GAA Handball Strategy 2011-2015 (Low Res)

A Strategic Vison
for the Future
Strategic Plan 2011-2015

GAA Handball Strategic Plan 2011-20152 www.gaahandball.ie 3GAA Handball Strategic Plan 2011-2015www.gaahandball.ie
Contents
Who We Are ?
Our Methodology ?
What We Heard from our Players: ?
Beneﬁts of the Plan for You: ?
In 2016 We Will Be Able to Say: ?
Theme 1: Development ?
Theme 2: Coaching ?
Theme 3: Communications and IT ?
Theme 4: Competition & Discipline: ?
Theme 5: Governance ?
Theme 6: Internationalisation ?
Benchmarking Where We Are Going: ?
Measuring Our Growth: ?
Reviewing the Plan ?
Message from An Uachtaráin ?
Message from Our CEO ?
Glossary of Terms ?
Acknowledgements ?
A Strategic Vision for the Future 2011-2016

Our Vision
Handball is a game for life where people of all ages can experience the terrific benefits of healthy pleasure, entertainment, competition and social integration
while being an integral part a thriving community.
Our Mission
Our mission is to create access for people of all ages to our sport enriching each community within Ireland and internationally, while assisting players both
men and women to reach their potential within the game.
Our Values
Our MethodologyWho We Are
Value What this means
Openness We provide appropriate opportunity for all to take an active and satisfying role at all levels of our Association
Respect We promote mutual respect for all, between players, members and officials in our Association.
Integrity We operate to the consistent high standards in our actions, values, methods, measures and principles with ourselves and all those we work with.
Creativity We offer innovative, resourceful, practical thinking to our members for our systems and processes.
Positivity We provide a positive culture with the structures, supports and resources to bring out the best in all our members
Pride We take pride in the quality and positive impact of all our activities, and honour outstanding achievement at all levels
Leadership We strive to bring out the best in our members and we work together to create the best future for our members and our Association.
Community We aim to foster a collaborative and friendly environment where each member is a partner in our GAA Handball Community.
GAA Handball is a thriving, dynamic organization. It has experienced
exponential growth in the past three years. The numbers playing the
game have grown by over 30% with an increase in the number of clubs
of over 20% . To help the organization manage this growth and prepare
for its continued growth, GAA Handball wanted a Strategic Plan that
would provide them with a clear, concise roadmap that would allow GAA
Handball to reach its potential over the next five years. The plan needed
to be developed by its members within communities throughout Ireland,
to cater for continued growth while maintaining the true essence and
values of the Association.
The plan needed to be simple, easy to follow and provide a clear set
of guidelines and actions for its officials and players at all levels of
the Association.
The Plan was to be developed using the following guiding principles:
It should be constructed around the values of the Association.•
It would be volunteer led.•
It would be deeply consultative in nature.•
It should be comprehensive and address all areas of the operations of•
the Association.
The output should be easy to comprehend and the actions should be•
measureable.
The process for building the plan began in May 2010, with a series of
workshops with players and officers from all areas within the Association.
Through this process many of the hopes and aspirations for the
organization were identified and the Association set about building a
framework to complete a strategic plan that would be truly representative
of the membership of the Association.
The first step on the journey was to review the existing National
structures and to develop the most suitable leadership structures that
would allow GAA Handball to maximize the effectiveness of its volunteers.
A proposal was developed to establish a new forum called The National
Advisory Committee, that would be truly representative of players and
officials at all levels within the Association. This was supported by a re-
structuring of the composition of Ard Comhairle, to compliment the newly
formed National Advisory Committee. These recommendations were
approved unanimously in Congress 2011 and have been put in place.
Following consultation it was agreed that the core areas upon which the
plan needed to be built around were:
Development•
Coaching•
Competitions•
Communications & IT•
Governance•
Internationalisation•
The Uachtaráin, after consultation selected a cross section of volunteers
to work within each of these focus areas to assess and determine the key
priorities and challenges for the organization for the period 2011-2016.
Chairpersons were selected for each core committee:
Development Committee - Tony Breen•
Coaching Committee – Ryan Daly•
Competition & Discipline Committee – Liam Mahon•
Communications & IT – Connell Cannon•

