Ballydesmond GAA Club Development Plan Documents/Our Club Plan.pdf · 6 Code of Conduct That Ballydesmond GAA is a model club for best practice behaviour and we will be able to say:

CLG Bailedeasmhumhan

Ballydesmond GAA

Club Development Plan

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CONTENTS

Message from the Club Committee

Introduction & History

Methodology

Code of Conduct

Mission, Vision & Values

Background to Club

Structure & Administration

Coaching & Games Development

Finance & Fundraising

Facilities & Development

Communications, PR & Social Cultural

Implementation and Review Mechanisms for the Plan

Glossary of Terms

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Message from the Club Committee

“Tús maith, leath na h-oibre.” “A good start is half the work"

It is with great pride that the Ballydesmond GAA committee write a few words to introduce this comprehensive club plan on behalf

of the club. Since the GAA was founded in 1884 the GAA organisation has played a huge role in every Parish in Ireland. Over the

50 years of the club establishment has seen many changes and club has had to adapt to suit the times we live in. Over the last

number of years we have seen a dramatic change in our Parish in many different aspects of life and we as a club need to evolve

to handle these changes.

The main objective of our Club Plan is to make sure we continue to effectively serve our members, supporters, and the community

that sustain us. With this plan we offer a blueprint for the future of CLG Bailedeasmhumhan and address the key issues facing us

over the coming years. Our players of all ages and abilities are our main priority. Right through the Plan we are focusing on the

best interests of our players and members.

Some of the other key points are:

To provide a better player experience from child to adult

Upkeep and improve the facilities at the club

Ensure appropriate financial management within the Club

Child protection/Code of Conduct

Improve the structure and quality of our Juvenile System

Continue to look to improve our existing PR and social aspect of the Club

All of these areas and tasks will require many hours of work but we are confident we have the people and the resources within

our club to complete the tasks. Many members have contributed to the plan and we would like to appeal to all members to

continue this work and make this Plan the success it deserves to be.

“Ar aghaidh linn le chéile” “Moving forward together”

Le meas mór,

Comhairle CLG Bailedeasmhumhan

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Introduction & History

Ballydesmond is a small rural parish with a current population of approximately 900 people. It is in the diocese of Kerry but more

than half the parish is in Co. Cork because the river Blackwater, which separates the two counties, rises in the parish and flows by

the village. The parish is situated in Sliabh Luachra, a district situated between Killarney and the Cork border, and famous for its

unique culture. The music, song, poetry and storytelling of the Ballydesmond area is known far and wide. Until 1888 the parish

was part of Kilmeen/Boherbue but on Rosary Sunday Oct. 1888, Fr. Denis J.O'Riordan took up residence in Glounreigh as first

Parish Priest of Ballydesmond. Until the 1930's the parish and village were known as Kingwilliamstown, the name the place

received when built as a model village in 1832.

However at midnight on January 1, 1952 it became officially known as Ballydesmond. The new name was chosen because of the

association with the Earl of Desmond. Football, traditional music, dancing, singing and playing cards was the main sporting and

cultural outlets. This history and tradition is ingrained in the GAA clubs fabric.

The club was founded in 1964 and officially a GAA club in 1965. We enjoyed significant success over the five decades. Our club

celebrated our Golden Jubilee with the publication in 2014 of “From the Paddocks to Jones Road”. This book includes articles from

players and officials, past and present, and a large selection of photographs, some of which were never previously published. This

book outlines the role of the GAA club in the life of the area, how the Nora Herlihy Park, Handball club and the Community Centre

were developed. It also explains the great Cork-Kerry rivalry that exists in the parish. The launch of this document is a testament

to the parish residents who have grown the Ballydesmond GAA club from strength to strength over the past 50 years. We

commend them for their efforts.

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Methodology

In line with GAA initiatives, the club is required to put in place a plan that would guide the club’s growth over the coming years.

The Ballydesmond GAA club is a key part of the Ballydesmond community. The plan will build on the strengths and successes of

the club and give it a road map for improvement over the next number of years. In creating the plan, the club wants it to;

• Be constructed around the values and traditions of the club,

• Be created by club members and mentors,

• Maximise participation across all areas of the club,

• Provide a roadmap for the club’s future.

On making the plan, we need to identify the immediate and potential challenges that the club would face. When completed the

plan would be clear, practical and ready to put in place. The plan should be for everyone—most importantly the players, members

and parents. It must have clear and understandable objectives. The process used to develop the Ballydesmond Club plan needs to

be based on the GAA recommended process. A decision was made at an AGM that the club executive committee would start the

process, organise the work and encourage participation throughout the project.

