Top managers soon to need coaching qualifications

Inter-county managers will be forced to hold GAA approved coaching qualifications by 2018. The policy, approved by Central Council last June on the back of a recommendation from the FRC, will prevent an inter-county manager from patrolling the sideline if they have not acquired the requisite expertise.

The GAA also announced all inter-county management teams must contain an Award 2 coach by 2016. Mandatory coaching standards were also introduced at club level with management teams expected to hold an Award 1 coach, while all club managers must be qualified to Award 1 level by 2018.

“The introduction of mandatory coaching standards is highlighting the importance of our coach education programme,” said Chairman of the GAA Coaching and Development Committee Micheál Martin.