Bye-Laws & Regulations

Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

Coiste Chontae na Gaillimhe

Bye-Laws & Regulations 2013 These Bye-Laws and Regulations were approved by the Galway GAA Special County Convention held on 4th December 2012, reviewed and amended by the National ByeLaws Committee and the amendments approved by the Special Galway GAA County Convention held on 17th January 2013. Coiste Bainisti approved these Bye-Laws on 4th February 2013

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

BYE-LAWS 2013 (FINAL DRAFT) The County Committee shall control all matters affecting the Gaelic Athletic Association and all Competitions and Gaelic Cultural Activities in the County of Galway, but may delegate limited powers to the Football or Hurling, or other Sub-Committees, that it shall appoint annually, as provided for in the Official Guide (T.O.)and in these Bye-Laws. 1. In these Bye-Laws – the County means the “County of Galway”, including Galway City and their total Administrative and Geographic areas. 2. In accordance with Rule 3.10 and 3.11, T.O. 2012 and these Bye-Laws, the County Convention shall elect the following: Chairperson, Vice- Chairperson, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Development Officer, Coaching and Games Development Officer, Officer for the Irish Language and Culture, Public Relations Officer, two (2) Connacht Council Representatives, and the Central Council Representative. In addition the County Convention shall appoint a Children’s Officer, recommended by the outgoing County Committee. 3. With effect from 1st January 2013, the Galway GAA County Committee shall consist of:Chairperson Vice-Chairperson Secretary (*) Assistant Secretary Treasurer Development Officer Coaching Officer Officer for Irish Language and Culture Public Relations Officer Children’s Officer (*) Two (2) Connacht Council Delegates (One Football / One Hurling) Central Council Delegate County Referees Administrator (*) Three (3) named Representatives from the County Football Committee (*) Three (3) named Representatives from the County Hurling Committee. (*) County Handball Committee Representative (*) County Primary Schools Committee (Cumann na mBunscoil) Representative (*) County Post Primary Schools Committee Representative (*) Chairperson, Coiste Peil na nÓg (*) Chairperson, Coiste Iomána na nÓg (*), and One (1) named Representative, from each Affiliated Adult Club, in the County. (*) all of whom shall be elected and ratified at County Convention, with the following exceptions; i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi.

The Full-Time County Secretary shall be appointed in accordance with Rule 3.11, T.O. 2012 The Children’s Officer shall be appointed on the recommendation of the outgoing County Committee in accordance with Rule 3.11, T.O. 2012. The County Referees Administrator shall be appointed in accordance with Rule 3.20,T.O. 2012 The three (3) Football Committee Representatives shall be the Football Committee Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and they shall be appointed by the County Committee, in January each year. The three (3) Hurling Committee Representatives shall be the Hurling Committee Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer and they shall be appointed by the County Committee, in January each year. The County Handball, County Primary Schools and County Post Primary Schools Representatives shall be selected by the County Committee, in January each year. Page 2 of 2

Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013 vii. viii. ix.

The Chairpersons of both Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg shall be appointed by the County Committee, in January each year. In addition, the County Convention shall also ratify the appointments of a President for two years and Vice-Presidents, all of whom shall be nominated by the outgoing County Committee. One (1) named Representative from each Affiliated Adult GAA Club in the County. a. All Members, with the exception of the President, the Vice-Presidents and the Full-Time County Secretary, shall have voting rights, and Twenty-Five (25) Members shall form a Quorum, at full meetings of the County Committee. b. In accordance with Rule 3.11, T.O. 2012 the County Treasurer, who shall be elected annually, shall not be subject to the maximum period of office of five years, but shall be eligible to a maximum term of office of seven consecutive years. c. All Officers and all Members of the County Committee shall be entitled to vote on all matters at all times, with the exception of the County Committee President, Vice-Presidents and the Full-Time County Secretary.

4. In accordance with Rule 3.22, T.O. 2012, the County Committee, at its first meeting after the Annual County Convention, shall appoint the following Sub-Committees, whose powers, functions and duties, shall be as set out in Rule 3.22, T.O. 2012 and in these Bye-Laws. These sub-Committees shall act under the Rules of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael and these Bye-Laws and at all times, shall be subject to the absolute control of the County Committee: i)

Management Committee: It shall consist of the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of the County Committee and the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer of both the Football and Hurling Committees, along with the Central Council Delegate and the two (2) Connacht Council Delegates. A recommendation of the County Management Committee on a matter of Finance may not be upset save by a two-thirds majority of the members of the County Committee present, entitled to vote and voting.

(ii)

Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.): It shall consist of the County Chairperson and Secretary, the Football Committee Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, the Hurling Committee Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, the Secretary of Coiste Peil na nÓg, the Secretary of Coiste Iomána na nÓg; along with the County Referees’ Administrator, who shall be entitled to vote only, on the appointment of Referees. (a) In accordance with Rule, the C.C.C. shall process and make recommendations to the County Committee on the Grading of Clubs and Players and on Requests for Permission to Play. It shall, in the first instance, be responsible for decisions on applications for Transfer within the County. In determining its decision on these matters the C.C.C. shall liaise with the respective Football and Hurling Committees and give consideration to their recommendations. (b) In accordance with Rule 3.22, T.O. 2012 the C.C.C. shall be responsible for all arrangements, including the appointment of Referees and control of all Competitions and Games under the jurisdiction of the County Committee and its sub-Committees, including all matters relating to the Enforcement of Rules and all Disciplinary Matters other than those functions, which are reserved for the County Hearings Committee. (c) A decision of the County Competitions Committee on Fixtures may not be overturned unless a vote of two-thirds of the members of the County Committee present, entitled to vote and voting is obtained. Page 3 of 3

Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

(d) It shall deal with Objections and Counter-Objections, arising from all Competitions and Games, under the control of the County Committee and its Sub-Committees. (e) The C.C.C shall form a Football Competitions Workgroup. All members of the Football Competitions Workgroup shall be members of the C.C.C. It shall include at least two Officers of the Football Committee, who are members of the C.C.C. and three (3) members shall form a quorum. (f) The C.C.C. shall form a Hurling Competitions Workgroup. All members of the Hurling Competitions Workgroup shall be members of the C.C.C. It shall include at least two Officers of the Hurling Committee, who are members of the C.C.C. and three (3) members shall form a quorum. (g) All Fixtures proposed by the respective Workgroups must always be ratified by the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.). Requests for deviation are a matter for the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) alone. (h) At the beginning of each Season, the Competitions Control Committee shall organise a meeting of all Fixture making bodies within the County, to coordinate a programme of Competitions and Games, for each year. (i) In conjunction with the County Fixtures Planners, a detailed Calendar of Fixtures shall be published by the Football and Hurling Committees, including Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg and shall be submitted for ratification to the Competitions Control Committee, before the 31st January each year. After its review, the Competitions Control Committee shall submit the detailed Calendar of Fixtures to the County Committee for full and final ratification. Requests for changes or disruption to these Fixtures must always be made in writing and may only be considered by the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.), in accordance with T.O. 2012 and these ByeLaws. (iii)

