Just a bit of a straw poll here if you please for those involved in underage football.
If your club participates in small blitz type tournaments or Go Games are the teams made up by birth year or Primary school year? Is this consistent across your County?
Would you have a preference? Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?
In Down it is operated at U8.5 and U10.5 level. That is in line with our school system. U8.5 is P3 and P4 and U10.5 is P5 and P6.
In Tipp it's birth year.
It's birth year in Tyrone.
Longford , birth year Jan 1. But never heard any of any official queries about any players age
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
Quote from: The Gs Man on March 11, 2014, 10:09:26 PM
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
The Down county board changed it to primary school year last year, some of the reasons being that you didn't have a separation of school friends at underage level which could lead to losing some children if their mates weren't going to the same training as them, and that Armagh clubs were Primary School year. With the increasing number of blitzes being open to both counties, it was decided that it was fairer if all clubs were playing like for like.
I think this took about five years to get county board approval, although some clubs took the issue into their own hands long before that.
Quote from: The Insider on March 11, 2014, 09:37:35 PM
Longford , birth year Jan 1. But never heard any of any official queries about any players age
Ditto in Monaghan
Quote from: The Gs Man on March 11, 2014, 10:09:26 PM
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
County Board I believe, but to be honest nobody pays any attention as such. It's just a logical grouping that becomes more important at U14 etc. If we had a lad who was 8 and a bit, but was beginning to hurl, I'd have no problem him playing with 7 year olds until he felt a bit more comfortable.
Calendar year in Dublin, though not sure when it starts being policed.
I'm involved in underage soccer rather than GAA, but its does seem a more lacksadasical affair in the GAA. In soccer they've introduced identity type cards which makes it much more difficult to play bangers.
Quote from: Hound on March 12, 2014, 09:22:44 AM
Calendar year in Dublin, though not sure when it starts being policed.
I'm involved in underage soccer rather than GAA, but its does seem a more lacksadasical affair in the GAA. In soccer they've introduced identity type cards which makes it much more difficult to play bangers.
Why would you play a banger at U8 or U10, or even under 12 if it's go games/blitz type format? sorry, I phrased that wrong. I suppose I meant a) You wouldn't do it to win the games and b) Would the opposition care? Unless they're togging out lads that are shaving and there's a risk of a child getting hurt, why would you bother. And there's little to be gained by doing it anyway.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:23:41 AM
Quote from: Hound on March 12, 2014, 09:22:44 AM
Calendar year in Dublin, though not sure when it starts being policed.
I'm involved in underage soccer rather than GAA, but its does seem a more lacksadasical affair in the GAA. In soccer they've introduced identity type cards which makes it much more difficult to play bangers.
Why would you play a banger at U8 or U10, or even under 12 if it's go games/blitz type format? sorry, I phrased that wrong. I suppose I meant a) You wouldn't do it to win the games and b) Would the opposition care? Unless they're togging out lads that are shaving and there's a risk of a child getting hurt, why would you bother. And there's little to be gained by doing it anyway.
I'm sure though you know how competitive some eejits get, even at U-8 level. Not necessarily doing anything illegal but often the spirit of the Go Games is not foremost in minds, sadly.
In Sligo it's year of birth.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:23:41 AM
Quote from: Hound on March 12, 2014, 09:22:44 AM
Calendar year in Dublin, though not sure when it starts being policed.
I'm involved in underage soccer rather than GAA, but its does seem a more lacksadasical affair in the GAA. In soccer they've introduced identity type cards which makes it much more difficult to play bangers.
Why would you play a banger at U8 or U10, or even under 12 if it's go games/blitz type format? sorry, I phrased that wrong. I suppose I meant a) You wouldn't do it to win the games and b) Would the opposition care? Unless they're togging out lads that are shaving and there's a risk of a child getting hurt, why would you bother. And there's little to be gained by doing it anyway.
Trust me it happens.
Very common in challenge games even where a few lads are overage "to make up the numbers".
But again, why would you really care at that age? A 9 year old playing with 8s might win the game, but a) who cares and b) why would you bother if you didn't need to make up numbers.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:56:07 AM
But again, why would you really care at that age? A 9 year old playing with 8s might win the game, but a) who cares and b) why would you bother if you didn't need to make up numbers.
Its a question only some can answer.