What we heard from our PlayersOur Methodology
Governance – Uachtaráin – Walter O’Connor•
Internationalisation Workgroup – Chris Curran, Tony Hannon, Joe•
Shaughnessy, Peter Hanan
Each group were given a set of guidelines to develop their component of
the strategic plan based on the following:
Build on Associations values and principles•
Fully understand the strengths and expectations of the Association in•
Ireland and internationally.
Identify and understand the positive core of the Association•
Learn from the innovation and commitment of visionary leaders,•
players, officers at all levels
Identify the best opportunities to improve the day to day experience,•
enjoyment and value for all players.
Establish the short, medium and long term aspirations for the•
Association; and refine the Vision and Mission.
Establish clearly how to measure success in future, how to track•
progress, decide how to bring the learning from the past, and
experience of others into designing the means and methods for
implementing the plan.
A workshop was then held on June 18th 2011, in Ashbourne, Co. Meath to
kick off the strategic planning process. This workshop was attended by all
committees. Where agreement was reached on a comprehensive project
plan and methodology to complete the strategy,
Using the SOAR - Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results
strategic analysis process, each of the committees shared what they
believed are the current strengths and future goals and opportunities of
the Association. From this workshop Terms of Reference were developed
and refined and each team
began their project work
in July 2011. As a parallel
process, an online players
survey to consult with the
players and gather their
goals and aspirations for
the Association.
Each committee over a four week period involving a number of meetings
completed their component of the plan, these in turn were forwarded to
the project manager Orla Cullen, who consolidated all of the inputs and
developed a draft for review.
This draft was reviewed by a Steering Group nominated by An Uachtaráin,
Walter O’Connor, who reviewed each of the component parts and
completed a capacity analysis to ensure each one of the areas could be
completed within the suggested time period as outlined by the committee.
As part of this capacity review, the Steering Group and Ard Comhairle
approved a new organisational structure to facilitate the volunteers in
delivering all aspects of the plan.
A further refinement of the plan was produced and endorsed by the
National Advisory Group at a meeting in Croke Park on August 27th2011.
The plan was finally endorsed and approved by Ard Comhairle of GAA
Handball at a meeting in Portlaoise on August 31st 2011.
We would like to thank all our volunteers who contributed to this plan.
This is a plan built by members for our members and future members,
to assist us in delivering on our Mission and Vision while staying true to
our Values.
“This is a plan built by members for our
members and future members, to assist us
in delivering on our Mission and Vision while
staying true to our Values.”
There are several handball hotbeds that develop excellent
players, we currently have the best player/players in the
world
Our number one opportunity is the new Croke Park Handball
complex
Our game of Handball is so simple to introduce and
demonstrate; it can be recreational or played competitively.
We need to reduce the number of competitions to make the
games more meaningful
I want to see coaching in Handball to be professional,
demanding, sought after, well funded, producing top level
athletes
In 10 years time, I want Handball to be In the Olympics and
on TV like football, hurling, soccer
and rugby.
There are not enough trained referees in the game
of handball
We want a vast increase in the number of schools and GAA
clubs that have facilities for Handball
Promotion of the games now is excellent because of the
handball show on TG4 and the news stories are really good
on the website, papers and social media
My dream for GAA Handball is to see the game spread
to many other Countires and eventually become a truly
international sport

Club
Clubs Will have access to a set of “My First Guides to...Meeting, Training
session, preparing a Club budget” to assist volunteers to take on new
responsibilities and challenges within the Club.
Clubs will be issued with a guide that will enable them to build their own
facilities and be informed of what expertise is required.
Clubs will be issued with a practical guide to fundraising that will be
developed from identifying what works really well in raising funds within
the Association.
Clubs will be provided with practical guidelines to assist Clubs in
developing their own Club plan to assist each Club reach their potential
within the Association.
Clubs will be garnished with tools and materials to promote the game
within their own schools and towns.
Garda Vetting in place for all officers
Financial governance frameworks for all Club units
Clarity of the accessibility and the tools available to access grants and
funding opportunities
Greater structure to allow for more meaningful competitions and
promotion of games within in the club
A communications platform which will enable overall productivity in terms
of promotions and information to all members
Role profiles defined and in place to assist volunteer recruitment process
Coaching strategy to allow the best players within the club reach
their potential
County
County planning process in place
Financial governance frameworks for all county units
Garda Vetting in place for all officers
Counties will be provided with assistance in how to promote and grow
the game within their County and to support that growth with the
achievement of financial excellence.
County officers will have the opportunity to attend training days to
upskill all officers and enable them to support and manage the growth of
Handball in their County.
Opportunities that will be presented by having a graded facility inventory
in place with new tiered structure.
Clarity of the accessibility and the tools available to access grants and
funding opportunities
promotion of games within in the county
Greater access to best practice guidelines for new facility construction
Benifits of the Plan for You Benifits of the Plan for You
of promotions and information to all members.
Role profiles defined and in place to assist volunteer recruitment process
Coaching strategy to allow the best players within the county reach their
potential.
A marketing and sponsorship strategy to allow for greater revenue
streams for the County.
Provincial
Provincial planning process in place.
promotion of games within in the Province.
of promotions and information to all members.
Role profiles defined and in place to assist volunteer recruitment process.
Financial governance frameworks for all provincial units.
A marketing and sponsorship strategy to allow for greater revenue
streams for the Council.

