Bord na nÓg Rules & Regulations 2023

Table of Contents

Nóta ón gCathaoirleach
Give Respect Get Respect
Playing Ages
Gum Shields
Go Games
Challenge Games
Fixture Rules
Team Lists & Second Team Regulations
Referees & Pitches
Playing Numbers
Postponements
Substitutes
Competition Administration &Tied Games
Playoffs
Féile
Playing Rules Summary

Nóta ó Choiste Bhord na nÓg

A chairde,

Bord na nOg Executive Committee present to you the clubs of Mayo the revised and updated rules & regulations document for the coming 2023 season. The return to even age groups i.e., U12, 14, 16 and 18 for our primary competitions is welcomed by all clubs and will give meaningful and appropriate game time for all children up to 18 years. Feile will remain at U15 with Go Games taking place at U8, U10 and U12 age groups.

These rules were updated by the Bord na nÓg Executive Committee on Wednesday 1^st March and this document has been compiled by Bord na nÓg to give clubs in Mayo guidance on the rules and regulations that relate to each competition at underage level.

One of the major initiatives to be implemented this year up to U14 level is the Silent Side line. Piloted in 2022, through a proposal by Ballintubber GAA, in the U11 category, the objective of the new initiative is to create a more fun and friendly environment to play in and to create a more positive atmosphere for kids where they’re not feeling pressured to decide between instruction given from spectators or instructions from coaches. The executive requests that with the assistance of Mayo GAAs Childrens Officer all clubs embrace this new departure. Further guidelines will be issued to all clubs in advance of competitions.

All of us have a responsibility to create a positive, inclusive and safe environment for all our young players to express themselves and have FUN. Respect is a core value that as stakeholders in the game we all love must uphold, for players, referees, club officers, parents and administrators. When core principles such as the above break down we can be faced with very challenging situations.

The executive would like to acknowledge the input of the Bord na nOg county committee in to the updated rules & regulations document and to you the clubs and referees in implementing these on game days. We are all stakeholders and partners ensuring that our games take place in the correct spirit and highest standards possible.

We wish everybody a very enjoyable, safe and successful season ahead.

Le gach dea-ghuí,

Coiste Bhord na nÓg 2023

Give Respect Get Respect

Respect Initiative within Bord na nÓg Games in Mayo 2023 ALL

All Clubs are expected to adhere to the GAA Respect initiative, “Give Respect – Get Respect”. This programme seeks to ensure that Gaelic Games are promoted and played in a positive, fair and enjoyable manner where players, coaches, spectators and referees, “Give Respect – Get Respect”. From each other.

Referees: To be welcomed to the GAA Club.
Before the Game: Players to shake hands with their opposing player
Players: Play by the rules and take responsibility for their own behaviour whilst respecting opposition, Referees and officials
Referees: communicate decisions to players in an effective manner
After the Game: Players to line up behind their manager after the game to shake hands with the referee, opposing players and coaches
Supporters: Remain in designated areas at the side of the pitch/in the stand for the full duration of each game. Always respect the match officials’ officials and encourage children to do likewise,

Playing Ages

Under 21: A Player shall have celebrated his 16th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 21st. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 20: A Player shall have celebrated his 16th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 20th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 19: A Player shall have celebrated his 15th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 19th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 18: A Player shall have celebrated his 14th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 18th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 17: A Player shall have celebrated his 13th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 17th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 16: A Player shall have celebrated his 12th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 16th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 15: A Player shall have celebrated his 11th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 15th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 14: A Player shall have celebrated his 10th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 14th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 13: A Player shall have celebrated his 9th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 13th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 12: A Player shall have celebrated his 9th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 12th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year.

Under 11: A Player shall have celebrated his 8th. birthday prior to January 1st. and his 11th. birthday on or after January 1st. of the Championship Year

Gum Shields

It is compulsory that gum shields are worn during warm up activity, training and all games in the interest of player safety and for insurance cover,

Without a gum shield a player is not protected against serious injury nor can corrective medical treatment be applied for through the player injury scheme

Go Games

Go Games are small-sided versions of Hurling and Gaelic Football which have been devised for children up to and including 12 years of age.