Largely its just to fool themselves that they are doing a good job and to get one over the opposition. Win at all costs.
Pathetic.
Sorry, I mean Pathetic if they are doing it to win an under 8 game/blitz.
I've done it myself in fairness, but only because the young lad/girl had just started with us.
plus it was against them Ballinahinch feckers
Was heavily involved with the local club in go games last year and there certainly would be instances where overage players were played but it was always a situation where a very weak 9 year old would play U8 etc. There can be a huge difference in size and ability at these age groups and certainly it was never raised as an issue. Scores weren't kept and no results were given (although the kids always seemed to have a fair idea). Even our own club would play 9 year olds at U8 now and then but these kids would barely be able to make the U8 team. Of absolutely no benefit to them putting them out with an U10 team
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:56:07 AM
But again, why would you really care at that age? A 9 year old playing with 8s might win the game, but a) who cares and b) why would you bother if you didn't need to make up numbers.
That's how sensible people think. A lot of people are not sensible.
Quote from: North Longford on March 12, 2014, 10:54:55 AM
Was heavily involved with the local club in go games last year and there certainly would be instances where overage players were played but it was always a situation where a very weak 9 year old would play U8 etc. There can be a huge difference in size and ability at these age groups and certainly it was never raised as an issue. Scores weren't kept and no results were given (although the kids always seemed to have a fair idea). Even our own club would play 9 year olds at U8 now and then but these kids would barely be able to make the U8 team. Of absolutely no benefit to them putting them out with an U10 team
That's my take on it too NL. The core of what we do at that age should be about the kid, and making sure they are enjoying themselves and learning the skills. Obviously a fella that joins the club at 14 years of age will be restricted and will have to go with his own age group, albeit probably with individual coaching etc. But if you put a 7 year old beginner with his age group to make sure he's with the right age, you might destroy him and drive him off. I'd much prefer to play a 7 year old with 6s or a 9 year old with 8s, if it helped them in the long run. And Kids are not daft either, they're just smaller than us. They know full well they are with the younger age, and usually that's fine if they are beginners, or feel more comfortable there. As soon as they feel a bit braver they'll want to go with their proper age anyway.
I still can't get my head around people playing overage kids in blitzes so that they win the game. That's mad.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2014, 11:00:49 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:56:07 AM
But again, why would you really care at that age? A 9 year old playing with 8s might win the game, but a) who cares and b) why would you bother if you didn't need to make up numbers.
That's how sensible people think. A lot of people are not sensible.
Thats it in a nutshell. Common sense can be applied in these cases but some will go for glory.
Best I seen was a half time match at a hurling county final - a meaningless match to give young ones a big of a buzz. The competing clubs where to play their U10 teams, one of the teams played their U10's, the other played a "team". The U10 team never got it past midfield and struggled even to get it there. The others had a few lads driving it for goals from distance. It was a farce but they took some sort of twisted glory.
Thankfully they lost the main game when they should have won it. :D
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 11, 2014, 11:06:34 PM
Quote from: The Gs Man on March 11, 2014, 10:09:26 PM
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
The Down county board changed it to primary school year last year, some of the reasons being that you didn't have a separation of school friends at underage level which could lead to losing some children if their mates weren't going to the same training as them, and that Armagh clubs were Primary School year. With the increasing number of blitzes being open to both counties, it was decided that it was fairer if all clubs were playing like for like.
I think this took about five years to get county board approval, although some clubs took the issue into their own hands long before that.
In hurling (in Down) at the start of 2013 it was based on the calendar year, 1st Jan and all that, then during the summer months reverted to the school year which it currently is at, but I'm being told it may go back to the calendar year again, god knows why..
In Derry hurling its school year, its all about common sense, if a p7 is weak or new you play him with p6 etc. Its about inclusion and development at that age
Quote from: Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on March 12, 2014, 01:45:02 PM
In Derry hurling its school year, its all about common sense, if a p7 is weak or new you play him with p6 etc. Its about inclusion and development at that age
We need a like button on this. ^^Like^^
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 11, 2014, 11:06:34 PM
Quote from: The Gs Man on March 11, 2014, 10:09:26 PM
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
The Down county board changed it to primary school year last year, some of the reasons being that you didn't have a separation of school friends at underage level which could lead to losing some children if their mates weren't going to the same training as them, and that Armagh clubs were Primary School year. With the increasing number of blitzes being open to both counties, it was decided that it was fairer if all clubs were playing like for like.
