The GAA has announced the membership and also the terms of reference for the new Fixtures Calendar Review Task Force.
The committee, which has been established by Uachtarán John Horan, has been tasked with having a report with recommendations ready for next November, and which will drive a discussion ahead of the potential for rule changes to be voted on at Congress 2020.
The GAA Fixtures Calendar Review Task Force is:
- Eddie O’Sullivan (Chair) Member of An Coiste Bainistíochta, former club chair St Sylvester’s GAA, Dublin
- Micheal Martin (Wexford) Chair GAA National Fixtures Analysts Committee
- Kevin O’Donovan (Cork), CEO Cork GAA
- Stephen Barker (Derry), Ulster GAA CCC
- John Costello (Dublin), CEO Dublin GAA
- John Prenty (Mayo), Secretary Connacht Council GAA
- Michael Higgins (Galway) CPA Representative
- Ronan Sheehan (Down) GPA Representative
- Michael Hyland (Galway) Chair GAA Higher Education Committee
- Seamus Woods (Down) Chair GAA Post Primary Schools’ Committee
- Conor O’Donoghue (Meath) County Minor team manager
In addition to the formation of the Task Force, the following terms of reference have been drawn up to assist the new committee in their deliberations.
- To consider current significant issues affecting the GAA Fixtures Calendar, including the current positioning and footprint of inter-county competitions and the time available for clubs.
- To examine current national competition structures and their timing in the context of the time available for the inter-county game.
- To make recommendations, by November 2019, on options for change for consideration by Ard Chomhairle and Congress, outlining the likely implications of each for the Association.
The Task Force has been asked to give particular consideration to:
- The timing and structure of the main senior inter-county competitions (pre-season, league and championship) including the need for a closed season
- The rules governing the monitoring and governance of fixtures at club level as well as the structure of championships
- The practicalities of delivering a ‘Calendar Year’ with Club Finals being played before year end
- The timing of and eligibility for 3rd Level competitions
- The timing of and eligibility for U20 inter-county competitions in the context of the Talent Academy Review recommendations
- The present Minor (U17) competition
The Task Force, in its deliberations, should review the various fixture-related reports in recent times and recommendations and proposals therein. In addition, it should elicit a range of views from specialist interested parties including, but not restricted to, the Central Competitions Control Committee and the National Fixtures Analysis Committee, and more widely from other interested individuals.