The following are the key underpinning principles of Go Games:

5.1. All participants play in the full game.

5.2. Participant needs are catered for, where possible, on the basis of two-year age cohorts; i.e., Under-8, Under-10 & Under 12 in a manner consistent with the ethos of Go Games.

5.3. Activities are structured in a manner which optimises the level of fun, friendship, fair play and achievement derived by participants.

5.4. Participants train and play in a safe, supportive and stimulating environment where they are encouraged to risk error, to learn and to derive maximum enjoyment from their involvement.

5.5. Players master the basic skills of Hurling and Gaelic Football and experience the sense of accomplishment, which derives from acquiring playing proficiency on the left- and right-hand sides of the body.

5.6. Everybody involved in Go Games, whether as players, parents/guardians, spectators, mentors, teachers, officials, etc., should adhere to the key underpinning principles and give expression to the GAA ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ initiative.

Regulations

The following Go Games Regulations shall apply:

5.7. Go Games are subject to general rules of the Association.

5.8. Teams shall be a maximum of 9-a-side at Under-8 and 11-a-side at Under-10 age levels and 13 a side at U12

5.9. Participants may play up one age grade i.e. Under-7 may play at Under-8 level; Under-9 may play at Under-10 level; Under-11 may play at Under-12 & Under-13 age levels.

5.10. No provision is made to publish scores, to play on a knock-out basis nor to include semi-finals, finals etc.

5.11. No provision is made to present trophies, cups etc. Where certificates/medals are presented in lieu of participation, the same certificate/medal must be presented to every participant.

Challenge Games

6.1. The County Secretary Bord na nÓg must be notified 3 days in advance of all challenge games at all grades in the county on this form Microsoft Forms. For games within the province 5 days’ notice is required. Failure to notify the Committee in writing will mean that the players will not be covered under the player’s injury scheme. The notification must contain the following information:

The names of the competing teams.
The date and time of game
Grade of teams
Venue for game
Name of Referee

6.2. The referee must be from the county referee’s panel, who shall submit a report to the relevant Board Rúnaí. Notification of all challenge games within the county should be emailed to assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie.

6.3. The form shall be fully completed and contain the name of the referee officiating at the games. Challenge game applications which are not fully complete will not be covered.

6.4. For games involving clubs from other counties in the province, permission must also be sought from the Provincial Secretary at reception.connacht@gaa.ie.

Fixture Rules

7.1. The first named team has home advantage. (Fixtures)

7.2. Clubs will be fined for games that do not start on time, in line with fine imposed for county senior league.

7.3. Only the official team parties are allowed inside boundary fences i.e., maximum of twenty-five players and five officials. Fine of €75 for breaches.

7.4. Clubs will be formally notified once a fine has been imposed for breach of rules. All fines must be paid by end of calendar year in order for a club to be eligible to enter a team in the following years league.

Team Lists & Second Team Regulations

8.1. Where a club has two teams in one age grade, they must submit a panel of fifteen players to the secretary of Bord na nÓg at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie. These 15 players can only play with the clubs first team. (Subject to Rule 6.19 of the T.O.)

8.2. Clubs with three teams in one age grade must submit a panel of fifteen players to the Runaí of Bord na nÓg at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie. These 15 players can only play with the clubs first team. They must also submit a panel of 12 players to the Rúnaí of Bord na nÓg at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie. These 12 players can only play with the clubs second team for championship but may play with the first team for the league.

8.3. All player lists must be sent to assistantsecreatry.mayo@gaa.ie on or before 7 days prior to the start of the commencement of the competition. Failure to do so will result in loss of home games.

8.4. Second Team lists will be shared with competing club secretaries via the protected GAA network. Sharing these lists outside of this network is a breach of Child Protection and GDPR regulations.

8.5. Teams are required to use Foireann team lists. Failure to produce same shall result in €100 fine for the team.

8.6. Team sheets for all League and Championship Finals must be submitted 3 days in advance to the Bord na nÓg Secretary at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie. A fine of €250 per game will be imposed on each team if either team does not meet this requirement.

