Busy season ahead as underage 2024 competitions launched
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The Westmeath Coise na nÓg Competitions Control Committee (CCC). Back row, from left: Declan Leonard, Pat Collins, Shane Briody, Richie Heffernan, Ronan Farrell, Michael Kelly. Front, from left: Paul Doolin, Gerry Walker, Barry Kelly, Peter Collins and Sinead Shine.Image 2 of 4
The club minor football mentors at the launch of the minor football competitions in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Monday, February 19.Image 3 of 4
The club minor hurling mentors for 2024, at the launch of competitions on Monday, February 19.Image 4 of 4
The U12 club football mentors at the launch of competitions by Westmeath Coiste na nÓg.There was a big turnout at the Westmeath Coiste na nÓg meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel on February 19, where the football and hurling competitions for the 2024 season were officially launched.
Each of the clubs were represented by mentors for the various age grades and there was a good discussion on the plans for the new season. Competitions in Westmeath at underage level will return to the more traditional grades of U12, U14, U16 and U18 (minor) for the first time in a number of years following a decision taken by the clubs.
Coiste na nÓg Secretary Peter Collins outlined plans for the year ahead and a master fixtures plan has been produced, giving clubs a clear picture of how the months will pan out. It will be a busy season and there is a new finals day planned for early June in TEG Cusack Park, where all U12 players will have the opportunity to play at Westmeath headquarters.
Coiste na nÓg chairman Barry Kelly was pleased with the response to the launch.
"I'd like to thank the clubs for being so supportive and for attending in such strong numbers and for their participation in the evening's discussions. We all want the best possible for our young players and we had a very positive outlook on the new season, which is great," he said.
A code of behaviour was discussed on the night and it was stressed that meaningful playing time is essential for all players: it's not simply sufficient to give them five minutes at the end, for example, when the match is nearly over. Clubs were encouraged to work with their mentors in this regard.
The significance of Garda vetting was discussed, as well as child safeguarding. It was stressed that it is obligatory for all coaches to be compliant, otherwise they are breaking the law.
For U12 this year, new referees will be in charge of games and these will be young people who have been recruited and trained by Coiste na nÓg. Peter Collins and Barry Kelly have have been very proactive in this regard, along with Westmeath GAA referees coordinator Sean Sheridan.
It was agreed that there is a need to protect these new referees from abuse and in that regard, the Competitions Control Committee (CCC) will be firm with mentors who fail to observe proper standards.
The chairman stressed that these are only under-12 games and the new referees are only starting out. He asked mentors to be more understanding and to expect genuine judgement calls by referees, who will inevitably make errors.
"We are incredibly lucky to have around 70 new referees starting out this year, so we want the clubs to respect them and work with them so that our games can run smoothly," he said.
"Our CCC are busy planning fixtures and ensuring all our players get sufficient game time, so they don’t wish to be overburdened with disciplinary issues. We can avoid problems in this area if we all work together and just be a little more understanding. Peter Collins has done outstanding work with the masters fixtures programme and we are now looking forward to a great year's football and hurling for our underage players."