Theme 1: Development
1. Development:
GAA Handball is the fastest growing sport in Ireland. It is both attractive
and enjoyable to play coach and attend. The support systems are in place
at School, Club, County and Provincial level to continuously support the
development of the profile of the game, player performance, facilities, and
driving participation levels.
2. Coaching
GAA Handball is recognised as having coaching structures which are the
envy of other sports and attracts coaches who can help attain the highest
levels possible for our players at international level.
3. Communications and IT
GAA Handball is successfully utilising the best IT and Communications
systems that provides the most efficient communications platform to
all members, players, supporters, sponsors and media partners both in
Ireland and Internationally.
4. Competitions & Discipline
GAA Handball has established a streamlined annual calendar which
is acknowledged as providing a balanced program of games and
competitions, with a clearly defined seasonal structure, enabling players
and officials at all levels to maximise their potential within the sport.
5. Governance
GAA Handball has put in place appropriate governance structures at all
In 2016 We Will Be Able to Say:
levels throughout the Association, safeguarding our underage players,
protecting the integrity of our finances, ensuring best practice in regard
to utilising our facilities, whilst providing all officers and full time officials
with the appropriate levels of autonomy.
6. Internationalisation
GAA Handball have provided the leadership as part of a new unified
international Handball Organisation which has secured Olympic
status and has created an international competitive structure that will
accelerate major worldwide growth of the sport.
Outcome: GAA Handball is the fastest growing sport in Ireland. It is both attractive and enjoyable to play coach and attend. The support systems are in place
at School, Club, County and Provincial level to continuously support the development of the profile of the game, player performance, facilities, and driving
participation levels.
Development Key
Project/ Initiatives
Outcome Sought Actions 2011/2012 2013/2014 2014/2015 Responsibility
1. Club Planning
Checklist
All clubs will enrol
in the club planning
process.
Create a health
checklist that
displays the as is of
the club.
100 clubs to complete
checklist in year one
200 clubs to
complete checklist
Remainder of clubs
to complete checklist
Development
Committee
2. Provincial and
County Planning
Process
All Provinces and
Counties will have
plans in place.
Create a process
and framework for
all 4 provinces and
county committees to
develop their plans.
All provinces
complete their
planning process
50% of counties Remainder of
Counties
Provincial Officers
and National Officers
3. Club Planning
Process
All clubs have plans
in place by end of the
strategic plan.
Create a simple
practical process that
can be implemented
in clubs of all sizes.
50 club plans in year
one
100 clubs to complete
planning process
Remainder of clubs
to complete planning
process
Development
Committee
4. Funding
Opportunities
All clubs/counties are
fully aware of what
funding/grants are
available to them.
Develop a guide to
applying for grants
available to all levels
in Handball from all
available providers.
A resource is
available from
National office
to oversee the
application process.
Further review of
funding list
Development
Committee
and National
Development Officer
5. Role Definition for
club and counties
Revised role
descriptions are
available online to all
clubs with a tiered
structure based on
the size of the club
Review the current
officer roles and
define a structure for
going forward based
on the size of the
clubs
Tiered club•
definition in place
Approved by•
congress
Start up clubs
operate under new
structure
Development
Committee

