underage BBQ’s .

Encourage all team coaches to use cúpla focail and improve promotion of Gaeilge throughout the club’sactivities.The club supports the GAA ethos that our native language should work in tandem with our Gaelicgames and will therefore encourage all officers and coaches to use cúpla focail where possible.

Team mentors to provide photographs and match reportsWe should not underestimate the power of photographs as a club promotion tool in local & socialmedia. All coaches should ensure that a squad photo is taken for all teams every season.

Encourage the provision of club gear across all grades.Promotion of the underage club crest and colours through sportswear will be encouraged across allage groups. Guy Clothing now stock all Ballinamere/Durrow gear.


Communications / PR and Social / Cultural


Design a Club website. Club profile to be raised further

via website to provideinformation hub for supporters.

2017Increased Clubawareness

PRO

Investigate potential of holding an

annual club family day . Lá na gClub and

club BBQ’s

One day celebration for

everyone involved in the club2017

Consensus on

date

Senior , Ladies& Underage

Committee’s

Encourage all team coaches to use

cúpla focail and improve promotion of

gaeilge throughout the club’s activities.

Officials and team mentors to

lead by example in use of Irish

language including texts etc

2017Appreciation of

our language &culture

Irish Language& CultureOfficer

Team mentors to provide morephotographs

Increase club profile through

local & print media2017

Parental consentrequired

PRO & Team

Coaches &UnderageSecretary

Maintain and enhance existing text

message service including review of

recipients.

Encourage all members and

supporters to sign up2017

Increase in

recipients

Underage and

seniorsecretary

Provision of club gear for all ages Ballinamere/Durrow gearavailable in Guy Clothing 2017

Promotion ofUnderage crest &colours

Underage,Ladies &

SeniorCommittees.


Ballinamere GAA Club

Ballinamere

County Offaly

email: [email protected]

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Appendix A

Club Officer Roles

Role of ChairpersonThe Chairperson is the principal officer of a GAA Club. As well as chairing Club Executive Committeeand other Club meetings, the Chairperson has prime responsibility for ensuring that the Clubis a well organised, well managed and an active unit. The Chairperson should be dedicated to the job,have good communication skills, have the ability to delegate key tasks and above all, be a person ofintegrity in the community. The contribution of the Club Chairperson to the effective working of aClub can never be underestimated.

Role of Vice ChairpersonEach Club is required to have a vice-chairperson on the Club Executive, in accordance with rule 7.2 ofthe Club constitution. The role of this officer is to assist the main officer in carrying out their role in theClub. The vice-chairperson will preside as chairperson of Club meetings in the event of the chairpersonbeing unable to attend.

Role of SecretaryThe Secretary is the chief administrator in the Club. The duties are many and varied and call for a highdegree of dedication. The Secretary has more to do with the practical running of the Club than anyother officer. He/she should be a good organiser, be methodical and above all, be reliable. The dutiesdovetail with those of the Chairperson and it is essential that both officers work as a team of whichthe Secretary will very often be the more active person.

Role of TreasurerThe Club Treasurer has responsibility for the safe-keeping of the funds of the Club. He/she is responsiblefor recording all income and expenditure and for reporting on the financial position of the Club to theClub Executive Committee on an on-going basis. It is important to note that the Treasurer does not haveto be an accountant to perform this role. However, he/she must have the ability to record allfinancial transactions, control expenditure in the Club, plan and assist in fundraising and provideregular reports to the Club Executive.

Role of PROCommunications is one of the most important activities in the Association. The success of all units dependsto some degree on the national and local image of the Association. Everyone in the GAA who has a role intheir Club, no matter how small, has a part to play in effective communication. There is always a needfor a proper flow of information in the Club so that everyone understands how the Club operates. Themain function of the Club PRO is to communicate with the general public on behalf of the Club,presenting a positive image of the Club and Cumann Lúthchleas Gael in the local community and beyond.

Role of Vice Treasurer

The role of the Vice Treasurer is to assist the main officer in carrying out their role in the Club.