County Hearings Committee: — It shall consist of five members, including a Chairman, Deputy-Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, appointed by the County Committee, none of whom may be a member of the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) or of the County Management Committee. Appeals shall be to the Provincial Council. It shall adjudicate on all matters, where a Hearing is prescribed and requested. It shall hear appeals, arising from decisions of Sub-Committees, appointed by the County Committee and may advise C.C.C. and / or the County Management Committee, if so requested. Appeals against decisions of the Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) in relation to Objections and Counter Objections shall be to Provincial Council. Appeals against decisions on Transfers within the County shall be in accordance with Rule 3.22 (iv) (b)

(iv)

County Planning and Physical Development Committee: It shall consist of the County Committee Vice-Chairperson, who shall be the Chairperson; the County Development Officer who shall be the Secretary and one Representative each of the Football and Hurling Committees and the Chairperson and Secretary of the County Committee, along with the County Safety Officer.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

(v)

County Coaching and Games Development Committee: It shall consist of the County Coaching Officer who shall be Chairperson, the County Games Manager who shall be Secretary, the County Treasurer who shall be Treasurer and seventeen other members, appointed by the County Committee.

(vi)

County Cultural Committee: It shall consist of the County Officer for the Irish Language and Culture, who shall be the Chairperson and fifteen other members, appointed by the County Committee.

(vii)

County Public Relations/Marketing Committee: It shall consist of the County Public Relations Officer, who shall be the Chairperson, the PRO of the Football Committee, the PRO of the Hurling Committee, the PRO of Coiste Peil na nÓg, the PRO of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, along with one nominee each from the County Handball and County Cultural Committees. The County Committee shall also appoint three other suitable members.

(viii)

County Youth Committee - It shall consist of the County Children’s Officer, who shall be the Chairperson, the Chairpersons and Secretaries of Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg, the County Games Manager, one Representative each, from the Primary Schools, Post-Primary Schools and Third Level Colleges Committees; and three other members, all of whom shall be appointed by the County Committee.

(ix)

County Referees’ Administration Committee - It shall consist of fourteen members to be appointed by the County Committee and shall include the County Referees’ Administrator who shall be the Committee Chairperson and County Referees’ Tutors (2), all of whom shall be nominated by the County Committee Chairperson. Each of the following Committees shall nominate a Representative for appointment by the County Committee, as members of the County Referees Administration Committee: Football and Hurling Committees, Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg, along with one Representative each from the Primary Schools, Post- Primary Schools and Third Level Colleges Committees.

(x)

County Finance Sub-Committee – It shall consist of all of the members of the County Management Committee, along with three other suitable personnel, appointed by the County Committee.

(xi)

County Information Technology Committee – It shall consist of the Public Relations Officer, who shall be the Chairperson, along with the PRO’s of the Football, Hurling, and Handball Committees, the County I.T. Officer and seven other suitable members, all to be appointed by the County Committee.

(xii)

County Health & Safety Committee – It shall consist of the County Safety Officer, who shall be the Chairperson, the County Events Controller and Assistant Events Controller, the Central and Connacht Council Delegates, the County Treasurer and three other members, appointed by the County Committee. The County Health & Safety Committee shall ensure that all Health and Safety Directives and requirements are complied with and implemented in both County Grounds and Club Grounds in the County and that these Venues provide the best facilities for our Players and Officials and that the safety and comfort of Patrons and Supporters is paramount at all times.

(xiii)

The County Social Inclusion and Integration Committee – It shall consist of a Chairperson, one Connacht Council Delegate and twenty other members appointed by the County Committee.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

(xiv)

County GAA Supporters Committee – It shall consist of a Chairperson, ViceChairperson, Secretary and Assistant Secretary, appointed by the County Committee. It shall also consist of the Treasurer of the County Committee, who shall be the Committee Treasurer, along with the Treasurers of the Football and Hurling Committees, who shall be the Assistant Treasurers. The County Public Relations Officer shall also be a member, along with the PROs of both the Football and Hurling Committees. This Committee which shall govern and control the activities of the Supporters Clubs shall also include nine other members, appointed by the County Committee. The County GAA Supporters Committee shall, under the jurisdiction and control of the County Committee, identify, coordinate and organise fundraising initiatives to attract financial support from outside the normal GAA Community to fund the preparation of all Inter-County Teams at all grades and support other projects as approved by the County Committee when necessary.

(xv)

Pearse Stadium Committee, Salthill – It shall consist of a Chairperson and Vice- Chairperson appointed by the County Committee, the County Safety Officer, the County Events Controller and Assistant Events Controller, the Chief Steward, the Grounds Manager, the Central Council Delegate, the two Connacht Council Delegates, the County Treasurer, who shall be Treasurer of the Committee, the Assistant County Secretary, who shall be Secretary and seven other Members appointed by the County Committee. The Pearse Stadium Committee shall have responsibility for identifying, prioritising and financing new development works that should be carried out at the venue to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements are complied with, that the venue provides the best facilities for our Players and Officials and that the safety and comfort of Patrons and Supporters is paramount at all times.

(xvi)

Duggan Park Committee, Ballinasloe – It shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary, all appointed by the County Committee. It shall also consist of the County Safety, Events Controller, Assistant Events Controller, a Chief Steward and the Grounds Officer, along with the Treasurer of the County Committee, the Central Council Delegate, one Connacht Council Delegate and six other members appointed by the County Committee. The Duggan Park Committee shall have responsibility for identifying, prioritising and financing new development works that should be carried out at the venue to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements are complied with, that the venue provides the best facilities for our Players and Officials and that the safety and comfort of Patrons and Supporters is paramount at all times.

