A Chara,

Following the recent relaxation of Covid restrictions, we ask you to note the following in relation to our games in the coming months

Covid in the Community: While restrictions have been relaxed, it is important to note that Covid is still with us. In that context, it remains the position that everyone involved in our Association at either a playing or administrative level, continue to follow Government advice in the relevant jurisdiction on containment of the virus.

At its most basic level, this means that players, coaches or administrators who are displaying any of the symptoms of Covid should not attend training, games or meetings.

Further advice is this context is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/914a6-guidance-on-the-public-health-management-of-covid-19-cases-and-close-contacts/ for members in the 26 Counties and at https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-information-public for those in the North.

Provision of Contact Tracing information (26 Counties): If an individual/team member(s) become infected with SARS-CoV-2 or is a close contact of a detected case, the Government’s Contact Management Programme (CMP) is responsible for contact tracing and, if indicated, for arranging testing for close contacts. In order to undertake this mandatory medical function, it is essential that the CMP have direct access to the relevant individual through provision of their contact information (i.e. mobile phone number). The provision of other contact details such as for a team doctor is not acceptable in this context.

Water breaks Counties and Clubs should note that the provision for Water Breaks in our games is now removed from our Match Regulations with immediate effect.

The following provisions in this context now apply:

Maoir Uisce - Two Maoir Uisce who must be over 18 years of age, are permitted per team; they may not enter the field of play. Each must wear an official bib (Football: Purple or Green | Hurling: Brown or Lilac) and will be situated as per the “Pitch Layout” in our Match Regulations, and at least two metres from the sideline.

Official team personnel (Selectors/Coaches), substitutes, injured players or members of the extended panel may not act as Maoir Uisce. In the event that any official team personnel, injured player(s) or a member of the extended panel act as a Maoir Uisce, any breach of rule, shall be considered as a Misconduct at Games by Team Officials infraction.

Maoir Uisce are not permitted to have/use Communications devices i.e. walkie talkies.

In Hurling the Maoir Uisce will also act as Hurley Carriers & may enter the field of play with a replacement hurley when necessary.

This will also mean that the number of people allowed access to the controlled zone for games in our Match Regulations will increase by 2 (i.e. from 40 to 42) to accommodate this change.

In this context, Counties and clubs should a note the provisions on unauthorised entry to the field of play as outlined in Rule 1.4 of the Rules of Control

1.4 ENTRY TO FIELD OF PLAY/INCURSIONS

A Team Official shall not enter the field of play.

Exception: The Referee may give his permission to a Team Medical Officer or one authorised official to enter the Field of Play to examine an injured player.

Penalties on the day for the above infraction:

(i) Caution offender by showing him a Yellow Card;

(ii) Order offender from the Pitch Enclosure for a second Infraction by showing him a second Yellow Card followed by a Red Card. The offender is debarred from the Pitch Enclosure for the remainder of the Game, including any Extra-Time, when played, and he may not be replaced.

Fixed penalty on a second repeat infraction (i.e. a third ordering off): One match suspension in the same Code and at the same Level, applicable to the next game in the competition in which the third ordering of occurred, even if that game occurs in the following year’s competition.

Finally, we wish to take this opportunity to thank all of those involved in the Association for their patience and co-operation with the various restrictions imposed over the course of the last two years. While the pandemic may not be over, there are certainly very positive signs for better days ahead and our activities, for the moment at least, will be returning to something resembling normality. In the interim, we again urge you to continue to follow Government advice and in particular, the provisions outlined North and South for those who are positive, are symptomatic or who are considered to be close contacts of a positive case.

Is muide le meas,

Uachtarán Labhrás Mac Carthaigh

Ard Stiúrthóir Tomás Ó Riain