GPA Strike Threat

Waylander

I have always been a supporter of the GPA, and believe that players should get more out of the game, without becoming professionals. However, I have a problem with the GPA threatening to go on strike if the government do not give the players an allowance each season. I can't for the life of me see how the GPA can feel the government should be making this payout, when the GAA reaps all the money from the players efforts. I have not read too deeply on this matter, just changed jobs and time is kind of at a premium at the moment. Perhaps I have missed some major point, or maybe I am right in what I say above. Can anyone shed a little light on this for me. Or if what I say above is accurate, can someone please explain how the GPA arrived at the conclusion that it should be the government who fork out the cash.

Imposter

I've only read one article on it and it seems that the GPA want the same grants paid to them as other sportspeople get. The catch to this is though that if the GAA back them and the government refuse to give them the grants (highly likely) then the GAA may be forced to pay it since they've agreed it's neccessary. This money will then go to the elite players instead of back into facilities and whatever else the GAA normally spend the money on.

This brings me to my problem with the GPA. They ONLY represent county players and not even all of them at that. While they are generally the players that put in the most effort and make the most sacrifices for the games, ordinary club players at all levels have most of the same issues facing them (injury funds, milage expenses, proper insurance etc..) yet they are not represented by the GPA. For me a players association of what is still an amateur organisation should represent all players (even the girls :eek: )!

Culchie

Sean Kelly was on the radio this morning, and he appeared to agree with the GPA's issues that had been highlighted at their EGM at the weekend, so the tone was definitely conciliatory. Nicky Brennan is also making positive noises regarding the GPA. so it seems the atmosphere is right for discussion anyway.
Surely players deserve some recognition for being the main revenue generators for the GAA, they just need to hammer out a deal, tax credits being the probable preferred route. As far as I'm concerned if Sonia O'Sullivan and other athletes and competitors in minor sports are entitled to government assistance, then GAA players would keep the nation enthralled for 6 months of the year do also. There has to be a cut off point though, so I think something like the Rugby set up where the IRFU offer contracts to a set amount of players (I think it's 30) should be put in place... so something like 30 players per county should get tax credits.

Imposter - The GPA does not represent all players, as it is a voluntary movement, but from what I know, they include in their 'manifesto' that they aim to provide insurance, injury funds etc... for all players, whether they are a GPA member or not, in a similar way that when SIPTU and the Unions bargain for pay/tax agreements in partnership talks, the results are benefited by every worker, whether they are in a union or not.

Blackjack

Culchie wrote:

As far as I'm concerned if Sonia O'Sullivan and other athletes and competitors in minor sports are entitled to government assistance, then GAA players would keep the nation enthralled for 6 months of the year do also. There has to be a cut off point though, so I think something like the Rugby set up where the IRFU offer contracts to a set amount of players (I think it's 30) should be put in place... so something like 30 players per county should get tax credits.

Have to agree there, specially about limits per county, otherwise it would turn into a free for all.

Waylander

I understand where you are coming from Culchie, but Sonia does not represent an organisation who make millions every year. She represents an underfunded and under supported sport. I do not think it is the same thing. If the GAA players get these grants, what is to stop Eircom League players doing the same thing. I am not surprised Sean Kelly has rowed in behind the GPA on this, the GAA are surely counting their lucky stars that it is the government the GPA are going after, or else the GAA themselves pointed the GPA in that direction.

I do not mind the government giving grants to athletes \ swimmers or others who play these sports that have never got a groundswell of support in this country but the GAA makes enough money itself to look after its own.

elurhs

The GPA have five other demands as well, and all of these should and can be addressed by the GAA in a timely fashion. One is official recognition for the GPA, another addresses the proceeds from the sales of Club Energise. These are both straightforward.

Thirdly, consultation on sorting out the fixtures mess re club, county, U21, colleges, etc. This HAS to be done, for the good of all in the game, including club players. In fact, it should have been done a long time ago.

Fourth point is sufficient insurance cover for injured players, ensuring that operations and medical treatment required is funded by the county board. It also includes sufficient resources in terms of kit, meals after training etc. Progress has been made in this area, but there is still more to do.

Fifthly, the GPA want the recommendations of the study on sudden adult death/cardiac health to be adhered to. This covers providing defibrillators and appropriate medical facilities at games.

I think that if the GPA got these inside the next 18 months, they would be very happy. They are all achievable, and I don't think anyone would argue that they aren't needed.

Finally, the issue of the grants. There is an immediate problem in that the players from the six counties wouldn't be entitled to the grant. I don't know how sure the GPA are of getting this. I think its intended to put pressure on the GAA, and maybe help in getting the other objectives met.

The Rooster

Waylander wrote:

I have always been a supporter of the GPA, and believe that players should get more out of the game, without becoming professionals. However, I have a problem with the GPA threatening to go on strike if the government do not give the players an allowance each season. I can't for the life of me see how the GPA can feel the government should be making this payout, when the GAA reaps all the money from the players efforts. I have not read too deeply on this matter, just changed jobs and time is kind of at a premium at the moment. Perhaps I have missed some major point, or maybe I am right in what I say above. Can anyone shed a little light on this for me. Or if what I say above is accurate, can someone please explain how the GPA arrived at the conclusion that it should be the government who fork out the cash.

Waylander, you have missed a major point.

The GPA contacted the Irish Sports Council to see if intercounty players could potentially recieve government funded grants, in the same way as other amateur athletes recieve them. The GPA's initial proposal was that all squad members in all counties would receive the same amount of money, but the Irish Sports Council said that to have any chance of success, it must be a tiered system - so now the proposal is to have 3 levels of grants for intercounty squad members, the highest being €2,500 per year.

The Irish Sports Council also require that the proposal is supported by the governing body of the sport, i.e. the GAA. So far the GAA have refused to give support - depsite this being on the table for about a year, the GAA have not opined on it one way or another. They didnt turn up to a recent meeting with the Minister and the GPA. Therefore the GPA have gotten upset.

So to be clear - the threat of the strike (I appreciate there have been some additional points added as elurhs has described) was not "if the government do not give the players an allowance". The threat of the strike is if the GAA do not support the players application for a grant. Big difference.

Imposter wrote:

The catch to this is though that if the GAA back them and the government refuse to give them the grants (highly likely) then the GAA may be forced to pay it since they've agreed it's neccessary.

I disagree. By supporting the grant the GAA is not agreeing that it is necessary to pay players. They are simply supporting the idea that if there are grants available to athletes, rowers, boxers etc, then perhaps intercounty GAA players should get same too. In any support they give the GAA can reiterate that it has no intention of changing the amateur ethos of the sport.