Down Club Hurling & Football

[Truth hurts]

Also an interesting post from Ronan Sheehan on the matter about senior hurling which takes place on Monday nights, the same nights as u17 football. If it had changed then that would have messed up fixtures for a Monday night. A lot of things to think about for our Competitions Controls Committee.

[Truth hurts]

going their separate ways ? they've trained with a new group for 1-2 months maximum , very few clubs will be starting 17 yr old lads in senior teams so yes they should have got another years football to develop. short notice ? the underage competitions wont start for another 2 months , hardly short notice. also the lads that have graduated could still be part of the adult squad in option 3 . it was a win win , so much for the clubs caring about their players , the thought of a bit of extra leg work and they folded. disappointing from the clubs who voted against it

Who voted against it?

[skat man]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

[Truth hurts]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

Changing a whole calendar is not making a mountain out of a molehill, there are a lot of factors that would have came into play straight away and people would have been expecting answers straights away. The sensible matter was to postpone to next year and get the correct plans in place to ensure a smooth running.

[Nanderson]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

Changing a whole calendar is not making a mountain out of a molehill, there are a lot of factors that would have came into play straight away and people would have been expecting answers straights away. The sensible matter was to postpone to next year and get the correct plans in place to ensure a smooth running.

excellent post wobbler. coaches and clubs already have plans in place for the year ahead so be much easier to get things sorted this season for next season. I'm sure other counties changing will run into hiccups so we can learn from their mistakes and get it right the first time

[JimStynes]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

What a stupid post.

[thewobbler]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

Yep the way it used to be. Final year minors playing / training with seniors. Final year minors in dual clubs maybe doubling up on both. A communications and logistics problem that was solved through clear and agreed rules when we moved to u17.. Let's jump head first back into the problem and hope for the best. That's what we need to do.

[johnnycool]

Did the age grades change in hurling too or just football?

Both will change in 2024

[skat man]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.



All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

Yep the way it used to be. Final year minors playing / training with seniors. Final year minors in dual clubs maybe doubling up on both. A communications and logistics problem that was solved through clear and agreed rules when we moved to u17.. Let's jump head first back into the problem and hope for the best. That's what we need to do.

So now its went from a lot of trivial issues to 1 main issue that will differ on a club by club basis , if it was such a terrible system why did down clubs vote to return to it ?

[skat man]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

What a stupid post.

A well reasoned response , hard to argue with

[JimStynes]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

What a stupid post.

A well reasoned response , hard to argue with

So the key to underage is kids playing and that's that. Go games are load of crap, the size of the ball doesn't matter, kids playing with much bigger and older fellas isn't an issue. Sure throw the ball up into the middle at training and let them tear away as well.

IMO key to underage is enjoyment at that early stage of development is enjoyment and plenty of fun in training sessions. As you move up the age grades it changes with competitiveness being added in. Children love winning and competing. Children also love playing with their own age groups rather than being thrown in with children from a year or 2 above them but this is also going to be an issue unless it went like soccer and had u10, u11, u12, u13 etc. I personally think it should be done in school ages i.e. u12.5, 14.5, 16.5 etc. This means it's the school year group and year group below. But not everyone will be for that either. There is never going to be a perfect fit. But to say it's just about playing is one of several issues. Are they playing at the right level or getting tanked? Nothing will put children off playing than getting hammered in games. Go games is brilliant for children in this regard. For those 18 year olds I hope there is an u19 competition put in place and plenty of u20 and reserve football too.

I do agree it was a mistake to change the age grades in the first place. I was never supportive of that. But to try change it back 4 weeks before the start of the league is shambolic. We have had friendlies at U17 and 12 training sessions under our belt at this stage.

[Truth hurts]

First I'd be of the notion that there's more lads than anyone might think are happy enough to give up Gaelic Games, and when the flag went up last year their boots were burned shortly after.

Staying on u17/18. Let's presume last year was a normal enough year at juvenile football. Some clubs did well at this level. Some improved. Some went backwards. Some as good as folded. And they all know pretty much to a team that that won't change much this season if it is repeated. And those clubs and players that went backwards or nearly folded at the level, now have to do it all again. Except some of their eligible players are now focused on senior football, and some will never come back.

All I see here is DNF all over the results, and fines for clubs.

—-

Now roll it down to u15/16.

Last year they played with a size 4 at u15.

Should u16s follow suit? Or not? And why?

——

Now roll it down to u13/14

Last year at u13 this was 13-a-side with Go Games rules.

Should this continue? Or not. Remember half these guys will be seniors in school by the end of the summer. Or maybe don't consider that.

——

Now roll it down to u11.5/12

For the last 3 years we've played this as a primary school competition (u11.5). And it works really well. Classmates growing up in football together until they get to big school, when playing with lads from a year above is less daunting (and a bit fairer).