Role of Coaching & Games Officer

The main role of the Coaching and Games Officer is to promote best practice in coaching andgames development in the Club, helping to ensure that there is a regular programme of games for allplayers. This is one of the most important officer roles in the Club and each Club should appoint asuitable person to the position. The coaching and games officer should work closely with the ClubChairperson and the Club Executive to help put in place the best possible coaching and gamesdevelopment structures for the Club. The coaching and games officer should ensure that Go-Gamesare adopted as best practice in the Club, that a Cul Camp is organised each summer and that aregular programme of games is provided for child and youth players by participating in internal blitzesand blitzes with other clubs etc. He/she should ensure that all Club coaches have received the appropriateGAA Coach Education training and that Club coaches use all available resources, including the GAAFun-Do coach education pack.For more information on all aspects of coaching and games activity, consult the games developmentsection of this manual and the Games Development section of the GAA website, www.gaa.ie

Role of Club/ School Link Co-ordinator

Increasingly, the role of Club/School Co-ordinator and the Club/school link is becoming one of the keyroles in helping to develop Gaelic Games in the Club. All clubs should ensure that there is a Club/schoollink in operation in order to promote the games in the local schools. The main responsibilitiesof the Club/school co-ordinator are to liaise with the local school teachers to promote Go-Gamesand the Ú-Can Awards in the school and to work closely with the Club Coaching and Games Officerin all aspects of coaching and games development in the Club.For more information on the Club/school link, consult the games development section of this manualand the Games Development section of the GAA website, www.gaa.

Role of Club Registrar

Each Club is required in have a Registrar on the Club Executive, in accordance with rule 7.2 of theClub constitution. The Club Registrar is responsible for ensuring that the Club is up to date in the registrationof players and members. Each year, a Club must complete two registrations i.e. the registration ofFull and Youth members and the registration of players in accordance with rule 2.2 and 2.3 of theOfficial Guide. Registration is now facilitated on the on-line GAA Player and Member registration system,which is the only acceptable method of registering players and members with the GAA. Each Club Registraris provided with a password to this system and therefore the Club Registrar needs access tobroadband internet and have reasonable PC skills.For more on this consult the section on ‘membership and registration’. GAA CLUB MANUAL - MAKINGTHE MOST OF OUR ORGANISATION 53: Club Registrar“In accordance with rule 7.2 of the Club constitution, the Club Registrar is responsible forensuring that the Club is up to date in the registration of players and members.”

Role of Club Children’s Officer

The Club Children’s Officer is a senior position of responsibility within each Club and carefulconsideration should be given when selecting a person to fulfil this role. Children's Officers are selectedby the outgoing Executive and automatically takes up their role on the incoming Executive committees, andare not elected as occurs in other Officer roles. This position is compulsory in the Club. Formerly knownas the Youth Officer, the title of this post reflects the legal status of a child which in Ireland is defined asany person under the age of 18 years of age. The Children’s Officer shall have as his/her primary aimthe establishment of a child and youth centred ethos within the Club and will be viewed by many as thelink between the children/young people or their parents and the Club. The person chosen for this roleshall have the confidence of parents, mentors and children alike as somebody that can represent theviews of others and ensure that the Club acknowledges and delivers upon their responsibilities at alltimes. The Club Children’s Officer shall be a person of high integrity, shall have good communicative skillsand shall have knowledge as to how the Club can ensure the rights of young people are respectedand maintained. It is the responsibility of the Children’s Officer to regularly report to their Club Executiveor Management Committee on how Club policy and procedures and the participation of young peoplein the Club may be impacting on the welfare and safeguarding of under age players and theircoaches/mentors.

The Club Children’s Officer should;

1: Ensure, in as far as possible, that all Players, Coaches/Team mentors, Parents/Guardians, Officialsand spectators adhere to the GAA Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport and Code of Behaviour2: Assist with organising the delivery of the Child protection Awareness Programme within the Club andother appropriate training in consultation with the Club’s Designated Person (see below).3: Distribute copies of the GAA Joint Code of Behaviour at Club level and ensure that all mentors inparticular sign and abide by the Code.4: Assist the Club in establishing the Club Code of Best Practice Committee, which will adjudicate onbreaches of the code within the Club.

