CLUB MAITH TOOLKIT | 72

ADVICE NOTE NUMBER

Ulster Council GAA

18Image, branding, design, communication and PR are all integral parts of the GAA and are playing their part in Club Development. The GAA has recognised the role a strong brand can play in its future, it is important that Clubs feed off this strength. The GAA is a unique organisation, on the first and third Sundays in September we see it in all its glory, but challenges lie ahead. Clubs are the core of the GAA and these challenges will affect them too. In today’s unsettled economic climate, and with strong competition from other sports, the GAA and its Clubs must be prepared to develop a strong GAA Club identity to help meet these challenges.

The GAA MarkIn 2009 the GAA launched a new brand identity that centres around the Association’s name itself. It captures our rich calligraphic heritage and is refined to represent youth and excitement in our games. Importantly, it allows us to communicate the name of the Association acrossGAA communications.

Please note that black and white tabs should only be used when printing in black and white (mono).

GAA clubs may use the GAA tabs (as shown above) on communications. Examples of the GAA tab in use are shown below. Please note the GAA Mark must only appear within the GAA Tab. Guidelines are available at www.brand.gaa.ie

Brandáil agus Soilseacháin CLG

Branding and Publications

Prepare for the meeting: this means at a minimum to have an agenda and ideally for the Chair/Officers to have identified specific issues they want discussed

CLUB MAITH TOOLKIT | 73ulster.gaa.ie

BRANDING AND PUBLICATIONS

To accompany the new Mark there is also a new Association Crest. It is based on the original GAA identity which drew its inspiration from the Irish High Cross. The history and heritage of the Association are enshrined in this new Crest.

As our new Association Crest represents our history and is a reminder of the values we stand for, it is the most precious visual asset we own. Therefore it is of the upmost importance that we use our Association Crest with respect and consideration. It should never be used on material containing sponsor logos or references to sponsors.

Approved Applications:

n Annual reportsn Official addresses/messages (Presedential, Provincial Secretary, County Board Chairman etc)n Official Ard Stiúrthóir and Presidential communicationsn Official Stationeryn Internal Governance publications and communicationsn Membership Cardsn Club, County, Provincial and Stadia signage - (entrance and plaques)n Congress/Provincial & County conventionsn Officially approved ceremonial and celebration usagen Certificatesn Official exceptions approved by GAA Marketing Department.

CLUB MAITH TOOLKIT | 74

ADVICE NOTE NUMBER

Ulster Council GAA

18No other applications are approved for use with the Association Crest. If you are still unsure whether using the Association Crest on a publication is appropriate seek advice from the GAA Marketing Department or email: marketing@gaa.ie

The GAA Mark and the ClubThe Association has produced a range of guidelines and tool-kits that will assist the Clubs/Counties in branding and promotion. These guidelines and tool-kits are not about Clubs/Counties losing their own individual identity but adding strength through association.Items that will be covered are such as jerseys, signage, programmes, tickets etc. To access the guidelines and templates, Club and County officers can register at brand.gaa.ie

The Ulster Council has already successfully adopted the new branding and through its own design and marketing team will be available to provide advice when necessary.

BRANDING AND PUBLICATIONS

CLUB MAITH TOOLKIT | 75ulster.gaa.ie

BRANDING AND PUBLICATIONS

Design and promotion plays a key role and will continue todo so in the future. In Ulster we have learnt that communicating a strong simple message is critical.

Over the past few years the Ulster Council has been working hard in developing its own brand as well as assisting Clubs and Counties. Currently it is no accident that our games are well attended at all levels and we buck the trend with our figures at our Championship games. Design and promotion plays a key role in helping make this happen and will continue to do soin the future.

In Ulster we have learnt that communicating a strong simple message is critical. Our programmes are now easier to read, our promotional material is consistent and these messages where possible we have passed down to Clubs and Counties. Here are a few examples of the work our design and marketing team have been involved in over the past couple of years and the transition to a clear simple message is evident.

Before & after logo designs for Rounders Before & after logo designs for DrumraghSarsfields, Co. Tyrone

Before & after design for Ulster Council Handbook

Ulster Championship Final Programme

Séamus de Faoite Cúrsa Gaeilge - Ulster GAA Irish Language Course Brochure