Theme 1: Development Theme 1: Development
Responsibility
Development Key
6. Start up pack for
clubs
A start up pack is
issued to new clubs
Develop a pack
with all relevant
information for a club
to start operating.
Draft pack completed
and approved to be
issued
Start up pack in place Start up pack in place Development
Committee
7. My first guide to
………
New Clubs will be
equipped with the
necessary guides to
operate their club
effectively.
Create the following
guidelines on how to
complete your first
time to….
Become a coach
Coach a session
Host an AGM
Register members
Approach a
sponsor
Preparing a club
budget
Approaching a
school
Coaching committee
creates the
guidelines to become
a coach.
Framework and
guidelines are
developed for each
guide
My first guides
are in place and
are available for
members
All guides are
reviewed and
developed further
Coaching
Committee
Coaching
Committee
Development
Development/
Comms & IT
Development/
CEO
Development
Development/
National Dev.
Officer
8. National Handball
Open Day
All clubs will host a
National Handball
Open Day that will
provide the club with
an opportunity to
recruit new members.
Select a day in the
calendar that will
benefit clubs to host
a recruitment day.
Equip the clubs
with the necessary
promotional
tools to maximise
their recruitment
opportunity and run
a trial day
Review the trial and
build on it to make
any improvements
Review and build
on it to National
Handball Day
make any
improvements
Development
Committee
9. Grading Process
(standardizing the
courts)
Develop a process
to standardise and
grade all courts
in Ireland.
Complete an audit of
all the current courts
in Ireland.
Grading process
completed in 20% of
the counties
Grading process
completed in 50% of
the counties
Grading process
completed in
remaining counties.
Development
Committee
Development Key
10. A Guide on how to
build a Handball
Court
All clubs and counties
are updated on all
current building
requirements and
specifications.
Consult with clubs
and counties who
have self build and
create and develop a
best practice pack on
How to Build a Court.
Create the list of
specifications and
best practice pack
that is available to
all clubs.
Best practice is in
place and review for
any improvements
Best practice is in
place and review for
any improvements
Development
Committee
11. Promotion pack for
schools and local
authorities.
Funding is available
from the local
authorities to have a
development officer
in place.
Create an
information pack
for County Councils
and local authorities
to enlist of their
services to
promote the game
of Handball.
Create an
information pack and
presentations to give
local authorities and
county councils.
Promotion pack is in
place and is reviewed
and updated
Promotion pack is in
place and is reviewed
and updated
Development
Committee/Comms
& IT
12. Treasurer’s report
template that
displays expenses
and revenue streams
A standard best in
practice report is
available to all clubs
Develop the
guidelines to put in
place a reporting
process.
Create a best in
practice template for
club treasurer
50% of clubs are
using the template
Remaining 50% of
clubs are using the
template
Development
Committee
13 GAA Showdown
Promotion.
A new GAA series
which will see
provincial teams
comprising all GAA
codes compete
for the new Inter-
provincial series.
Utilise the event for
major promotion at
county and provincial
level.
Showdown is a
National Event
Evaluate Showdown
concept for further
expansion
National Office/
Development
Committee
14 Club School Link Schools and clubs are
working closely to
increase participation
and developing the
game.
Create the
Framework for
the club school
link (including the
teaching training
colleges)
Pilot Two teacher
training initiatives
All training colleges
have the initiative in
place
Club / school link
delivered
Development
Committee/Coaching
Committee
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Theme 2: Coaching Theme 2: Coaching
Coaching Key
Projects/Initiatives
1. Review of all current
coaching structures,
including a review
of existing county
strategies and
practices. Liaise with
other sports like
squash and tennis.
Stratified coaching
Structure in
place. Basics –
Fundamentals.
County Standard –
Level 1
New Level 2 –
qualification.
Develop coaching
certification to
upgrade coaches to
the required levels.
Tiered structure with
foundation, level 1
& 2.
Review content of
courses and have
revised coaching
clinics delivered.
Foundation level
1 reviewed and
updated in full with
literature.
Oct 2013 level 2
coaching course
launched.
Complete tiered
system for players
and coaching at all
levels.
Coaching committee/
Coaching Ireland
2. Coaching Courses Each year the CC
would provide a
calendar for coaching
clinics, camps.
Certification courses
Implement coaching
courses/clinics into
the Clar to include
each coaching level
nationwide.
Launch of the new
national coaching
program,
Development of the
coaching plan to
include provincial
targets and
objectives
Development
of the coaching
plan to include
county targets and
objectives
Coaching Committee.
3. Coaching Literature
and Resources
Teachers, club,
county, provincial.
And national
coaches have all the
necessary resources
available to them.
Develop a new
coaching resource
pack to benefit
coaches in all
categories.
Launch
Fundamentals in
November 2011
Launch initial
resource pack
for club coaches/
foundation level –
March 2012
Oct 2013 launch
additional resource
packs for level 1 & 2
coaches
March 2014
Provide a
comprehensive
coaching resource
pack to include
literature, DVD and
online coaching tools.
Coaching Committee,
Coaching Ireland and
National GAA Games
Development
4. Tutor Training 2 + active tutors in
each province by
March 2013
Liase with Coaching
Ireland to increase
the number of tutor
sessions
June 2012 – all
outstanding tutors
to be certified
and awarded
qualification.
Dec 2013
A minimum of 2
active fully qualified
tutors in each
province delivering
courses
Dec 2014 –
A minimum 4 active
fully qualified tutors
actively delivering
courses in each
province.
Coaching Ireland and
Committee
Coaching Key
Projects/Initiatives
5. Child Protection
policy
GAA Handballs
child protection
policy is up to date
in conjunction with
Ulster GAA and the
National GAA
Update existing
policies and
incorporate into
foundation course.
Consult with the GAA
to update the policy
and incorporate into
all coaching material
and courses
Review the policy
in 2013
GAA and Coaching
Committee &
National
6. Club and School
Coaching Plans
Certification program
in place for TY and
PE Students from
post primary schools.
Establish a club
school link, develop
school coaching
initiatives and
promotion of Fun
Game in primary and
post primary schools
Audit of current
coaching structure
completed. Select a
club-school officer in
all schools.
Nominate and train a
minimum of 8 school
liaison officers per
Province.
4 Full time regional
development officers
in place
Coaching Committee/
Development
Committee
and National
7. Elite Player / coach
Pathway
Elite player
development
program in place.
Develop a high
performance strategy
for players and
coaches to reach the
elite level of
the game.
National Elite
Coaching clinics
launched for both
players and coaches.
April 2012 – elite
coaching program in
place for official Irish
World Championship
Squad.
Jan 2013 - High
Performance
Program in place
in conjunction with
SINI and HPU (High
Performance Unit of
Irish Sports Council)
for a selected group
of elite players)
Review and Further
development of
high –performance
program for players
and coaches.
Mar 2014 – a panel of
elite coaches (Level 2
Cert) in place.
Coaching Committee/
SINI/HPU of Irish
Sports Council
8. Coaching Camps Coaching camps
for beginners are
operating in all
counties.
Advanced Coaching
camps in place
at provincial and
national level
Develop a template
for club/county/
provincial/ and
national coaching
camps.
June 2012 –
provincial and
national coaching
camps structured
and launched.
2012 – County
coaching camps in
association with GAA
in place.
2013 - 32 coaching
camps are in place
2013- launch of
an international
coaching camp
to cater for
international
handball clubs
2014 - Regional
coaching camps
within counties
launched
Coaching Committee/
GAA Games
Development
Committee, National
development officer
Outcome: GAA Handball is recognised as having coaching structures which are the envy of other sports and attracts coaches who can help attain the highest
levels possible for our players at international level

