GPA call on LGFA to withdraw motion on player injury fund

Kate Sullivan of Dublin in action against Ciara Smyth of Meath during the Lidl Ladies National Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Meath at Parnell Park in Dublin. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

The Gaelic Players Association has responded to a motion going to this weekend’s LGFA Congress which seeks to limit the scope of the player injury fund.

The LGFA management motion is proposing that the injury fund “shall only cover registered members in official matches or official on-pitch training”.

What this means for inter-county players is that they wouldn’t be covered if an injury occurred during a collective gym session or, for example, a collective running session on an athletics track.

The GPA has now responded to the motion, noting the decision "puts players at increased risk". 

They are calling for the motion to be withdrawn immediately. 

The statement read: "Strength and conditioning, including gym access, has been established as a minimum standard under the new squad charter implemented by the LGFA following inter-county player action.

"These activities are essential for player performance and injury prevention, yet the latest motion proposed by LGFA management would remove vital injury fund cover for players engaging in supervised and collective team activities outside of the pitch environment.

"This decision puts players at increased risk. Injuries don't just happen in matches or on the pitch.

"Many occur in the transition between pitch-based training and gym or running sessions. The nature of elite-level sport means players are constantly carrying physical load from one environment to another. A strain sustained in a gym session could stem from cumulative fatigue built up in training. A player completing a running session on a track or road may already be managing soreness from a previous pitch session. The complexity of injuries in a high-performance setting is broad, and removing cover fails to recognise the reality of modern preparation."

It continues: "The LGFA management's decision to propose this motion suggests they have not fully considered its implications. Players already sacrifice significant time and effort to represent their counties at the highest level. Asking them to do so without adequate injury protection, potentially leaving them personally liable for costly medical and rehabilitation expenses, is unacceptable.

"The GPA is calling for this motion to be withdrawn immediately. If it is not, we urge all county delegates to vote AGAINST it in the interests of player welfare. Furthermore, it is deeply disappointing that the most senior committee in the LGFA has brought this forward without consultation with the GPA. Any significant motion impacting player welfare should involve direct discussion with player representatives well in advance of Congress.

"We are putting it on record that any attempt to undermine agreed minimum standards of care will not be tolerated by players. The LGFA must uphold its duty of care and engage in proper consultation before making decisions that so clearly impact those on the field."