(xvii) Kenny Park Committee, Athenry - It shall consist of a Chairperson, ViceChairperson and Secretary, all appointed by the County Committee. It shall also consist of the County Safety Officer, Events Controller, Assistant Events Controller, a Chief Steward and the Grounds Officer, along with the Treasurer of the County Committee, the Central Council Delegate, one Connacht Council Delegate and six other members appointed by the County Committee. The Kenny Park Committee shall have responsibility for identifying, prioritising and financing new development works that should be carried out at the venue to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements are complied with, that the venue provides the best facilities for our Players and Officials and that the safety and comfort of Patrons and Supporters is paramount at all times.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

(xviii) Tuam Stadium Committee, Tuam - It shall consist of a Chairperson, ViceChairperson and Secretary, all appointed by the County Committee. It shall also consist of the County Safety Officer, Events Controller, Assistant Events Controller, a Chief Steward and the Grounds Officer, along with the Treasurer of the County Committee, the Central Council Delegate, one Connacht Council Delegate and six other members appointed by the County Committee. The Tuam Stadium Committee shall have responsibility for identifying, prioritising and financing new development works that should be carried out at the venue to ensure that all Health and Safety requirements are complied with, that the venue provides the best facilities for our Players and Officials and that the safety and comfort of Patrons and Supporters is paramount at all times. (xix)

County Teams Management & Panels Committee – It shall consist of the County Teams' Management and Panels' Committee, as outlined in the Charter for County Committee / Player relationships, as approved by the Árd Chomhairle from time to time. The functions of this Committee will be as outlined in Rule 3.22, T.O. 2012

(xx)

County Fixtures Planners - In accordance with Rule 3.22, T.O. 2012 the County Management Committee shall appoint two County Fixture Planners (one Football and one Hurling) whose roles and responsibilities shall be as follows: (a) They shall be responsible for planning, monitoring, analysing and reviewing the County Fixtures Programme. (b) They shall present Reports (Football and Hurling) to Annual Convention on all Fixtures at County level and submit a Report to the Provincial and National Fixtures Committees, as required. (c) They shall work in conjunction with the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) on the production of an on-going three year Fixtures Plan and Schedule

5. In accordance with Rule 3.21, T.O. 2012 the County Committee shall also appoint the following Sub-Committees whose functions and powers shall be as defined in these ByeLaws: A. COUNTY FOOTBALL COMMITTEE i. The County Football Committee shall consist of the following Members: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and P.R.O., all of whom shall be appointed by the County Committee. It shall also include the Chairperson and Secretary of Coiste Peil na nÓg, one Connacht Council Delegate; all nominated by the County Committee and one named Delegate from each affiliated adult Football Club or Dual Club, in the County. Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum. The Annual General Meeting shall be held on or before the first Sunday of December of each year, at which the Secretary’s Report and audited Balance Sheet shall be submitted. ii. The Annual General Meeting shall consist of the Officers of the outgoing Committee, the two Officers from Coiste Peil na nÓg, one Connacht Council Delegate, plus two Delegates from each affiliated adult Football Club or Dual Club, in the County.

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iii. In accordance with T.O. 2012 all members of the Football Committee are appointed by the County Committee and only those so appointed, may participate in meetings of the Football Committee. iv. The County Football Committee shall organise and run all Football Competitions and Games referred to it, on behalf of the County Competitions Control Committee. v. The Football Committee may recommend the appointment of Regional Workgroups (GPCs) on an annual basis, to assist its work in organising and running Games and Competitions in the County, subject to their appointment by the County Committee. vi. The funds and assets of the County Football Committee are the property of the County Committee, and shall be managed in accordance with ByeLaw 28. vii. The Football Committee may hold a monthly meeting. A special meeting may be convened at any time by its Secretary, with the approval of its Chairman and the Secretary of the County Committee. A Special meeting shall be summoned on the receipt of a written request of fifteen members, such request to contain the special reasons for calling the proposed meeting. viii. The County Football Committee Executive shall consist of the following members: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, P.R.O., the Connacht Council Delegate, the Chairperson and Secretary of Coiste Peil na nÓg and one Representative of any approved Regional Workgroup (GPC) all of whom shall be appointed by the County Committee, at its first meeting each year. ix. The function of the County Football Committee Executive shall, subject to the overall jurisdiction of the County Committee, be to oversee, manage and plan the day-to-day running of matters relating to the County Football Committee and to ensure that all matters are dealt with in accordance with Rule and these Bye-Laws and subject to the sanction of the County Committee at all times. x. All Officers and Members, at meetings of the County Football Committee shall be entitled to vote on all matters at all times. B. COUNTY HURLING COMMITTEE i. The County Hurling Committee shall consist of the following Members:Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and P.R.O., the Chairperson and Secretary of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, one Connacht Council Delegate; all nominated by the County Committee, and one named Delegate from each affiliated adult Hurling Club or Dual Club, in the County. Fifteen members shall constitute a quorum. The Annual General Meeting shall be held not later than the second Sunday of December each year, at which the Secretary’s Report and Audited Balance Sheet shall be submitted.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

ii. The Annual General Meeting shall consist of the Officers of the outgoing Committee, the Chairperson and Secretary of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, one Connacht Council Delegate; and two Delegates from each affiliated adult Hurling or Dual Club in the County. iii. In accordance with T.O. 2012 all Members of the Hurling Committee are subject to appointment by the County Committee and only those so appointed may participate in meetings of the Committee. iv. The County Hurling Committee shall organise and run all Hurling Competitions and Games referred to it, on behalf of the County Competitions Control Committee. v. The funds and assets of the County Hurling Committee are the property of the County Committee, and shall be managed in accordance with ByeLaw 28. vi. The Hurling Committee may hold a monthly meeting. A special meeting may be convened at any time by the Secretary, with the approval of the Chairman and County Committee Secretary. A Special meeting shall be summoned on receipt of a written request of fifteen members, such request to contain the special reasons for calling the proposed meeting. vii. The County Hurling Committee Executive shall consist of the following: Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, P.R.O., the Connacht Council Delegate and the Chairperson and Secretary of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, all of whom shall be appointed by the County Committee, at its first meeting each year. viii. The function of the County Hurling Committee Executive shall, subject to the overall jurisdiction of the County Committee, be to oversee, manage and plan the day-to-day running of matters relating to the County Hurling Committee and to ensure that all matters are dealt with in accordance with Rule and these Bye-Laws and subject to the sanction of the County Committee at all times. ix. All Officers and Members, at meetings of the County Hurling Committee shall be entitled to vote on all matters at all times. C. COISTE PEIL NA NÓG Coiste Peil na nÓg shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, P.R.O. and seven other members, nominated at the Annual General Meeting. All Officers of Coiste Peil na nÓg shall be appointed by the County Committee. The functions, authority and responsibilities of Coiste Peil na nÓg shall subject to the control of the County Committee be: i.

To accept responsibility for the promotion of the Game of Football and the organising of Club Football Competitions in all Age Groups, up to and including Under-16 level within the County, referred to it by and on behalf of the County Competitions Control Committee.

ii.

To furnish written and oral Reports on its activities at the meetings of the County Football Committee and to present quarterly reports to the County Committee.