Theme 3: Communications and ITTheme 3: Communications and IT
Comms & IT Key
Project
1. Online
Player and
Membership
Registration
An efficient user
friendly membership
registration system
in place.
Create a project
plan defining all
requirements and
processes inclusive of
training
Training Video
created and available
to all in Dec 2011
Jan 2012 – 5
Counties Registered
Online.
Jan 2013 – Full Roll-
out to all clubs and
members
100% participation
for Player
Registration process.
Comms Committee /
Operations Manager
2. Club Locator on
Website
Webpage with map•
and coordinates of
all Handball clubs
in Ireland.
Directory page•
showing full list of
clubs
Provide Sorting•
capability of the
directory table by:
Province•
County•
Facilities•
Create an online
database providing
all information for
clubs,(together with
schools and other
facilities not currently
registered) including
facilities and location
on the web page.
50% of all Clubs
added.
80% of all Clubs
added
100% of all Clubs
added
Comms Committee/
Development
Committee
National Office
Outcome: GAA Handball is successfully utilising the best IT and Communications systems that provides the most efficient communications platform to all
members, players, supporters, sponsors and media partners both in Ireland and Internationally.
Comms & IT Key
Project
3. Online Video and
Live Streaming
Create an online GAA
Handball TV portal
for the streaming of
live games magazine
programs and video
highlights and
resources.
Investigate server•
requirements and
determine if we use
our own solution or
use existing video
server sites.
Create a video•
archive Table in
the database to
enable a searchable
webpage using
description fields or
an open search.
Develop a media•
partner link
Utilise an online
portal option by
November 2011
Archived videos to
be available for sale
March 2012.
Live online
broadcast capability
to be in place for
the 2012 World
Championships.
All video/DVD’s will
be available online
Member posted
videos to be available
CEO/ Comms
Committee/
Operations Manager
4. Online Shop and
Merchandising
Develop online shop
concept and launch
a complete range
of GAA Handball
merchandise. Secure
licensing partners for
GAA Handball.
Create revenue
streams through the
utilisation of online
sales.
Launch online shop
by March 2012.
Develop new product
lines and expand
offerings
Develop new
licensing
partnerships for all
products
National Office
5. Marketing and
Sponsorship
A marketing and
sponsorship strategy
that will create a
greater profile for
the organisation
and achieve a 300%
increase of the
annual revenues
derived versus the
2011 baseline over
the duration of the
plan.
Develop website•
newsletter, digital
magazine, ‘Top Ace’
publications and a
full range of digital
print.
Once opportunities•
are defined, the
website can be
developed to
incorporate each
facet.
e-Zine distributed
every Thursday from
Sept 2011.
Digital magazine
available monthly
from Feb 2012.
Increase readers to
over 15K
Target 10K Facebook
/Twitter fans
Increase readers to
25K
300% increase
in sponsorship
revenues.
CEO/Operations
Manager

Theme 3: Communications and ITTheme 3: Communications and IT
Comms & IT Key
Project
6. Communication
Solutions and
Training
A com plete online
communications
strategy in
conjunction with the
GAA for all strands of
GAA Handball
Develop with•
the GAA
Communications
Department for
details and direction
on the solution
they have already
successfully rolled
out using Gmail.
Research and•
implement an RSS
Feed solution.
Training days in•
each province to
help roll out system
Have county•
domains stem from
national handball
site.
December 2011 new
email system to
provincial and county
officers and all
members of national
committees by Oct
2011
Dec 2012 all club
officials to have email
account
Continue to develop
online training
resources for officials
Communications
Committee /
Operations Manager
7. Online Photo Gallery Develop an online
commercial
structure to utilise
the vast range of
photographic content
owned by GAA
Handball.
Set up a commercial
online photo gallery to
be utilised by players,
members and officials
at all levels.
Photo gallery to be
available for March
2012
Member tagging
available by June
2013
Comms Committee/
Operations Manager
8. GAA Handball
Website
Create a project
plan to develop the
national website
to provide a tiered
system right down to
club level.
Complete project
plan within agreed
milestones.
Launch provincial
section of site
October 2012
Nov 2013
Roll out to officials at
county level
Roll out officials at
club level
CEO/Comms
Committee/
Operations Manager
Comms & IT Key
Project
9. PR/Media Coverage A strategy in place
for the provision
of appropriate
and consistent
communications to
all areas of the media
Complete project plan
and review
Radio show up and
running by Sept 2011
Monthly TV magazine
show launched by
March 2012
Further develop
online tools for PR/
Media coverage
Roll out of strategy
to provincial and
county units
CEO/operations
manager

