Professionalism would have de-stabilising impact, says McCague

SEAN McCAGUE delivered another anti-professionalism warning to GAA rank and file in Belfast.

Rugby had experienced financial problems since its switch from an amateur game, he pointed out, but a professional game would be far more serious for the GAA.

"Three years ago I told Congress that the GAA would remain amateur because it was the right thing to do. That was the case then, it is the case now and it will, I am sure, remain so into the future.

"There are times when I think there is a degree of confusion between the absolute imperative to retain the GAA as an amateur organisation and the equally important requirement to ensure that our players at all levels are well looked after. It's a distinction which should be pretty clear but that's not always the case."

Saying that players had to be looked after as well as possible within the confines of their amateur restrictions, he said he believed that if this was done in association with the players 'everybody could exist in total harmony.'

"Nobody owns the GAA. It is there for all its members. Those of us charged with administering the GAA don't uphold the amateur rule simply because we want to prevent players being paid.

"We do so because it is the express wish of the majority that we remain an amateur organisation.

"This is done in the passionate belief that if we were in any way to embrace professionalism, it would rapidly weaken the pillars which have sustained the Association for over 100 years.

Apart altogether from the serious financial implications, professionalism would have a de-stabilising impact on the competitive structures which have stood us for so long.

"Players would be able to cross boundaries at will, which, in turn, would seriously dilute the massive appeal of the inter-county rivalries.

"The better off counties, or more worryingly, rich individuals would be in a position to buy off the richer players, similar to the system in world soccer.

"That may work in a global sport but it would be a disaster for an organisation like the GAA which depends so much on the pride and passion generated by my club against yours, my county against yours."

Mr. McCague also emphasised the vital role of referees and the threat to recruitment posed by abuse of them.

They had seen an improvement in discipline in games in recent years, but it was now necessary to address indiscipline on the terraces and in the stands.

"The level of abuse aimed at referees especially by our spectators is unacceptable. Why this culture exists I do not know, but we must endeavour to stamp it out," he stated.

"Our referees deserve the best possible protection and I do not believe we are providing that at the moment."