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iii.

To organise and be responsible for its own gate collections and general finances, under the direction of the County Football Committee Treasurer.

iv.

To hold an Annual General Meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting of the County Football Committee. The Annual General Meeting must consist of the outgoing Coiste Officers and two Delegates from each Affiliated Football or Dual Club, participating in Competitions, organised by the Coiste.

v.

To hold General Meetings, comprising of Officers of the Coiste and one official Delegate per affiliated Football or Dual Club, as often as may be required to improve the general organisation of activities.

vi.

The Football Committee Officers and the County Secretary shall be notified in advance of all Meetings.

vii.

The appointed Chairperson of Coiste Peil na nÓg shall be a member of the County Committee and both the Chairperson and Secretary shall be members of the County Football Committee and the Secretary shall be a member of the C.C.C.

viii.

All Officers and Members, at meetings of Coiste Peil na nÓg, shall be entitled to vote on all relevant matters, at all times

D. COISTE IOMANA NA nÓG Coiste Iomána na nÓg shall consist of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, P.R.O. and seven other members, all appointed by the County Committee. The functions, authority and responsibilities of Coiste Iomána na nÓg shall subject to the control of the County Committee be: i.

To accept responsibility for the promotion of the Game of Football and the organising of Club Hurling Competitions in all Age Groups, up to and including Under-16 level within the County, referred to it by and on behalf of the County Competitions Control Committee.

ii.

To furnish written and oral Reports on its activities at the meetings of the County Hurling Committee and to present quarterly reports to the County Committee.

iii.

To organise and be responsible for its own gate collections and general finances, under the direction of the County Hurling Committee Treasurer.

iv.

To hold an Annual General Meeting prior to the Annual General Meeting of the County Hurling Committee. The Annual General Meeting must consist of the outgoing Coiste Officers and two Delegates from each Affiliated Hurling or Dual Club, participating in Competitions, organised by the Coiste.

v.

To hold General Meetings, comprising of Officers of the Coiste and one Official Delegate per affiliated Hurling or Dual Club, as often as may be required to improve the general organisation of activities.

vi.

The Hurling Committee Officers and the County Secretary shall be notified in advance of all Meetings.

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vii.

The appointed Chairperson of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, shall be a member of the County Committee and both the Chairperson and Secretary shall be members of the County Football Committee and the Secretary shall be a member of the C.C.C.

viii.

All Officers and Members, at meetings of Coiste Iomána na nÓg, shall be entitled to Vote on all relevant matters, at all times. E. POST PRIMARY SCHOOLS COMMITTEE

It shall consist of eleven members, all appointed by the County Committee. The Chairperson of this Committee shall be nominated by the County Committee Chairperson and shall be a member of the County Committee. Its membership shall constitute its C.C.C. and Appeals against its decisions and requests for Hearings, shall be heard by the County Hearings Committee. The functions of the Post Primary Schools Committee shall be: i.

The promotion, development and control of Competitions and Games, in Post Primary Schools within the County.

ii.

To organise Competitions and Games where appropriate, and encourage as a wide a participation in Gaelic games as is feasible, in line with National Policy and Structures. It may also allow access to some Second-Level Schools outside of the County, for some of its competitions.

iii.

To forward motions to the Provincial Schools’ Committee, for their consideration.

6. The County Committee shall have power to summon a special County Convention at any time should the necessity arise. Such Conventions must be approved by the County Management Committee in advance and a minimum notice of seven (7) days shall be given to all Members of the County Committee and all Clubs. 7. Any changes in the County Bye-Laws by deletion, addition or amendment shall be made only at a County Convention. A deletion, addition or amendment to an existing Bye-Law shall not be passed, unless it is on the Agenda for the Convention and it receives the support of two-thirds of those present, entitled to vote and voting thereat. No decision of a County Convention at variance with the prior decision of the County Committee shall have a retrospective effect, at any time. 8. The County Committee shall at its first post-Convention meeting, annually arrange for the relevant Motions passed at the Annual Convention, to be submitted to An Coiste Bainistí for approval as GAA Bye-Laws. Copies of the revised Bye-Laws once approved, shall be available from Oifig Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Galway County GAA Committee, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway. 9. Annual Club Affiliations, together with the appropriate fees for all Clubs and all Teams, shall be received by the County GAA Secretary, on or before 15th January, each year. All other Club payments, including Insurances (Property and Public Liability), Administration Subventions, Coaching Grants, etc. shall be received by the County GAA Secretary, on or before, but not later than 31st March, each year. 10. Clubs shall submit the prescribed GAA Membership fees (as per Rule 2.2, T.O. 2012), and the GAA Player Injury Scheme fees, for all affiliated Teams, to the appropriate authority in Croke Park, on or before 31st March, each year.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

11.GRADING OF PLAYERS i)

Further to Rule 6.19, T.O. 2012, all applications for Player re-grades shall be lodged with the County Secretary, before 1st February each year on the prescribed form.

ii) Only in circumstances, which could not have been foreseen shall applications received after this closing date be considered. iii) Each Club shall be allowed to request the re-grading of up to six (6) Players maximum per affiliated Championship team, in any year. 12. Full-time registered Students of N.U.I.G. and G.M.I.T. may play in the County Galway Championships with their Clubs, provided they do not play in the same Championship with their College. 13.ELIGIBILITY FOR CHAMPIONSHIP / GRADING a. Further to Rule 6.18, T.O. 2012, a Player is graded by the status of his last Championship Game. There are five (5) levels of Championship status: Senior, Intermediate, Junior A, Junior B and Junior C (including Special) in County Galway. b. County Intermediate and Junior Club Championships Winners must move into a higher grade for the following year, unless the Club concerned already has a team in the next higher grade, or the County Committee on application from the Club, allows the team to remain in the same Grade, in exceptional circumstances. c. Further to Rule 6.13, T.O. 2012, Players who played on the winning Team in either the previous year’s Intermediate Championship Final or Junior Championships Finals are excluded from that Championship status in the subsequent year, unless re-graded in accordance with T.O., 2012 and these Bye-Laws. 14.PLAYING ELIGIBILITY 14.1

14.2

As the GAA is community centred and is also based on the allegiance of its Members and Players to both our Gaelic Games and their local Clubs; the object of which is to promote the Association’s aims at local level, the Transfer Rules in the Official Guide and these Bye-Laws reflect that ethos. A Player is considered to always owe allegiance and loyalty to the Club with which he first legally participated in official Club competitions in County Galway. A Player in County Galway may only play with: (a) (b) (c)