Referees & Pitches

9.1. If the appointed referee fails to turn up the replacement referee must be from the referee’s panel. If the two clubs agree on the replacement referee, the game can go ahead.

9.2. The referee is responsible for texting or ringing results into the county PRO. All results for the week must be in by 6.00pm on Sunday nights if they are to be included in the results section of the national papers on Monday morning.

9.3. Where a pitch is unplayable, the host team must notify the Bord na nÓg Rúnaí at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.ie , the allocated referee, and the travelling team. They must make arrangements for an alternative pitch. If the home teams are unable to find an alternative, then they must travel to their opponents.

9.4. The home team must give a minimum of four hours‘ notice to all parties concerned, Failure to comply will result in a fine of €250 and the game forfeiture of home advantage for a re fixture.

Playing Numbers

10.1. All games in group A & B or division 1 & 2 shall be 15 a side.

10.2. A team in group B may play 13 a side if they get permission from Bord na nÓg before the competition starts. A written submission must be made to Bord na nÓg via email, outlining the case for special dispensation before the allocated deadline by Bord na nÓg.

10.3. If both teams have 17 players or more for any league or championship fixture, at any level, they must play a 15 aside.

10.4. All subsequent groups and divisions will be 13 a side, however if both teams have 17 players or more players, they must play a 15 aside game.

Postponements

11.1. Postponements will not be granted, except by mutual agreement between the two clubs involved.

11.2. The agreed new date must be within 2 weeks of the original fixture. The Rúnaí must be notified in writing before the date of the original fixture as to when the refixture will take place.

11.3. If the Rúnaí does not have this information, the game will be null and void with the loss of points and a fine of €250 will be imposed on both clubs.

11.4. Postponements will only be granted when the Rúnaí is notified in written format via email, and the Rúnaí has responded to grant the postponement.

11.5. Any correspondence to Bord na nÓg relating to a fixture must include the Bord na nÓg Rúnaí and the secretary of both clubs involved in the fixture.

11.6. It is the responsibility of the club seeking postponement to notify the referee; however, best practice is recommended where both clubs contact the referee to confirm.

11.7. Any games re fixed by the county Bord na nÓg/Divisional Board cannot be postponed by mutual agreement. No postponements will be allowed for the final round of the league and all previous rounds must be completed before the final round.

11.8. Any un-played rounds will be declared null and void.

11.9. A fine of €250 per game will be imposed in respect of each unfulfilled league and championship fixture.

Substitutes

12.1. Six substitutes allowed in the league and championship U18, U17, U16

12.2. Unlimited substitutes allowed in the U15, U14, U13, U12 league and championship

Competition Administration & Tied Games

13.1. In the event of a clash of colours’ for any underage fixture, both teams must change to an alternative color unless otherwise agreed with both clubs, if in league or championship semi-final / Final, the alternative color must be forwarded to Bord na nÓg Secretary at assistantsecretary.mayo@gaa.iealong with the team sheets A fine of €250 per game will be imposed on each team if either team does not meet this requirement.

13.2. In the event of a tie-on points in league and championship at U18, rules as T.O. will apply. (I.e., scoring difference applies)

13.3. In the event of a tie-on points in league and championship between two teams at U17, U16, U15, U14, U13, a playoff is necessary.

13.4. In the event of a draw in league semi-finals and finals, and championship knockout stages, two periods of 10 minutes of extra time must be played. If level after this, then two periods of 5 minutes will be played. If still level, the game must be replayed. (Applies to U18, U17, U16, U15, U14, U13)

13.5. In the event of a draw in the replay of league semi-finals and finals, and championship knockout stages, two periods of 10 minutes of extra time must be played. If level after this, then two periods of 5 minutes will be played. If still level, 5 penalties per team will be taken. Sudden death penalties will take place if teams tied after 5 penalties. (Applies to U18, U17, U16, U15, U14, U13)

Playoffs

14.1. Where there is a single division in league and championship, there will be two semi-finals, the first team will play the fourth team and the second team will play the third team.