The process needs to begin with listening to the members of the Club. A club meeting (workshop) can be held in the community

centre. The meeting should include members and non-members from the following areas:

• Adult Players

• Adult Administrators

• Ordinary members

• Parents

• Community representatives

The meetings (workshops) held for making the plan took the format of a brainstorming focus group where members present

shared ideas and opinions on various aspects of the plan presented. The group focused on and discussed the following topics.

• Club Structure & Administration

• Coaching and Games

• Finance and Fundraising

• Facilities Development

• Communications & PR

At the end of the workshops, groups of members were assigned to develop the plan in each area. Over 2 - 4 weeks each group

developed ideas and formulated plans in each area. These will be reviewed annually against the targets defined and will be refined

and developed. Other areas may well emerge and be included as the planning process evolves. The plan will be tabled at the club

monthly meeting to ensure progress is being tracked. A key outcome from the process is that the Club should keep on using this

strategic Planning methodology in its future planning. The club should host an annual meeting (workshop) one month prior to the

AGM to give the membership the opportunity to review the plan.

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Code of Conduct

That Ballydesmond GAA is a model club for best practice behaviour and we will be able to say:

“Ballydesmond GAA is proven as being fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of its members and all involved in its

activities. Every individual is shown respect and understanding. Each member conducts themselves in a way that reflects the

Mission, Vision & Values of the Association and the guidelines contained in the club “Code of Conduct”.

The club will;

Safeguard and promote the interests and wellbeing of all those who are involved in its games and related activities.

Take all practical steps to protect them from all discernible forms of abuse, from harm, discrimination or degrading

treatment, and shall respect their rights, wishes and feelings.

Have in place a Code of Conduct for the protection and safeguarding of children/young people and adult members and

shall be entitled to amend or revoke any provision of the Code from time to time.

The club will have in place Guidelines for dealing with allegations of abuse. Allegations and complaints of abuse shall be dealt with

exclusively in accordance with the provisions of these guidelines.

We will appoint a Child Welfare Officer whose role shall include the monitoring of the child centred ethos of the club and

compliance with the Code of Conduct and with any policies and guidelines as issued by the club, by the GAA, or by statutory

authorities and agencies. We will appoint designated persons whose role shall include liaising with Statutory Authorities and their

Governing Body in relation to the reporting of allegations and/or suspicions of child abuse. National Policies the club code of

conduct is based on the principles that guide the development of sport for young people in this club, (as outlined in “Code o f

Ethics and Good Practice for Children's Sport” and on the “Code of Best Practice for Youth Sport” as issued by the Gaelic Athletic

Association). Young People's experience of sport should be guided by what is best for the young person. The stages of development

and the ability of the young person should guide the types of activity provided within the club.

Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal. Quality

Atmosphere & Ethos Sport for young people should be conducted in a safe, positive and encouraging atmosphere. A child centred

ethos will help to ensure that competition and specialization are kept in their appropriate place. Too often competitive demands

are placed on children too early and results in excessive levels of pressure on them and as a consequence, high levels of dropout

from sport.

Equality - all members should be treated in an equitable and fair manner regardless of age, ability, sex, religion, social and ethnic

background or political persuasion. Children with disability should be involved in sports activities in an integrated way, thus

allowing them to participate to their potential alongside other children. Fair Play Fair play will be the guiding principle of the Code

of Conduct. Our sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play. Ireland has contributed and is committed to the

European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as: "much more than playing within the rules”. It incorporates the concepts

of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving.

It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption.

Our Goal

Key Project: To prepare and publish a Code of Conduct

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A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of our players, while at the same

time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. Disciplinary & Complaints Procedure. We will implement through the ‘Code of

Conduct’ document a very transparent procedure for dealing with breaches of the code. Also outlined will be a clear line of

communication for complaints and appeals.

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Mission, Vision & Values

The GAA’s values are the heart and soul of our Association. In every Club around the world they are what bind us, what makes us

unique and what attracts more and more players, members, volunteers and supporters.

Mission

“The GAA is a community based volunteer organisation promoting Gaelic games, culture and lifelong participation.”

The GAA is a volunteer organisation. We develop and promote Gaelic games at the core of Irish identity 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 active lifelong participation for all and to providing the best facilities. We reach out

to and include all members of our society. We promote individual development and well-being and strive to enable all our

members achieve their full potential in their chosen roles.

Vision

Our vision is that everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed to take part in our games and culture, to participate fully, to

grow and develop and to be inspired to keep a lifelong engagement with our Association.

Values

Value What this Means?

