Pat Daly, Director of Games at Croke Park, gives the latest update ‘Scilabu Hurling’ and on Go Games, a new initiative to create games appropriate to the varying needs and differing levels of ability of young players.

What is the biggest challenge facing the GAA??To ensure that players, be they kids, youths or adults are provided with a coordinated programme of meaningful games appropriate to their varying needs and differing levels of ability.

How is this challenge being addressed??At kid’s level, the Association has introduced the concept of Go Games.

What are Go Games??There are 3 core basic games known as First Touch (Age 7/8), Quick touch (Age 9/10) and Smart Touch (Age 11/12) that are played on a small-sided basis and recreational basis i.e. where all participants get to play for the entire game and where no record is maintained by way of League Tables etc.?The Playing Rules are structured to optimise performance increments e.g. a player who is fouled takes the resulting free and the player who is nearest to where the ball crosses the sideline takes the sideline kick or puck.

Why are the Go Games proving so successful??Because all participants get to play for the entire game: no provision is made for substitutes. Scientific research undertaken by Professor Niall Moyna and Mickey Whelan at DCU indicated that participants derive a greater level of enjoyment because they get more touches of the ball, more scores and more scoring attempts.

How it is proposed to extend this concept to cater for Teenagers? ?Through the implementation of a small-sided game known as Super Touch in Hurling and in Gaelic Football which is generally played on a 7, 9 or 11-a-side basis.?The Playing Rules can be structured to give the Super Touch game a strong developmental focus e.g. players are only permitted to play the ball on their non-preferred side.

Is Super Touch only played on a Recreational basis??Generally not, as provision is usually made for a competitive element. However, interchange is permitted, for substitution purposes, as a basis for ensuring that all participants get to participate in the game.

How is the concept of Super Touch progressing??It is proving to be very successful in post primary schools where it is utilised for internal 1st and 2nd year league purposes and/or as a basis for playing off blitzes at a centralised venue i.e. where small-sided teams play off a series of blitz games over a 3 to 4 hour period.

Is the GAA proposing to have recreational type games that are popular in other sports e.g. Tag Rugby??Work is currently being completed on Scilabu Hurling a recreational game that can be played in an indoor or outdoor basis.

What type of Hurley and Sliotar will be utilised??The finishing touches are currently being made to the Scilabu Hurley. It will be made of a synthetic material that is softer than ash and will be available in a range of sizes. ?The Scilabu sliotar will be slightly bigger than the current adult sliotar and will have a softer core.

How will the Playing Rules vary from the standard Hurling game??It will be played on a small-sided basis and will effectively be ground hurling, as it is felt that it could have a big international appeal in countries such as Holland.?It has generally been played up to now in Europe on hockey fields and it is proposed to expand on this approach in conjunction with the roll out of a Plan for the promotion and development of Scilabu Hurling across the EU, America, Asia, Australia/New Zealand and the Middle East.

When is Scilabu Hurling due to be officially launched??Scilabu Hurling will be launched at this year’s National Games Development Conference in November 20/21 in Croke Park