14.2. The top two teams in the league will have home advantage.

14.3. In a division where there is an A and B section, the top team in A will play runners up in B in semi-final 1, the top team in B will play runners up in A in semi-final 2. The top team having home advantage in both cases.

14.4. In any League or Championship competition, where there is a 3-team playoff to decide relegation or semi-final positions, if any of the 3 teams participating in the playoff has conceded a game, in addition to any fine imposed under rule, that team will not qualify to participate in the playoff.

14.5. All trophies for Winners in all Competitions must be returned by 1^st April to MacHale Park and must be clearly labelled for the particular competition and the Club name as winners in 2022. Failure to do so, a fine of €250 or replacement of a trophy of equal value and loss of rebate of funds to clubs.

14.6. The Bord na nÓg executive has the right at any time to refer any rule or fixture to the CCC for clarification or amendment if it is considered necessary in the interest of our games and fair play.

Féile

15.1. For the purposes of Féile qualifying competitions all participating teams will play under National Féile Playing Rules at U15 Age Grade.

15.2. Féile will be run in Blitz format over one weekend.

15.3. Féile will be grouped in A, B and C groupings and will be graded by Bord na nÓg at the start of the year.

16. Playing Rules for Competitions U12, U13, U14,
Age	U12		U13		U14
Group			A & B *	C+	A & B *	C+
Division			1 & 2 *	3+	1 & 2 *	3+
Pitch	Temporary goals	Temporary goals	Temporary goals	Temporary goals	Full	Full
	(15’ w X 6’ H)	(15’ w X 6’ H)	(15’ w X 6’ H)	(15’ w X 6’ H)
	13m-13m with nets	13m-13m with nets	13m-13m with nets	13m-13m with nets
	Small square	Small square	Small square	Small square
Numbers	Max 13	Max 13	Max 13	Max 13	15 A/S	13 a-side (if both teams have 17 must play 15 a-side)
Ball Size	4 or smart touch	4 or smart touch	4 or smart touch	4 or smart touch	4	4
Kickout	The goalkeeper may kick the ball out from his hands, after a score or a wide. Any other player taking a kick out must do so from the ground.		The goalkeeper may kick the ball out from his hands, after a score or a wide. Any other player taking a kick out must do so from the ground. All kick outs must be taken from the small parallelogram.		All kickouts are from the ground on the 21-meter line. The Goalkeeper has the option to take it from the hands at the 13 meter only
Duration	52 minutes (4 X 13 mins) Every player must play at least a full quarter with the aim to get everyone equal playing time		52 minutes (4 X 13 mins) Every player must play at least a full quarter with the aim to get everyone equal playing time		60 mins (2 x 30)
Subs	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Other	Player in possession has only 2 plays (1 hop & 1 solo or 2 solos’)		Player in possession has only 2 plays (1 hop & 1 solo or 2 solos’)		Player in possession has only 2 plays (1 hop & 1 solo or 2 solos’)
Other	· No Penalties		· No Penalties

*In rare circumstances, a team may play 13 a side in Division B or Division 2. This is only granted by written permission from the County Board well in advance of commencement of any competition.

Rules for Competitions U15, U16, U17, U18
Age	U15		U16		U17		U18
Group	A & B *	C+	A & B*	C+	A & B*	C+	A & B*	C+
Division	1 & 2 *	3+	1 & 2*	3+	1 & 2*	3+	1 & 2*	3+
Pitch	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full	Full
Numbers	15 A/S	13 a-side (if both teams have 17 must play 15 a-side)	15 A/S	13 a-side (if both teams have 17 must play 15 a-side)	15 A/S	13 a-side (if both teams have 17 must play 15 a-side)	15 A/S	13 a-side (if both teams have 17 must play 15 a-side)
Ball Size	TBC	TBC	5	5	5	5	5	5
Kickout	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal	Off the ground as normal
Duration	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins	60 mins
Subs	Unlimited	Unlimited	6	6	6	6	6	6
Other
Other

*In rare circumstances, a team may play 13 a side in Division B or Division 2. This is only granted by written permission from the County Board well in advance of commencement of any competition.

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