A Club in the Catchment Area / Parish, where he permanently resides His First Club (as defined in Rule 6.3, T.O. 2012), or The Club in the Parish that the Players Parents were permanently resident, at the time of his birth

14.3: Further to 14.2 above, if no such Club exists, a Player may with the permission of the County Committee, play with the nearest Club to his place of permanent residence, or as directed, by the County Committee, in exceptional circumstances. 14.4: Club membership alone per se, does not confer automatic playing eligibility. A Player must also qualify under one or more of the conditions outlined in T.O. 2012 and in these Bye-Laws, or as directed by decision of the County Committee, at all times. Page 12 of 12

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14.5: Residing in the Galway City area, for the purpose of attending Primary, PostPrimary or Third Level Educational Institutions shall not qualify as a permanent residence, for an inter-Club transfer. 14.6: To be eligible for selection on any Galway inter-County Panel, a Player must first be a current paid and registered playing Member of a GAA Club, in the particular year. 14.7: No deviation or derogation from the stated conditions in these Bye-Laws is allowed without the prior application to and sanction of the County Committee. 15. Unless exempted by the County Committee, a Player must continue as a member of the Galway City Club with which he first played as a Juvenile, until he reaches the age of eighteen, unless his Family changes residence, in which instance he may be granted a transfer, after due consideration by the County Competitions Control Committee, in accordance with Rule 6.5, T.O 2012. 16.TRANSFERS AND PERMISSION TO PLAY 16.1: The closing date for receipt of Transfer and Permission to Play applications, at all ages and levels shall be the 14th February each year. Exception: Where a Player changes permanent residence from the catchment area of one Club to that of another, an application for Transfer or Permission to Play (only to a Club, in the catchment area of his new permanent place of residence) may be submitted for consideration by the County Competitions Control Committee, without reference to the opening and closing dates stated above. 16.2: A Transfer request or Permission to Play request is primarily a matter between a Player and the County Competitions Control Committee. When a Player completes a request for either a Transfer or Permission to Play, his current Club has no right to delay or refuse Permission for this request. If the Club has a valid reason as to why a Player may not be granted a Transfer or Permission to Play, the Club must state such reason in writing, quoting the applicable Rules and Bye-Laws, to the Secretary of the County Competitions Control Committee. 16.3: An Application for either a Transfer or Permission to Play shall be submitted and accepted only on the official forms, as currently approved by County Committee. The Application shall be completed in the prescribed manner as indicated on the form and in accordance with the T.O. 2012 and these Bye-Laws and submitted directly to the Secretary of the County Competitions Control Committee. In the case of underage Players (up to and including under-18 grade) an application for Transfer or Permission to Play must be accompanied by an authorisation signed by the Player’s Parent(s) or Guardian(s). 16.4: The Secretary of the County Competitions Control Committee shall forward a copy of the Transfer and / or Permission to Play request (application) to the applicant’s Club, which Club shall be required to respond in writing, within seven (7) days of the date of receipt, indicating their refusal and quoting the applicable Rules and Bye-Laws, or otherwise, to consent to the Application. A Club failing to so reply in writing, within seven (7) days will be deemed to have consented to the relevant Application. 16.5: The County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) shall process and make the decisions on all Applications for Transfers and Permissions to Play within the County and such decisions shall be communicated to the Player in question and his current Club.

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16.6: A Transfer or Permission to Play Applicant, or either of the two Clubs involved, not satisfied with such decisions, shall have a right of Appeal to the County Hearings Committee in accordance with Rule 6.5, T.O. 2012. 16.7: The County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.), when adjudicating and reaching its determination on either a Transfer or Permission to Play Application, shall give consideration to the response of his current Club, and shall i.

Be cognisant of the role played by his current Club, in nurturing and developing the individual Player

ii.

Consider the potential impact on his current Club;

iii.

Consider the potential impact on the promotion of the Association’s aims in County Galway.

iv.

Be fully cognisant also of Bye-Laws 15 and 16, in their entirety.

16.8: Permanent residence, in the context of these Bye-Law and Rule 6.3, T.O. 2012, shall mean residing at a fixed address for a minimum period of eight consecutive weeks, prior to the date of the Transfer or Permission to Play application. Documentary proof of such residence shall be required. Residence in a Club catchment area for the purpose of attending a Primary School, Post-Primary School or Higher Education College, shall not qualify as a Permanent Residence, for the purpose of this Bye-Law. 16.9: In accordance with Rule 6.7, T.O. 2012 (i)

A Player from an exclusive Hurling Club may be granted Permission to play Football with a Dual Club.

(ii)

A player from an exclusive Football Club may be granted Permission to play Hurling with a Dual Club.

(iii)

An under-18 Player, from any Club either Football or Hurling, may apply for Special Permission to Play either code, with an adjoining / appropriate Club in the same code, provided that his current Club has not affiliated a Team in the requested Grade, in that same code, and cannot do so in the particular year of application; but not more than five (5) Players shall be facilitated from one Club to another Club in either Grades, in the specific year.

(iv)

An under-21 Player, from any Club in either Football or Hurling, may apply for Special Permission to Play either game, with an adjoining / appropriate Club in the same code, provided that his current Club has not affiliated a team in the requested grade, in that same code, and cannot do so in the particular year of application; but not more than five (5) Players shall be facilitated from one Club to another Club in either Grades, in the specific year.

(v)

A Juvenile Player (up to and including under-16), from any Club in either Football or Hurling, may apply for Special Permission to Play either code, with an adjoining / appropriate Club in the same code, provided that his current Club has not affiliated a team in the requested Grade (agegroup), in that same code, and cannot do so in the particular year of application; but not more than ten (10) eligible Players shall be considered into one Club, from another Club or Clubs, in either Grades, in the specific year.

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(vi)

An Adult Player from any Club in either Football or Hurling, may apply for Special Permission to Play either code, with an adjoining / appropriate Club in the same code, provided that his current Club has not affiliated a team in the requested Grade, in that same code, and cannot do so in the particular year of application; but not more than ten (10) eligible Players shall be considered into one Club, from another Club or Clubs, in either Grades, in the specific year.