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

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

• We are anti sectarian

• We are anti-racist

Respect

• We respect 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

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Analysis of Club at Present

The below “SWOT Analysis” gives a brief outline of what we need to achieve from developing and implementing a Club plan.

SWOT ANALYSIS OF BALLYDESMOND GAA CLUB Strengths Weaknesses

1. Exceptional Club Facilities 2. Resurgence in youth teams 3. Club lotto

1. Ratio of Volunteers for club a variety of committees

Opportunities Threats

1. To be a club that can pioneer the implementation of a club plan. 2. Be a club which to break ground on new initiatives 3. Develop facilities more

1. Other catchments areas developing quicker 2. Unemployment & Emigration

Club Structures and Administration

To achieve best practice in club administration and be able to say: - “Ballydesmond GAA Club excels in its administration. We have the structures in place appropriate to the club’s needs. Our Club

Executive is vibrant and we have increased the number of people volunteering in the club.”

Club Constitution

We will adopt the GAA constitution, our club will be administered in accordance with this constitution.

Club Committee Structure

We will appoint a sub-committee to deal with Finance and Fundraising in the Club, Coaching and Games Development,

Communication and PR. We will recruit new volunteers to sit on this committee who have particular a talent for these areas.

Plan Implementation

Members to monitor the implementation of the club plan. This will include the Club Chairman, Club Secretary, Club Treasurer,

Club PRO and Club Coaching Officer as well as others as required.

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy

We will put in place an Alcohol and Substance Abuse policy to make sure that our Club is following best practice regarding the use

of alcohol in the Club. All juvenile ceremonies will take place in an alcohol free environment and we will comply with the GAA

rules banning the drinking of alcohol from cups.

Our Goal

Key Project: Formalise the club administrative structure and define roles and responsibilities.

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How this revised structure will be implemented:

Action Outcome Sought Responsibility

GAA Club Constitution adopted and in

place

To make sure that the Club is being run

in accordance with GAA rules.

Club Executive Committee

Plan Implementation To monitor the implementation of the

club plan


GAA Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit used

by Club officers

(www.gaa.ie)

That the Club is following best practice

in terms of recruiting and retaining

volunteers


GAA on line Club Advice Manual used by

Club Officers (www.gaa.ie/clubzone/club-

manual/)

To help all Club officers with

administration in the Club


Club Alcohol and Substance Abuse Policy

developed

To make sure that the Club is following

best practice regarding the use of

alcohol in the Club


All Players and Members registered on GAA

online registration system. All teams

affiliated to the Player Injury Fund.

To comply with GAA regulations on

registration of players and members

Secretary

All Club property vesting documents in

order and Club Trustees up to date

To safeguard all of the Clubs property All members

Children’s Officer and Designated Person

appointed

To oversee implementation of the GAA

Code of Best Practice and to deal with

any allegations of abuse in the correct

manner.


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Coaching and Games Development

Provide games for everybody and be able to say:

“Ballydesmond GAA Club is providing a consistently high standard of coaching. Our underage section is strong. We have achieved

excellence in coaching standards and in providing games for our young players in a safe and enjoyable environment. Our Club ’s

adult teams perform to their full potential because we have the best possible coaching and games development structures in place.

Coaching and Games Development

We will appoint a Coaching and Games Development Officer to oversee all aspects of games development in the Club. This will

include identifying new coaches in the community, encouraging parents to become involved in coaching and ensuring that all our

Clubs coaches have GAA Coach Education qualifications. This member will also ensure that a balanced programme of games is in

place and that all players get an opportunity to play and participate. He/she will have responsibility for overseeing all coaching

and games related activities and policies. He/she will provide a report to each club meeting.

Underage Games Programme

We will put in place a programme of games for all players involving Go-Games and Super Touch Blitzes within the Club and with

other Clubs. This will ensure that all players get meaningful activity in an environment that promotes skill development.

Coach Education

We will put in place a programme that makes sure that every player is coached by a person qualified to the appropriate level. All

Club coaches will receive GAA coach education qualifications. Each coach will have a minimum of a Foundation Award coaching

certificate. We will aim to have all coaches at Award 1 level over time. We will also identify new referees, who will receive referee

education and assistance from the County Board.

GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour

We will put in place the GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of Behaviour. Everyone in the Club will show due respect to each

other, to Club officers, to team mentors and to the match officials. We will ensure that all our volunteers working with children

are Garda vetted and that our children participate in a safe environment.

Club/School Link

We will develop close links with our local primary and second level schools. We will provide support and advice to the schools in

promoting our games. We would also like to develop further links between the intermediate and junior team with the national

school. E.g. players attending a school sports evening for the local national school children it would be a positive development.

