1. PLAYING RULES & MODIFICATIONS : GO GAMES Policy and playing rules to be strictly adhered to for Under 8 and Under 10 age group. Games are developmental Zones must be used Games must be played in blitz format –no league tables/championships!! Players get to try all positions. Extra points are awarded for the execution of particular skills. Fun and Learning element is stressed – no winners/medals/prizes Go Games

2. Providing a Games Programme for Under 12 Age Group as a result of Rule 33.10 RULE 33.10 : All games activities organised for all players aged U12 by all units of the Association must be: Child centred Small sided games Developmentally appropriate Provide all players with meaningful playing time. **NB** Small-Sided = 11-a-side Go Games

3. Go Games at Under 12 Due to feedback and concerns expressed re U12 format, modified GO GAMES mini-leagues may be introduced at U12. To be eligible to participate in GO GAMES mini leagues: Clubs must take part in a minimum of 5 county board sanctioned GO GAMES cluster blitzes Dates for these cluster blitzes and mini leagues must be included county fixtures plan

4. Definition of ‘Mini League Format’ Based on the GO GAMES philosophy Games are small sided (Max of 11 a side) Clubs strive to provide maximum participation for all players Multiple teams should be fielded where possible A rotational system be used to ensure all players receive equal playing time where there are subs

5. Under 12 Mini Leagues A minimum of 5 cluster blitzes for every club must be run in every county before mini leagues begin. Mini League format is optional –cluster blitzes are compulsory Grading for Mini Leagues is at the discretion of the County Board

6. Suggested Playing Season April, May and June: 5 cluster blitzes in this time period eg. Structure training so it works out that players have 4 training sessions followed by a blitz. Mini Leagues run from 2 nd week August to last week of September

7. RUNNING MINI LEAGUES All teams play a minimum of 6 games (5 league games & 1 final) Each club fields multiple teams Teams play each other once in League Format Every single team will get to play a final E.g. 6 teams in group. Top 2 teams, 3 rd & 4 th, 5 th & 6 th place teams will contest finals

8. RUNNING MINI LEAGUES On a given night the two clubs involved will play two games ( 2 teams for each club, 2 matches at the same time). Combined scores for and against counts as the clubs’ overall score on the evening. Refs must be aware of Go Games Rules

9. RUNNING MINI LEAGUES These games will take place at same time & venue Both games can be played on 1 Adult pitch The number of players on the B teams can be reduced to 9 a side in the lower divisions with the lowest division only having one team per club

10. Competition Grading County board & fixtures committee grade teams for U12 mini leagues as was the case for previous underage championships but grading is NOT based on cluster blitz results. Each county board decides on the structure as regards team size and this must be adhered to by all clubs. If there are subs, each sub must get at least one half playing time. e.g. Grade A/Div 1: 2 Teams of 11 a side Grade B: 1 Team of 11,1 Team of 9 Grade C: 2 Teams of 9 Grade D: one team of 9, 1 team of 7 (In all instances, combined scores of both teams count for clubs overall score)

11. Competition Structure Each county board decides on the structure as regards team size and this must be adhered to by all clubs. If there are subs, each sub must get at least one half playing time. If clubs are graded A, they must field 2 Teams of 11 a side If Graded B: they must field 1 Team of 11,1 Team of 9 If Graded C: they must field 2 Teams of 9 If Graded D: they must field 1 team of 9 and 1 team of 7 (In all instances, combined scores of both teams count for clubs overall score)

12. FINALS A gala blitz day for all participating teams be held at the end of the league The placings in the league will determine the final pairings for the blitz Name the finals rather than A,B,C e.g. Croke Park Final, Semple Stadium Final, Setanta Final, Cu Chulainn Final, Queen Maeve Final

13. PITCH LAYOUT small square 13 meterMain Field H 45meter H U 12 playing area 65meter 45 meter H 13 meter H small square

14. GAA website link: www.gaa.ie/youth-zone/gaa-go-games/ Cumann na mBunscol – Graded under 13 Unified Go Games Parish leagues Fixture Booklets Go Games Workshop in conjunction with RDOS FAQS

15. Next Steps…. Develop U12 Games Programme for your county