(a) All such applications for Permission to Play shall be processed in accordance with T.O. 2012 and these Bye-Laws and the County Competitions Control Committee’s (C.C.C.) decisions on all such applications shall be final, unless appealed to the County Hearings Committee in accordance with Rule 6.5, T.O. 2012. (b) All Transfers and Permission to Play Requests become effective three days after the decision of the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) has been notified to the relevant parties, subject to compliance with Rule 2.3, T.O. 2012, and only if no appeal has been lodged in accordance with Rule 6.5, T.O. 2012. 17. A Candidate for any position outlined in Rule 3.11, T.O. 2012 shall be nominated by an Affiliated Club. Such nominations shall be submitted on the Nomination Paper, which shall be sent to each Club, at least four weeks prior to the County Convention, and which shall be completed and returned to the County Secretary, at least two weeks, prior to the County Convention. 18. Motions for consideration by the County Convention shall be submitted only by Affiliated Clubs and the County Committee. Such Motions shall be submitted on the Motion Paper, which shall be sent to all Clubs at least four weeks prior to the County Convention, and which shall be completed and returned to the County Secretary at least two weeks prior to the County Convention 19. Nominations or Motions received after the “Closing date” fixed for receipt of same shall not appear on the Convention Agenda and the County Secretary, while retaining the late Nomination and / or Motion Paper, shall so inform the Club concerned. 20. Ordinary Meetings of the County Committee may be held monthly, but a Special Meeting may be summoned at any time by the County Secretary, with the approval of the County Chairperson. A Special Meeting shall also be summoned on receipt of a written request of twenty-five members of the County Committee - such request shall be submitted in writing to the County Secretary and shall contain the special reasons for the calling of the proposed meeting. 21. Ordinary meetings may be convened on 4 days’ notice and a special meeting on 2 days’ notice. The method(s) of communication to a registered Member, Delegate or Affiliated Club, unless otherwise specified in any given case, may be given as follows: (a)

Personally, or

(b)

By post or hand delivery to the Secretary’s / Member’s usual address, or

(c)

By e-mail to the appropriate e-mail address, notified to the County Secretary by the Member or on behalf of the Club by its Secretary.

(d)

By facsimile to the appropriate facsimile number, notified to the County Secretary, by the Member, or on behalf of the Club, by its Secretary.

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22.COMPETITIONS & GAMES a. All adult Championship Games organised by the County Football and Hurling Committees must have Relegation conditions therein, on an annual basis. b. The Competition / Games Rules and Regulations for same, shall be agreed by both the Football and Hurling Committees and by the C.C.C. and must be fully and finally ratified by the County Committee, before any Championship Draws, take place annually. c. All Team Managers and their Management at all Grades, in both Football and Hurling, shall ensure that full official permission has been sanctioned by all of the appropriate Bodies, for the various Competitions, Tournaments or Challenge Games being played by all County Teams / Development Squads and that all members of all Playing Panels, including all members of Management are fully registered and insured members of the Gaelic Athletic Association, for the relevant year, before they participate or assist in any game. 23.CLUB DELEGATES a. Only officially named and registered Club Delegates from affiliated Clubs, may attend any meeting of the County Committee and the Football and Hurling Committees, including the Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg. If the named Delegate cannot attend any of these meetings, then he / she may appoint a Proxy Delegate / Officer, from the same Club, to attend in their stead. This Proxy Delegate must have received the meeting notification and any other relevant documents, from the Official Club Delegate and the Proxy Delegate shall present himself / herself to the County Secretary and / or to the Secretary of the relevant Committee, in advance of the Meeting being attended, by the Proxy Delegate; who can only participate in the meeting, after he / she has been cleared to do so, by the Secretary of the appropriate Committee. b. Each Affiliated Club shall nominate an official Delegate to the County Committee. It is recommended that this Delegate should be either the Chairperson or Secretary of the Affiliated Club. The Club should also nominate a Delegate to the Football and/or Hurling Committees; where appropriate. In the case of a Dual Club, they should nominate separate Delegates to the different Committees. c. The Delegates so nominated to either the Football Committee or Coiste Peil na nÓg, should be actively involved in Gaelic Football in the Club and positively committed to the development of Gaelic Football, at all levels and in all areas of the County and the City. d. The Delegates so nominated to either the Hurling Committee or Coiste Iomána na nÓg should be actively involved in Hurling in the Club and positively committed to the development of Hurling, at all levels and in all areas of the County and the City. e. The affiliated Club Delegates elected to the Football and Hurling Committees including the affiliated Club Delegates to Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg will be required to act as Respect Officers, at all Championship Games, organised by their respective Committees. The Club Delegate / Respect Officer shall go to the Referee’s Room ten minutes before each Championship Game begins, procure his Respect Officer’s bib and along with his opposing Club Delegate / Respect Officer, accompany the Referee to the Centre of the playing field. Both Club Delegates / Respect Officers shall introduce their respective Team Captains to the Referee and then go to their designated sideline, where they must wear their Respect Officer bibs, until the Game has finally concluded. They shall assist the Linesman in ensuring that all Team Officials and Substitutes are not congregating on, or obstructing the sideline, during the Game. After the final whistle sounds, the Page 16 of 16

Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013 two Club Delegates / Respect Officers shall accompany the Referee, back to the Referee’s Room and return their Respect Officer bibs. f.

If a Club Delegate / Respect Officer has been officially appointed as either a Team Manager or Selector at a particular grade within his Club; then the Club must provide an alternative Respect Officer for all Games at the appointed grade and officially notify the relevant Committee Secretary and the Secretary of the C.C.C. in writing, before the commencement of the annual Championship in that grade.

g. The failure of any Club or its Committee Delegate to adhere to this Bye-Law shall be dealt with by the C.C.C. under the relevant Rules and Regulations of the Association and sanctions shall apply. 24.OTHER (a) All Inter-County Teams – the entire Playing Panel, etc. – representing County Galway in all adult grades of Football and Hurling, including Under-21 and Minor; shall wear – one standard maroon jersey, with one County Crest thereon, on which the name of one single Sponsor shall be imprinted – in all Official Competitions, both Championship and League, including all Tournaments and Exhibition Games, whether they be Provincial, National, International or Special. (b) There shall be one standard County Galway GAA tie, for Official Dress apparel. There can be no alterations whatever to either the standard County Jersey or Standard County Tie, without the expressed permission of the County Management Committee, at all time times. The County Management Committee may also produce or procure relevant Cultural, Heritage and Touristic goods and products and / or have them produced or procured under licence, from the County Committee. These Goods and Products including the standard County Jersey and Tie, shall have copyright / patent status and no imitation thereof can be produced by any Third Party in Ireland or Internationally. (c) County under-age Development Squads, including under-14, under-15, under-16 and/or under-17 age groups, may not wear the standard County maroon Jersey. Instead they shall wear a white jersey, with maroon collars and numbers and/or an alternative colour if required, which must be sanctioned by the County Management Committee in advance. The names of up to two Sponsors may be allowed on these jerseys. These under-age Players, including all under-age Club teams participating in either National or Special Competitions, including Féile na nGael and Féile Peil na nÓg must always adhere to the National, Provincial and local requirements of these Competitions, including accommodation, food, team management personnel, facilities, etc. Clubs / Players / Squads who fail to accept these conditions may be debarred from participating in these Competitions for at least one year. (d) There shall be only one Official County Galway GAA Website (galwaygaa.ie), covering all activities of the Gaelic Athletic Association within County Galway, which shall include Football, Hurling, Handball, Rounders and Scór & Cultural Activities and will also facilitate Camogie and Ladies Gaelic Football. galwaygaa.ie shall be the focal point and the first source for all Official Galway GAA information including Fundraising, Fixtures & Results, Team Announcements, Press Statements, Sponsorship, etc. 25.OBJECTIONS and COUNTER OBJECTIONS Objections and counter Objections relating to Competitions and Games, organised by the County Football and Hurling Committees, including Coiste Peil na nÓg and Coiste Iomána na nÓg shall be heard by the County Competitions Control Committee (C.C.C.) and any subsequent appeal shall be to the Provincial Council.