Theme 4: Competition & Discipline:Theme 4: Competition & Discipline:
Outcome: GAA Handball has established a streamlined annual calendar which is acknowledged as providing a balanced program of games and competitions,
with a clearly defined seasonal structure, enabling players and officials at all levels to maximise their potential within the sport.
CCC Key Projects/
Initiatives
1. The Clár – GAA
Handball national
Diary
Clear and concise
annual diary for all
national, provincial,
county and club
competitions and
events to include
seasons for codes
and seasonal breaks
for players and
coaches.
Restructure the
annual competition
and events for
Handball based on
codes for seasons.
Oct 2011 – Launch of
National GAA Handball
Program of Events
on all communication
platforms.
June 2012 – New
Template showing new
structured seasonal
calendar.
June 2013 –
annual calendar
developed to include
an interactive
platform for clubs
and counties and
provinces to utilise.
January 2014 -
Review the structure
and calendar
CEO, Committee
2. All Ireland
Championships
Streamlined grades
and competitions
for all Ireland
championships into
set periods in the
annual calendar.
Review grades, and
competitions and
timings of all codes
of the All Ireland
Championships.
March 2012 –
presentation of
proposed structure
for all Ireland
Championship codes to
congress.
March 2013 – review
and implement any
changes.
March 2014 – Review
and implement any
changes.
CEO, Committee
3. Club and Team
Championships
Redefined club and
team competition
structure to allow for
greater promotion
and development
at all levels of the
Association.
Review and
restructure of
club and team
championships and
tournaments
March 2012 –
Proposed trial period
of recommendations
implemented.
March 2013 –
presentation to
congress of redefined
structure.
Review and further
development of team
and club events at
National level
March 2014 – Review
and implement any
changes
CEO, Committee
CCC Key Projects/
Initiatives
4. School and Colleges
competitions
Redefined
competition
structure to allow for
greater promotion
and development at
primary, post primary
and 3rd level.
Review and
restructure of
schools, colleges
championships and
tournaments and
other events.
March 2012 –
Proposed trial period
of recommendations
implemented.
2013 – Development
of County and
Provincial schools
and colleges
tournament
proposals presented
to congress.
2013 - Intervarsities
competition
structures further
developed in
conjunction with
ICHA.
2014 – Review of
all structures and
implement any
changes.
CEO, Committee,
Cumann na
mBunscoil, GAA
ICHA.
5. National
Tournaments in all
Codes
Greater clarity for
Irish Nationals and
provincial open
events in each code
per season.
Review and re-
structure Irish
Nationals and
provincial open
events in all codes
Mar 2012 – complete
review of grades to be
played in each of the
national events.
2013 – new structure
in place
2014 – review and
implement and
changes
Committee
6. Refereeing Creation of a national
referees sub-
committee and tiered
referees network.
Increased number
of referees to
support the growth
of the game.
Establish a program
for training
developing and
certification for
referees and set up
of an appointments
group for national
events.
Referee recruitment
program in place.
2011/12 – review
and develop current
referees training
course
October 2012
– Referees Sub-
Committee in place
June 2012 – New
training program
launched to create
a tiered certified list
of referees – Level
1- County/Provincial
Level 2 – National and
International
June 2013 –
Database of referees
in place for both
level 1 & 2
2014 – Further
Develop the database
of graded referees in
place.
Committee and
Operations Manager

Theme 4: Competition & Discipline:
CCC Key Projects/
Initiatives
7. Playing Rules Publish up to date
guide both online and
in print.
Review current
playing rule book
Jan 2012 – Launch of
new printed and online
playing rule books
March 2013 – review
completed of
entire playing rule
book in all codes
and presented to
congress to allow for
greater clarity for all.
2014 – review of
rules and materials
Committee
8. Discipline and
competition protocol
Very clear guidelines
in place for the
disciplinary process
in conjunction with
the GAA CCC.
Create and Launch
RESPECT initiative
for players, coaches
and ofﬁcials.
Review and launch
clear guidelines
In relation to
disciplinary
procedure and
for all levels of the
association.
Jan 2012 –
publication launch for
national competitions
June 2012 –
Disciplinary process
launched for all codes
and levels of the
Association.
Dec 2012 - Launch of
ofﬁcial guide to include
the above
Review of procedures
and implement any
changes
Review of procedures
and implement any
changes
Committee

Theme 5: GovernanceTheme 5: Governance
Outcome: GAA GAA Handball has put in place appropriate governance structures at all levels throughout the Association, safeguarding our underage players,
protecting the integrity of our finances, ensuring best practice in regard to utilising our facilities, whilst providing all officers and full time officials with the
appropriate levels of autonomy.
Governance Key
Project
1. Child Protection
Policy in Place
A comprehensive
framework for child
protection in place
throughout GAA
Handball.
Roll out of child
protection policy
and procedure
to all units in
GAA Handball in
conjunction with the
GAA
Dec 2012 - Guidelines
in place in all units
Garda/PSNI Vetting
Complete of all
personnel required to
have same.
Review of the
guidelines
National Children’s
Officer, and GAA
Child protection
officer.
2. Finance Policies and
procedures in place
at all levels of the
Association to ensure
appropriate levels of
governance.
Roll out of policies
and procedures at
county and club level
Dec 2012 – roll out of
governance policies
and procedures to
provincial and county
units
Dec 2013 - roll out of
governance policies
and procedure to
clubs
Evaluate integration
of financial
structures with
county and provincial
structures.
CEO, GAA Finance
Team
3. Evaluate the
applicability of merit
based funding to the
Association
Assessment of a
merit based funding
structure
Pilot a merit based
funding with the
provinces
Pilot the merit based
funding process in
the provinces
GAA Finance Team
4. Development Fund A development fund
will be in place for
the Financial support
and development of
clubs.
Create a framework
and model for the
fund.
Pilot the model Evaluate the model
and review
Evaluate the model
and review
GAA Finance Team,
CEO, Ard Comhairle
5. Facilities All facilities are
vested to the
required standards.
Audit of status of
existing facilities and
legal status of same
25% of facilities 50% facilities 100% facilities Development
Committee /
Operations Manager
Governance Key
Project
6. Facilities Appropriate health
and safety and
insurance protocol in
place for all facilities
Audit of status of
existing facilities and
current situation.
25% of facilities 50% facilities 100% facilities Development
Committee /
Operations Manager
7. Organisation
Structure
Full time team
resourced to support
the volunteers in
the execution of the
strategic plan
Redefine and
expand National full
time team
Analyse the
feasibility of
provincial full time
officer(s)
January 2012 – New
National full time team
structure in place
Evaluate feasibility of
Full time Provincial
officer completed
Review capacity of
full time team to
support the needs of
the Association.
CEO, Peter Hanan