I think this took about five years to get county board approval, although some clubs took the issue into their own hands long before that.
In North Antrim its typically been P3/P4 and P5/P6 with the P5/6 transitioning to birth year U10 later in the year. Some clubs though have kept organising their teams by calendar year and now there's some pressure to revert
I believe the reason above in bold was the considered factor. I'd agree with this approach. Big difference in a child's mind between a P4 and a P6 yet playing birth years brings this about, so before they've really learned the skills of the games there's a big risk that you'll put them off before they get started.
This age should be 95% all about keep as many youngsters playing as possible. There's always going to be weak players and I think its important that there's enough slack to allow lads like this to gain confidence competing at an ability level they find achievable.
As others have said, the half wits will always ruin that type of fair minded principle
SW Antrim play class years as well
We had 35+ kids (boys and girls) at U-8 level last year so we decided to split them and run two squads. We split them as equally as we could in terms of age and ability. We let the other clubs know we were doing this and most co-operated and brought as many as they could and rotated properly etc and gave everyone game time. Occasionally you'd run into a crowd who would arrive with their 10 to 12 best boys only and end up scratching your head. Really hard to bite the tongue but it had to be done.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2014, 02:38:06 PM
We had 35+ kids (boys and girls) at U-8 level last year so we decided to split them and run two squads. We split them as equally as we could in terms of age and ability. We let the other clubs know we were doing this and most co-operated and brought as many as they could and rotated properly etc and gave everyone game time. Occasionally you'd run into a crowd who would arrive with their 10 to 12 best boys only and end up scratching your head. Really hard to bite the tongue but it had to be done.
We had that as well. It's mad :) We have 80+ from at 6 and 8. We don't play anything above 7 a side, so typically we have at least 4 teams in each age at a blitz, depending on time of year, absentees etc. But it's gas when you see something like 'Ballyblah A', 'Ballyblah B' and they are so obviously a real A and B team. I normally grab the lads as they run by me and say you're there, you're there, you're there. And try and keep it as balanced as possible.
I just couldn't fathom why some clubs who would have similar numbers to us wouldn't bring everyone to a game/blitz. Mad.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2014, 02:38:06 PM
We had 35+ kids (boys and girls) at U-8 level last year so we decided to split them and run two squads. We split them as equally as we could in terms of age and ability. We let the other clubs know we were doing this and most co-operated and brought as many as they could and rotated properly etc and gave everyone game time. Occasionally you'd run into a crowd who would arrive with their 10 to 12 best boys only and end up scratching your head. Really hard to bite the tongue but it had to be done.
Seen that happen alright. We'd generally try and balance both teams to be fair - good mix of the better players and the weaker.
Have seen some clubs land with everyone but pack one team and have another team who can't keep it kicked out. In a supposed non-competitive environment its so fustrating and a few comments have been passed if truth been told.
Quote from: Bingo on March 12, 2014, 02:53:10 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2014, 02:38:06 PM
We had 35+ kids (boys and girls) at U-8 level last year so we decided to split them and run two squads. We split them as equally as we could in terms of age and ability. We let the other clubs know we were doing this and most co-operated and brought as many as they could and rotated properly etc and gave everyone game time. Occasionally you'd run into a crowd who would arrive with their 10 to 12 best boys only and end up scratching your head. Really hard to bite the tongue but it had to be done.
Seen that happen alright. We'd generally try and balance both teams to be fair - good mix of the better players and the weaker.
Have seen some clubs land with everyone but pack one team and have another team who can't keep it kicked out. In a supposed non-competitive environment its so fustrating and a few comments have been passed if truth been told.
I have been to a few underage blitzes recently where something similar has happened, some clubs split the A's and B's into equal strengths and others have a loaded A team and weak B team. The problem then lies with each section is set up so all the A teams are together and all the B teams are together.
This leads to mismatches in both sections where strong A sections dominate but the B squad from the same club are taking big beatings in the other section. No one wins IMO.
There are two possible solutions, all clubs distribute their good/lesser players evenly, making the games more evenly balanced, but even at that the strong players can dominate.
or all clubs pick a strong A and weaker B.