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26. All Trophies presented for Competitions under the jurisdiction of the County Committee or any of its Sub-Committees are the property of the County Committee. It shall be the privilege of the Captain of the winning Team to accept the Trophy on behalf of his Club Team. The safe custody of the Trophy shall be the responsibility of the Club Executive of the successful Club Team and appropriate care and respect shall be discharged by the winning Club, at all times. If a Trophy is damaged, the defaulting Club shall pay for its full repair costs and/or replacement if necessary. Failure to do so shall mean being debarred from the same Trophy competition in the following year. All Trophies must be returned to the relevant Secretary, at least one month in advance of the next Final, or earlier if requested by the Secretary of the County Committee. For the purpose of this Bye-Law, Trophy shall mean all Cups, all Shields and all Awards presented to the winning Club Team by the County Committee, or any of its SubCommittees. 27. FINANCE 27.1

The County Committee and its subsidiary Committees:

i.

Shall not pay any fees to any Officer, Manager, Trainer, Coach, Tutor, Referee, Teacher or any other personnel, other than those personnel, who are registered Employees of the County Committee.

ii.

Shall comply with Employer Regulations.

iii.

Shall reimburse approved and vouched expenses in accordance with Revenue and GAA guidelines.

27.2

All income and receipts shall be lodged to the credit of the relevant Bank Account in the name of the County Committee within two days and confirmation shall be forwarded to the County Treasurer at the same time.

27.3

All payments shall be made by cheque, and all cheques must be signed by the Chairperson or Treasurer of the Committee concerned and by the Treasurer, Secretary or Chairperson of the County Committee. The County Management Committee may sanction that payments be made by Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) at any time.

27.4

Any Official who withholds any monies belonging to their Committees, render themselves liable to suspension in accordance with Rule 7.2 (e) T.O. 2012.

27.5

Misappropriation shall leave the Person concerned liable to immediate expulsion from the Association Rule 7.2 (e) T.O. 2012 and to prosecution at law.

27.6

Payment shall be made only on properly vouched Accounts. Reimbursement of expenses shall be paid at the rates sanctioned by both the County Management Committee and Central Council. Reimbursement of authorised expenses shall be made only (a) on receipt of Invoice or (b) on receipt of an official Reimbursement of Expenses Claim Form duly completed, stating the details of the vouched expenses and signed by the relevant Manager or Committee Chairperson.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

27.7

All entries of receipts and payments should be self-explanatory, and all Accounts closed for Annual Audits, on 31st October annually.

27.8

The Accounts of the County Committee along with both the Football and Hurling Committees, the Coaching & Games Development Committee and the County Grounds Committees, shall be audited annually, by a Chartered Accountant, and Accounts so audited and the Auditor’s Reports, shall be presented at the Annual County Convention for consideration and approval.

27.9

It shall be the responsibility of all Committee Chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers to ensure that all Income and all Expenditure is documented and recorded by the Treasurer of the County Committee on the centralised Financial Management System approved by Central Council and operated from the Offices of the County Committee.

27.10 The Treasurer of the County Committee shall present an oral report on the financial position of the County Committee and all its Sub-Committees, including details of Income and Expenditure to date, at each meeting of the County Committee 27.11 Every member of the County Committee shall receive through the County Secretary, a copy of the annual Statement of Accounts and the Secretary’s Report, at least one week prior to the annual County Convention. 27.12 The Auditor’s Report shall include the total Assets and Liabilities of each individual Committee, which shall be consolidated for County Convention. 27.13 The Chairperson and/or Secretary and/or Treasurer of the County Committee, including the Central Council Delegate, shall have power to inspect the Accounts of any or all of the appointed Sub-Committees, at any time. Additionally any Officer of a Committee shall have a similar right, regarding the Accounts of the Committee of which he / she is an Officer, unless debarred from doing so, by a majority of the Committee. 27.14

The County Committee shall lay down stipulations for all of the following:

i.

The rates for travelling expenses and catering

ii.

The maximum size of travelling parties with County teams, including Players.

iii.

The amount of honoraria if any, to be paid to Officials of its Committees.

iv.

The amount of field rents payable to Grounds Committees.

The decisions of the County Committee shall be absolutely binding on all of these matters. 27.15 Each affiliated Club shall submit a copy of its Annual Report and Financial Accounts, for the preceding year, to the County Secretary, by the 31st January each year. A Club failing to submit such Accounts may be liable to sanction. 28

The County Committee Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer, along with the Central Council Delegate shall be notified of and entitled to attend all meetings of all SubCommittees, with the exception of the County Hearings Committee, appointed under the Official Guide (T.O. 2012) and these Bye-Laws, as ex-officio Members, without voting rights.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

29.

INTER-COUNTY PANELS, SQUADS AND PLAYERS a. In accordance with Rule 6.21, T.O. 2012 the period of time during which Senior, Intermediate, Junior, Under-21 and Minor Inter County Players shall not be expected to fulfil inter–Club Championship fixtures, prior to Inter-County games, except Provincial Finals, All-Ireland Semi-Finals and All Ireland Finals in the same code, shall be six days (144 hours), which shall include a re-fixture or rescheduled fixtures. b. The period of time during which inter-County Players in all Grades shall not be expected to train with County teams prior to Club Championship Games, shall be three full days (72 hours). A Club Player injured, while playing an Inter-County Championship Game for Galway, in any grade, shall not be forced to fulfil an Inter-Club Championship Game with his Club for seven days (168 hours), after the date of the injury, provided he can supply a detailed Medical Certificate confirming the injury, to the satisfaction of the C.C.C. who may direct a refixture of any Championship Game, involving the said Player. c. A Club Player who is a member of any County Panel and/or Development Squad, shall be released to play in all inter-Club League Semi-Finals and Finals and in all Relegation Games and shall not have to play or train with the relevant County Panel/Squad for at least two full days (48 hours), before any of these Games.