So should we continue with 11.5? Surely we can't as this would see 2.5 years of players squeezing into u14 football. That's all year 8s, all year 9s, and half of year 10. Or in other words, in most clubs, no football for all but the biggest year 8s.

Is there a compromise to be had? Maybe. But good luck finding it in 6 weeks.

——

We've now prudently got a year to work these things out.

It might seem backward to you. Bug only because you've a narrow agenda which is focused on getting u18s a campaign - even though they're served over the year by u19, reserves and u20.... Should they actually want to play football..

I cant believe you wasted your time writing that up . People like you are the exact reason we went to different age grades making mountains out of molehills , it doesn't matter what size the ball is or if its go game rules or if at under 12 some lad is playing with kids a few years older , the key to underage is getting kids all playing . Thats the whole point to it, get kids playing .
Ive no vested interest in any minor but yes if it meant keeping any young lads playing longer its a success to me, thats what its about

Also its not something we have to discuss and chat about because ITS THE WAY IT USED TO BE , so just go back to the model that worked well and use whatever ball size was used then . the same as the other counties who stuck to their guns are going to do . What are you gonna spend the rest of the year discussing now ? Down voted for it two months ago and now some of the clubs balked over extra leg work . Shambolic

What a stupid post.

A well reasoned response , hard to argue with

So the key to underage is kids playing and that's that. Go games are load of crap, the size of the ball doesn't matter, kids playing with much bigger and older fellas isn't an issue. Sure throw the ball up into the middle at training and let them tear away as well.

IMO key to underage is enjoyment at that early stage of development is enjoyment and plenty of fun in training sessions. As you move up the age grades it changes with competitiveness being added in. Children love winning and competing. Children also love playing with their own age groups rather than being thrown in with children from a year or 2 above them but this is also going to be an issue unless it went like soccer and had u10, u11, u12, u13 etc. I personally think it should be done in school ages i.e. u12.5, 14.5, 16.5 etc. This means it's the school year group and year group below. But not everyone will be for that either. There is never going to be a perfect fit. But to say it's just about playing is one of several issues. Are they playing at the right level or getting tanked? Nothing will put children off playing than getting hammered in games. Go games is brilliant for children in this regard. For those 18 year olds I hope there is an u19 competition put in place and plenty of u20 and reserve football too.

I do agree it was a mistake to change the age grades in the first place. I was never supportive of that. But to try change it back 4 weeks before the start of the league is shambolic. We have had friendlies at U17 and 12 training sessions under our belt at this stage.

That's the thing. No one is disputing it shouldn't go back but trying to implement change in a few weeks causes anarchy. I think Antrim, Down and Donegal chose wisely and now can plan ahead a roadmap for next year.
The coaching and game development group can also enforce the rules and regulations which they want to play at in each grade. They will be looking at the other counties and learning from them.

Playing reserve or senior football at late 17 or 18 isn't a new thing and there will be loads of football at u19, reserves, seniors and u20 for players should they wish to. 

[skat man]

it feels like you didn't read the context of my comment

the difference between using a size 4 and size 5 at under 16 is trivial
the difference between playing go game rules or not  at under 14 or stopping it at 12 is trivial
The difference between kids playing with their classmates and not for under 12 is trivial
The main issue is we are asking 17 year old school kids to train and play with physically developed adult men and if they dont want to do that because rightly them and/or their parents would feel they aren't ready theres an ill thought out farce of an under 19 tournament or they can wait until the winter and train in muck and play in under20s

I agree with your broader points and am personally a massive fan of go games as it develops teams not individuals

[skat man]

12 training sessions with an under 17 team already seems like a-lot considering the school season was/is in full swing

[JimStynes]

it feels like you didn't read the context of my comment

the difference between using a size 4 and size 5 at under 16 is trivial
the difference between playing go game rules or not  at under 14 or stopping it at 12 is trivial
The difference between kids playing with their classmates and not for under 12 is trivial
The main issue is we are asking 17 year old school kids to train and play with physically developed adult men and if they dont want to do that because rightly them and/or their parents would feel they aren't ready theres an ill thought out farce of an under 19 tournament or they can wait until the winter and train in muck and play in under20s

I agree with your broader points and am personally a massive fan of go games as it develops teams not individuals

I agree but blame the GAA HQ or whoever it was that decided to try and change this at this late stage. If this conversation happens in November then it's a non issue for me and it goes back to u18. You would probably have a few who still disagreed but it would be a handful rather than what it is now with half the people wanting change now and half wanting to take the hit and wait until this season is over.  But again, not 4 weeks before the league starts. Far too late IMO. Armagh had already agreed months ago to run the u18 league with an u17 competition to tick that box. Their clubs have planned u18 management teams etc. So when this came up from HQ the other night it was an easy decision for Armagh and probably solves a lot of potential hassle for them.