Our Goal

Key Project: Form a strong professionally run coaching & Games development structure and club philosophy

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Club Coaching and Games Officer appointed

by the Club Executive Committee

To oversee all aspects of games development

in the Club and ensure the best possible

coaching structures are in place in our Club


Club-School link in place. Club-School liaison

officer appointed

To cement the relationship between the

local school (s) and the Club and ensure that

the children are receiving GAA coaching.

Coaching and Games Officer

Nursery programme in place for 4 to 7 year

olds

To encourage our young players to become

involved in Gaelic Games in a fun and safe

environment


Go-Games model in place for all u-12

players, with each player participating in at

least 5 blitzes per year

To ensure that all under 12 players get

appropriate games in a fun environment

that promotes skill development


To encourage more parents to become

coaches

To increase the number of coaches available

to our Clubs


All Club coaches receive GAA Coach

Education and have access to coaching

resources (www.gaa.ie)

To ensure that our coaches are trained to

the best possible standards


Cύl Camp held and promoted each year

supported by our own Club coaches

To give all children in the locality the

opportunity to be coached in Gaelic Games

Coaching and Games

Committee

GAA Code of Best Practice and Code of

Behaviour in place

To promote an environment of respect in

the Club and to ensure that all children

participate in a safe environment

Children’s Officer

All coaches working with underage players

attend Child Protection Workshop

To ensure that all children participate in a

safe environment


All coaches working with underage players

have received Garda Vetting

To ensure that all children participate in a

safe environment


Club Defibrillator in place and coaches

trained in its use

To ensure that the welfare of our players

and supporters is of top priority


http://www.gaa.ie/

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Finance and Fundraising

To ensure the expenditure of the club is controlled and funds are in place to meet this expenditure need and be able to say-

“Our Club is successful in fundraising and in financial excellence in order to support the continued development of our Club. We

have new and innovative fundraising ideas and have new people helping in the fundraising efforts.”

The treasurer is to take care of finance and fundraising in the Club and will present a report to each Club Executive Committee

meeting. He/she will prepare a budget for the Club each year, prepare the accounts for the AGM and will organise fundraising

events for the Club.

The monies required on an annual basis to run our club are on par with any small to medium sized business. If the hours of work

volunteered to the club were calculated the figures would run into thousands and we are indebted to all of our volunteers. Whilst

we are amateur we must strive for the highest standards of professional financial excellence. It is important the club has a financial

plan to enable the club run its day to day business and plan to implement the various actions outlined in the 5 year plan. This will

include budgeting for day to day club expenditure, management of current debts and where possible plan funding for the future

development of our facilities through fundraising activity. We will ensure the club complies with the highest accounting and

financial regulatory standards. We do this by ensuring that we:

• Have appropriate financial controls in place

• Always get value for money

• Protect our assets

• Have appropriate resources to achieve our aims

• Have clear lines of responsibility and accountability throughout the club.

Organizing any sort of fundraising event takes up a large amount of time. We will now try to pool resources from all units that

form the Club when organising large fundraising events. This will maximize our return for the time input. All functions/fundraisers

must be advised to the Club Treasurer and monies raised lodged with the Club. The Executive Committee will be responsible for

allocating the monies to the appropriate units and/or teams.

Key Projects: Form strong professionally run finance and fundraising committees.

Our Goal

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How Revised Structure will be implemented


Club Budget prepared at the beginning of each year To help the Club prepare for the year

ahead and to help plan for fundraising

events

Club Treasurer

Executive Committee to identify initiatives that will raise the required funds ongoing basis. This should include sponsorship opportunities.

Plan of initiatives in place each year


Club accounts audited each year To ensure best practice is followed Club Executive Committee

To advise the Executive Committee on all financial matters and arrangements.

Give younger members an area of interest

Club Treasurer

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Facilities and Development

To have the facilities in place to support the club teams & the greater community and be able to say:

“Our players and members now enjoy the very best possible facilities in the area, both on and off the pitch.”

Over the last number of years, the club has made great strides in improving its facilities. With the development to the club

dressing rooms to include storage lockers, toilet facilities, and gym the club has made steady improvement. These facilities are a

great base for the club but do require constant improvement and maintenance. A number of improvements and upgrades are

included in this plan to keep the existing facilities up to the necessary standard. In terms of the playing pitch the club is well

situated with the current maintained pitch. In general the pitch is of adequate quality but improvements need be made in goal

mouth maintenance. The training pitch is fully utilized during the winter but efforts need to be made to maintain the grass

density while in use. The improvement of the club facilities has always been a function of the Executive Committee, but we need

to continue to encourage people to actively volunteer to maintain these assets. As the club facilities improve and grow it will be

imperative that the club maintains the facilities to a high standard. We will be required to work hard to maximise our volunteer

effort in order to manage our facilities. We have identified some goals we would like to see implemented in this 5 year plan, but

would suggest these goals be reviewed annually with the main focus to build on what we have. They are easily achievable and

there is a lot of expertise within our club to help make them happen.