30.0

These Bye-Laws which abrogate all existing Bye-Laws in the County come into force when sanctioned by An Coiste Bainistí, on behalf of Ard-Chomhairle, as per Rule 3.18, T.O. 2012. ##############################################

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013

GENERAL REGULATIONS 1) The County Committee Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Central Council Delegate shall be ex-officio members of all County Football and Hurling parties, in all official Competitions and events. 2) A Senior Club Championship Player, except one from a Group Team, shall be ineligible to play in all Junior and Intermediate Club Competitions for that year. 3) Clubs shall not organise a function for its Juvenile and Youth Members, (under 18 years of age) in a licensed public premises. 4) OAPs (Old Age Pensioners) and Students, on production only of the appropriate Identity / Official Cards, shall be given a reduced rate of Admission to all Games / Competitions, under the jurisdiction of the County Committee, by all organising Committees. 5) All Juveniles under 16 years of age shall be admitted, free of charge, to all Games organised under the jurisdiction of the County Committee. 6) Referees appointed for all County Finals shall be allowed to have their own Umpires, provided the relevant Committee has given approval in advance, and that both the Referee and the Umpires have all undergone the current relevant training programme. 7) A Player who is a member of a current County panel in any grade of Football or Hurling shall be released by the relevant Team Management to play a Championship Game for his Club, at all times. 8) Cumann na mBunscoil and the Post-Primary Schools Committee shall be given a limited allocation of All Ireland Tickets (Football and Hurling) for distribution to the Schools which fully participate in Official GAA Competitions. 9) Members of a disbanded Club may not form a new Club, until all liabilities of the disbanded Club have been fully and finally discharged, to the satisfaction of the County Committee. 10) If there is a contest at the County Convention for the Chairmanship of the County Committee, an independent Chairperson (that is one who is not himself a Candidate) shall be appointed, until the new County Committee Chairperson is elected. Where a new Chairperson is elected, he/she does not take up his/her office until the end of the Convention. The outgoing Chairperson remains in office until the end of the Convention. This procedure also applies at all Club Annual General Meetings. 11) Only the Named and Registered Officers/Delegates/Members of each Affiliated GAA Club in County Galway may represent that Club at the County Convention and / or at the Annual General Meetings of the relevant Committees. Admission procedure to the County Convention and/or Committee Annual General Meetings shall be decided in advance, by the County Management Committee. 12) No business shall be transacted after the Chairperson has closed any meeting of the Association, at either County Committee or Sub-Committee or Club levels, in the County. 13) If the accuracy of the minutes of any meeting be questioned before they are signed, the Chairperson who presided at that meeting, if he be present, shall decide the matter and if not present, a majority vote of those, who were at the last meeting and are now present, shall decide same.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013 14) Official Trophies must be presented to the winning Teams for all County Championships and Leagues, before or at the end of the year in which these Competitions were concluded. 15) The Competitions Control Committee and in urgent cases, the Secretary of the Committee in Charge of organising the Fixture, may grant on application the postponement of an official fixture, in the case of death during the four days preceding the fixture of (a) the Chairperson (b) Secretary (c) Treasurer (d) a playing Member of the Club or (e) parent, brother, sister, wife or child of a Player, provided written notice is received from the Club Secretary and approval given by the County Secretary, or in his/her absence, the Chairperson of the Competitions Control Committee. 16) Where one Team fails to turn out, the opposing Team shall line out at the appointed time and hand the list of its Players to the Referee; otherwise they cannot claim the game, unless the defaulting Team gave them through the Secretary of the Committee concerned, official notice in writing. The Secretary of the relevant Committee must produce this notice of their intending default to the Referee. 17) A Club or its Team Management may not forfeit a Game at any level, without giving proper notice to the Secretary of the C.C.C. in writing in advance. Neither can they reconstruct their team at any venue, instead of the official game with some players from different grades, either higher or lower, or with players from the other team and then play a Challenge Game which is illegal, as no insurance cover is available for same. 18) Objections, on the grounds of non-neutrality, to Venues, Referees or Officials selected at an Official meeting, shall not be entertained, by any Committee. Any such Objections or Counter Objections lodged shall be dealt with by the County Competitions Control Committee. 19) A Referee shall normally submit his Referee’s Report together with a copy of each Team List, within three days of the Game, to the Secretary of the County Committee. When circumstances deem it necessary, the Referee’s Report shall be submitted within twenty-four hours. The Referee shall text or telephone the result of each Game to the appropriate Official, within one hour of its conclusion. The Referee is obliged also to respond to any subsequent queries from C.C.C within the deadline specified, in accordance with Rule 7.3, T.O. 2012 20) All admission tickets to all games must carry the name of the County Secretary A special form of “Gate Check” approved by the County Committee shall be used at all games and the full receipts handed to the Official-in-charge, immediately after the game. These “gate-checks” must be submitted by every Committee, for its Annual Audit. 21) The Fixture Notification for Club Championship games or other Games may include notification for a re-fixture, in the event of the game resulting in a draw, or for unforeseen circumstances not having taken place. 22) Clubs intending to organise or participate in Tournaments and Challenge Games shall receive sanction from the County Secretary in advance and shall also comply in full with all conditions in the Official Guide. (Rules 6.38 and 6.39, T.O. 2012). The permission of the Provincial Secretary and / or Central Council, as appropriate, shall also be required for all games, involving teams from outside the County. This applies also to all InterCounty Teams and Development Squads representing County Galway. 23) Permission to video-record any game, under the auspices of the County Committee must be sought and granted in writing. The County Committee shall set out conditions for same in accordance with Árd-Chomhairle Regulations and all fees for same shall be promptly paid, including the availability of a video copy for the C.C.C. on request.

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Galway GAA Bye-Laws and Regulations 2013 24) All games organised by Corporate and/or at Inter-Firm level, must have prior approval, before the commencement of any Competition and all official Rules and all of these Bye-Laws where relevant shall apply to all Officials and Players participating and playing in these Competitions. Applications for same must be made to the Secretary of the C.C.C. for approval twenty one days in advance. 25) Only currently fully paid and registered GAA Club members will qualify to be considered for All-Ireland Final tickets made available for general distribution, at either Club or County level, in County Galway. 26) That the procurement and purchase of all products and services must be authorised and sanctioned in advance by the Officers and Management Committee of the County Committee at County level and the Club Executive Committee at Club level must authorise all expenditure in advance also.

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