Theme 6: Internationalisation
Outcome: GAA Handball have provided the leadership as part of a new unified international Handball Organisation which has secured Olympic status and has
created an international competitive structure that will accelerate major worldwide growth of the sport.
Governance Key
Project
1. Formulation of the
World Wall Ball
Association. (A new
unified international
Handball
Federation).
A single unified
body with new
independent funding
in place
Launch a
constitution for the
new International
body in conjunction
with CIJB and WHC.
Approval of the draft
constitution of WWBA
Oct 2011.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
2. Devise a Strategic
plan for WWBA
A strategic plan in
place with funding
parameters agreed
A strategic forum
comprising the
WWBA appointed
workgroup.
Approval of the
WWBA strategic plan,
November 2011.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
3. International
Competition
Structure
Defined clear and
concise competition
calendar under
the auspices of the
WWBA.
Launch a sanctioned
competition calendar
in conjunction with
other international
bodies and National
federations.
Launch at the world
Championships the
new international
Competition Calendar
WWBA appointed
workgroup
4. Securing Olympic
Status
Demonstration sport
2013 World Games
in Columbia and
Olympic Sport in
2016
Formal Submission
to secure
demonstration world
games in Columbia
and Olympic Games
in Rio
Feb 2012
Submission for World
Games
Nov 2012
Submission for
Olympic Games
World Games in
Columbia.
2015 – Olympic
Qualification process
agreed.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
Governance Key
Project
1. Formulation of the
World Wall Ball
Association. (A new
unified international
Handball
Federation).
A single unified
body with new
independent funding
in place
Launch a
constitution for the
new International
body in conjunction
with CIJB and WHC.
Approval of the draft
constitution of WWBA
Oct 2011.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
2. Devise a Strategic
plan for WWBA
A strategic plan in
place with funding
parameters agreed
A strategic forum
comprising the
WWBA appointed
workgroup.
Approval of the
WWBA strategic plan,
November 2011.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
3. International
Competition
Structure
Defined clear and
concise competition
calendar under
the auspices of the
WWBA.
Launch a sanctioned
competition calendar
in conjunction with
other international
bodies and National
federations.
Launch at the world
Championships the
new international
Competition Calendar
WWBA appointed
workgroup
4. Securing Olympic
Status
Demonstration sport
2013 World Games
in Columbia and
Olympic Sport in
2016
Formal Submission
to secure
demonstration world
games in Columbia
and Olympic Games
in Rio
Feb 2012
Submission for World
Games
Nov 2012
Submission for
Olympic Games
World Games in
Columbia.
2015 – Olympic
Qualification process
agreed.
WWBA appointed
workgroup
5. Increase of affiliated
national federations
and clubs worldwide
11 new National
Federations under
the GAA Handball
Umbrella
All International
GAA Clubs targeted
to include Handball
within their games.
Create a network
of GAA Handball
Federations and
clubs under GAA
Handball Umbrella
2012 – 12 new
GAA Handball
Clubs registered
internationally
2 new GAA Handball
National Federations
formed
2013 – 24 new
GAA Handball
Clubs registered
internationally
6 new GAA Handball
National Federations
formed.
Review progress to
date and Further
develop network
CEO, GAA
International
Committee

Benchmarking Where We Are Going:
Membership
2011 12,005
2016 Target 25,000
Communications
Website Trafﬁc 2,500 a day
2016 Target 5,000 a day
Facebook 2,500
2016 Target 10,000
Finances
Sponsorship €70K
2016 Target €300K
Merchandise €14K
2016 Target €30K
Gate Receipts €9K
2016 Target €25K
Players
Adult players - 4,452
2016 target - 10,000
Underage Players - 7,553
2016 - Target - 15,000
Participating Units
Clubs 212
2016 Target 320
County Camps 21
2016 Target 40
3rd level Colleges 14
2016 Target 25
Facilities
No of approved facilities 312
2016 Target 600
Governance Key
Project
6. World
Championships 2012
To host the biggest
international
handball event in the
history of the game
with record number
of participants and
countries.
Create a project plan
and infrastructure to
ensure the delivery
of the outcome.
Sept 2011 – Launch of
Project Plan for 2012
world championships
2012 – organise and
complete 2012 World
Championships
CEO / Operations
Manager
7. Irish Teams and
players competing
Internationally
Success secured
by Irish teams and
players at the major
international events.
Creation of a project
development plan
for Irish Handball
Teams travelling to
international events
Sept 2011 – Set
up International
Management Sub-
Committee
March 2012 –
Launch of project
development plan
Continued
reﬁnement of
preparation of Irish
teams and players
internationally
Ard Comharile

Measuring Our GrowthMeasuring Our Growth
Number of Clubs in GAA Handball Ireland Number of Members in GAA Handball Ireland County GAA Handball Camps
350
2007
2009
2011
2016
163 174
184
320
NumberofClubs
30,000
2007
2011
2016
8,700
12,005
25,000
NumberofMembers
25,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
10,000
2011
10,000
5,148
10,000
NumberofParticipants
7,500
5,000
2,500
0
Website Traﬃc
2008
180
5,000
DailyHits
5000
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
2011
2016
2,500
55,000
a year
900,000
a year
1,825,000
a year
40
Counties
21
Counties