How Revised Structure will be implemented


Club Safety Statement

developed

Providing a safe environment for players and supporters. We

will develop a club safety statement that will help identify all

potential safety hazards, thus ensuring that our grounds

follow best practice in providing a safe environment for

players and supporters.


Establish program for on-going use of gym.

Gym to be fully utilized by club members. Club Executive Committee

and Team Management

Maintenance of the Main

Pitch Goal Mouths

Saving of money….. Club Executive Committee

and Field Committee

Our Goal

Key Project: To maintain and expand on the current club facilities

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Communication/PR and Culture

To communicate effectively with as many people as possible within the Club and throughout the Community and be able to say:

“Our Club is the best possible sporting, cultural and social organisation in our Community. All our members and supporters are

connected through traditional and new media. Our members in the community are aware of everything that is happening in the

club.”

Scór

We will enter the local Scór competitions and aim to promote Irish music, song and dancing. This will help encourage people who

have no connection with the GAA to become involved in the club.

Irish Language Promotion

The club will make every effort to promote the use of the Irish language in its day to day activities. This will include the use of the

‘Gaeilge ag an Cruinni’ section in the ‘Culture and Heritage’ section of the online GAA club manual.

Newsletter We will email members a quarterly newsletter, which will inform them of all of the clubs activities.

How the revised structure will be implemented:


Launch new Club website To have an up to date website that is informative and

well presented


Weekly Club notes in the local

newsletter

To inform the local community about all of the Clubs

activities

Club PRO

Publish article in Parish Yearbook

To record all Club activities for the year in one

publication in order to raise the image of the Club in the

locality

Club Secretary

Collect email address and phone

number for each Club member

To allow us to communicate directly with all Club

members

Club Secretary

twitter To better inform all our member on the Clubs activities Club PRO

whatsapp To better inform all our member on the Clubs activities

Inform players on team events / save money

Club Executive Committee –

Managers - PRO

Our Goal

Key Projects: To compile comprehensive contact lists for all members and units within the Club.

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Implementation and Review Mechanisms for the Plan

This Plan is a live document. It will be reviewed, assessed and adapted to ensure it facilitates the Club in reaching its potential

over the next five years.

The Club Executive Committee will put in place a Plan Implementation Sub-Committee. This sub-committee will meet on a

quarterly basis and assess the progress of the plan against its stated objectives and will report directly to the club Executive

Committee. This team will decide on the most appropriate method to carry out a comprehensive annual review of the Plan. This

will involve the assessment of the current initiatives, their appropriateness for the needs of the Club and the identification of

additional initiatives to assist in the completion of achieving the goals and objectives. If required, the Plan will be modified and

adapted as required. The Committee will also be responsible for communicating the modified Plan to all Club members.

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Glossary of Terms

Alcohol and Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP):

GAA programme that focuses on minimising the harm being caused by alcohol and drugs in society.

Award 1:

Coach education programme that qualifies the participant to be a lead coach for either child, youth or adult players.

Club School Link:

Club support for local primary schools to ensure promotion of the Club and the games

Cúl Camps:

An organised camp for children aged between seven and 13. They are run by qualified coaches and usually held during the

summer.

Go Games:

Small sided skill development games for under 12’s that focus solely on skill development and participation

‘Have-a-go day’:

A series of football recreational blitzes held for individuals or groups who have had little or no involvement in the GAA

previously. These are held at Club locations for newcomer or non-traditional communities.

Introductory Award:

Basic coach education for beginner coaches for child, youth and adult players.

Scór:

Initiatives and activities in which GAA members engage to promote Irish music, dancing and culture.

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Club Officers at Time of Publishing - 2016

President: Billy Lane

Chairman: Andy Moynihan

Secretary: Denis Kelleher

Treasurer: Donal Vaughan

PRO: Donal Kelly

Children’s Officer: Niall Collins

Vice Chairman: Dan O'Connor

Assistant Secretary: Tim Howard

Assistant Treasurer: Fergal O'Sullivan

Duhallow Board Delegate: James Fleming

County Board Delegate: Seanie O'Connor

Community Officers: Fergal O'Sullivan & Donal Vaughan