Club Children’s Officers do not have the responsibility to investigate or validate child protection allegationsor concerns within the Club. The liaison person appointed by the Club to deal with such concerns is theClub’s Designated Person as per the GAA Guidelines for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse (Fourth Edition).For further and more detailed information on this role within the Club, consult the Child Welfare section ofthe GAA website, www.gaa.ie/clubzone

Role of Designated Person

All Clubs must appoint a Designated Person who on behalf of the Club shall be responsible for dealingwith any concerns relating to the possible abuse of children.This is a compulsory position in the Club.Each County is also required to appoint a County Designated Person. If deemed appropriate,Provincial Councils may also appoint a Designated Person, who shall assist and advise Club andCounty Designated Persons on their roles. Designated Persons must have the ability to approach childwelfare and protection matters in a sensible, balanced, facilitative and non threatening manner andshould be aware of the responsibilities that they are required to fulfil on behalf of their Club/County andthe GAA. The person chosen must be fully aware as to how allegations of abuse referred by themare subsequently dealt with by statutory agencies and authorities within their jurisdiction and how reportsto the GAA National Designated Person are processed. It is the County Designated Person who shall inmost instances report allegations of abuse to statutory authorities on behalf of Clubs in their County,having discussed such decisions with the relevant Club Designated Person. The reporting of allegationsof abuse may also be made by the National Designated Person on behalf of the GAA. It is important to

note that the Designated Person does not have a counselling or therapeutic role or a responsibilityfor investigating or validating child protection concerns within their Club or County. Investigations ofalleged abuse are carried out by the relevant Statutory Authorities, as outlined in ‘Children First’and ‘OurDuty to Care’ or by specially appointed trained personnel in counselling, psychological and childtherapeutic services. Further review and consideration of any allegations of abuse within the GAAstructures may be carried out as deemed necessary by the appropriate body or persons in the GAAappointed for such purposes, including the National Child Welfare and Protection Committee.For further and more detailed information on this role in the Club, consult the Child Welfare section of theGAA website.

Role of Irish Language & Culture Officer

Each Club is required in have an Irish language and Culture officer on the Club Executive, in accordancewith rule 7.2 of the Club constitution. The main role of the Irish Language and Culture Officer is to promotethe use of the Irish language and to promote cultural activities such as Irish music and dancing in the Club.The Culture & Language Officer position should be filled by someone who has a good working knowledgeof the Irish language. The officer should provide a back-up service in the use of Gaeilge for all Officersand Members and encourage and promote the use of Irish phrases in the clubs business. Culturalactivities should be organised through the very popular GAA Scór competition. This is also a great way ofincluding more people in the Club. He/she should also liaise closely with the County Irish Officer andany relevant Committee and with other Irish/cultural organisations in the area.For more information on this see the chapter on ‘Culture and Heritage in the GAA’.

Role of Health & Wellbeing Officer

The main role of Club Health & Wellbeing Officer is to work and liaise with the County Health &Wellbeing Sub-Committee to ensure that their club is availing of the supports, programmes,partnerships, training, and resources available to them. With the support of their Club Chairpersonand Executive, he/she should ensure that their club has a Health & Wellbeing Project team in place,that appropriate GAA policies are implemented and monitored, and that the club fosters a culturethat promotes health and wellbeing amongst all club members and, where possible, the local community.For more on this programme and to view the various resources available see www.gaa.ie/community

Role of Club Development Officer

The role of the Club Development Officer is to oversee the development of club facilities.

Role of ASAP Officer

The ASAP Officer will implement the ASAP programme in conjunction with the county ASAP Officer.It aims to reduce the harm being caused by tobacco, alcohol and other drugs. The officer will developand adopt the Club Tobacco, Alcohol and Drug Policy.

Role of Health & Safety Officer

The health and safety officer's main aim is to prevent accidents, injuries and work-related illnessesin the workplace. Their role is to create and implement health and safety policies in accordance withthe latest legislation and to ensure that these policies are implemented by all in the club. The officeris obliged to design and implement a Health & Safety Statement and will be responsible for players,volunteers, employees, FAS workers, visitors, guests & the public and also implement green initiatives.This officer will liaise with the Pitch & Facilities Officer.

Role of Pitch & Facilities Officer

The pitch & facilities officer is responsible for all operational aspects of the facilities and grounds. Thisperson will ensure the safe & cost effective running of Ballinamere GAA Club & grounds. In conjunctionwith the groundsmen, they will oversee all maintenance, parking & security & general preparation forall events. This officer will liaise with Health and Safety Officer.

Role of Letto Officer

The letto officer will be responsible for running the letto, and pursue an online system for our newwebsite.