Measuring Our GrowthMeasuring Our Growth
€350,000
2008
2010
2011
2016
17,500
61,500
70,000
300,000
Revenue
€300,000
€250,000
€200,000
€150,000
€100,000
€50,000
0
Sponsorship Revenue Gate Recipts Merchandise Revenue
GateRecipts
0
Facebook Followers
2010
0
10,000
FacebookFollowers
0
2011
2016
2,500
€30,000
€25,000
€20,000
€15,000
€10,000
€5,000
2008
2010
2011
2016
14,000
9,000 9,000
25,000 €35,000
2009
2010
2011
2016
6,000
10,500
14,000
30,000
Revenue
€30,000
€25,000
€20,000
€15,000
€10,000
€5,000
0
12,000
10,000
8000
6000
4000
2000

Reviewing the Plan
The CEO or the Association will complete a comprehensive review with
each of the committees during October each Calendar year. This review
will include an assessment of progress versus milestones, an analysis of
the relevance of each of the targets and the inclusion of new targets as
deemed appropriate by the committee in agreement with the CEO.
Once agreed each chairperson will present an annual report to the
National Advisory Group at the last meeting of that forum each calendar
year. At this meeting the National Advisory Group will review the input
from each committee and omit, adjust or include priorities as deemed
appropriate by that forum.
Following the Advisory Group Meeting each strategic group will update
their Terms of Reference and goals of objectives based on the inputs that
they would have received from that meeting.

Message from Our CEO, Liathróid Láimhe C.L.G. na hÉireannMessage from An tUachtaráin, Liathróid Láimhe C.L.G. na hÉireann
A Chara,
It is with a great sense of enthusiasm and optimism that we launch our
strategic vision for the future of GAA Handball Ireland.
As a sport we have always known that we have had a treasure awaiting
to be found and through the continued commitment and endeavour
of our numerous supporters and members, we are now on the brink of
something very great for our game. This comprehensive document will
now ensure that the ideal framework is in place to help all facets of our
Association to combine and work together, as a team, to deliver our
‘shared vision for the future’.
While our players have excelled on the court of play, and we have made
significant progress off the court, we must now increase our efforts to
position our game within the higher echelons of Irish sport and in the
International arena, for a period of accelerated growth.
Our great Association is facing into many challenges, but I have no doubt
that through a more structured and energetic approach, in utilising the
direction mapped out in this Strategic Vision, that those same challenges
can be matched and overcome in the years ahead.
We must now continue to call upon the support and assistance available
to our Association, as we navigate those challenges and manage the
continued growth and increased profile of our games. In that light, we will
strive to build closer relationships within the GAA and leveraging their
expertise wherever possible.
Our sponsors and media partners, who have been so generous to us in
the past, will have to be supplemented by additional partners if we are
to sustain such a high level of anticipated growth. Is it therefore very
important, as we grow, that we provide an ideal commercial platform
in order to deliver for this community, in terms of the excellence of our
product and offering.
I would like to thank all of the committee members that assisted in the
formulation of this plan, the players who participated in the players
survey and the many individuals who contributed their thoughts and
dreams in aiding this vision to become a reality. Finally, I would like to
thank our project manager Orla Cullen for managing all aspects of the
project from its concept to its completion.
Chris Curran
A Chara,
These are very exciting time for GAA Handball Ireland and the Goals and
Objectives set out in this very comprehensive document highlight the
very positive direction in which our Association is heading.
We are fortunate to have within our Association astute minded and
committed individuals, at all levels, who can ensure the implementation
and execution of this ambitious plan. I believe that with this framework in
place the aspirations and visions demonstrated in each of the core groups
of the Association can be accomplished and can have a profound impact
on the future development of our game in Ireland and beyond.
I would like to acknowledge the dedication and enthusiasm of the
thousands of members, players and officials who ensure the continued
growth of GAA Handball Nationwide. I offer a sincere thank you to
the many people who have provided their expertise, knowledge and
commitment towards the production of what I believe to be a top-class
strategic vision for GAA Handball Ireland.
Once again, we must acknowledge the role of the GAA at National Level
in their continued financial support and in the assistance that we receive
from the team within Croke Park.
Finally, I would ask that we can combine all of our efforts, expertise and
resources to ensure that we deliver on all aspects of the plan. I would
especially ask that we support Chris and the full time team within our
Association in enabling our volunteers at all levels deliver on the potential
of this great sport into the future.
Walter O’Connor

Who We AreAcknowledgements
Full time Staff•
Ard Comhairle•
Advisory Committee members•
32 county delegates•
Committee members for each of the 4 committees•
Many players who contributed to the International work group•
committee
Printer•
Glossary of Terms
An Clar – GAA Handballs Calendar of activities , including events and•
competitions.
SINI - Sports Institute Northern Ireland•
HPU - High Performance Unit of the Irish Sports Council•

A Strategic Vison
for the Future
Liathróid Láimhe C.L.G. na hÉireann
Páirc an Chrócaigh
Baile Átha Cliath 3, Ireland
Tel: +353 (01) 81 92384
Web: www.gaahandball.ie
E-Mail: chris.curran.handball@gaa.ie
Strategic Plan 2011-2015

GAA Handball Strategy 2011-2015 (Low Res)

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