That way A players are up against equal quality players, less likely to see players dominate and the B's in theory will be better matched and be more competitive.
Either way clubs need to be doing the same thing to keep the thing interesting for the children as ultimately who gives a shit if they win in some u-8, u-10 blitz or go games??
Quote from: theskull1 on March 12, 2014, 02:24:35 PM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 11, 2014, 11:06:34 PM
Quote from: The Gs Man on March 11, 2014, 10:09:26 PM
Thanks for the replies lads. Looks like it varies across Counties.
Has your County Board set the age rule or does it just depend on the rules set down by the club hosting the Blitz/Games?
The Down county board changed it to primary school year last year, some of the reasons being that you didn't have a separation of school friends at underage level which could lead to losing some children if their mates weren't going to the same training as them, and that Armagh clubs were Primary School year. With the increasing number of blitzes being open to both counties, it was decided that it was fairer if all clubs were playing like for like.
I think this took about five years to get county board approval, although some clubs took the issue into their own hands long before that.
In North Antrim its typically been P3/P4 and P5/P6 with the P5/6 transitioning to birth year U10 later in the year. Some clubs though have kept organising their teams by calendar year and now there's some pressure to revert
I believe the reason above in bold was the considered factor. I'd agree with this approach. Big difference in a child's mind between a P4 and a P6 yet playing birth years brings this about, so before they've really learned the skills of the games there's a big risk that you'll put them off before they get started.
This age should be 95% all about keep as many youngsters playing as possible. There's always going to be weak players and I think its important that there's enough slack to allow lads like this to gain confidence competing at an ability level they find achievable.
As others have said, the half wits will always ruin that type of fair minded principle
SW Antrim play class years as well
Skull, we played in the Aldergrove Go Games the past few years and it has been at birth year. There's a possibility it may not be happening this year and we could be going into SW which, as you say, is based on class years.
Quote from: johnneycool on March 12, 2014, 03:35:29 PM
or all clubs pick a strong A and weaker B.
That way A players are up against equal quality players, less likely to see players dominate and the B's in theory will be better matched and be more competitive.
Either way clubs need to be doing the same thing to keep the thing interesting for the children as ultimately who gives a shit if they win in some u-8, u-10 blitz or go games??
If all clubs can bring enough for 2 teams, I'd prefer the strong and weak team who play in 2 different sections. Keeps the ability level tighter.
Quote from: theskull1 on March 12, 2014, 04:04:10 PM
Quote from: johnneycool on March 12, 2014, 03:35:29 PM
or all clubs pick a strong A and weaker B.
That way A players are up against equal quality players, less likely to see players dominate and the B's in theory will be better matched and be more competitive.
Either way clubs need to be doing the same thing to keep the thing interesting for the children as ultimately who gives a shit if they win in some u-8, u-10 blitz or go games??
If all clubs can bring enough for 2 teams, I'd prefer the strong and weak team who play in 2 different sections. Keeps the ability level tighter.
Problem is in most small clubs they can only bring one team, which is a mixture. So maybe you put them in B, but then they always have a few handy lads that can run a game like that. I think mixing the teams is the way to go.
No ideal solution AZ...the important thing is not give too much of a fook where they go as long as everyone is well intentioned and interested in every clubs players developing at this age rather than laying down markers.
Not always the case
Quote from: theskull1 on March 12, 2014, 04:25:28 PM
No ideal solution AZ...the important thing is not give too much of a fook where they go as long as everyone is well intentioned and interested in every clubs players developing at this age rather than laying down markers.
Not always the case
True, but I do prefer that the kids have as even a match as we can. I don't give a continental who wins :)
Quote from: theskull1 on March 12, 2014, 04:25:28 PM
No ideal solution AZ...the important thing is not give too much of a fook where they go as long as everyone is well intentioned and interested in every clubs players developing at this age rather than laying down markers.
Not always the case
The whole rules and set up of the Go Games/First Touch blitzs are to ensure that strong players don't dominate a team/game and that everyone gets a touch and takes part. So this should be the case.
We've actually a good system in Monaghan for U12 games - the game is played in 3 parts but only the first two parts actually count towards the final score. In the third part everyone gets a game, so that subs who may not get a run in a game will get playing every week. Works well.
In Britain it's a bit different but I'd support most of what's been said. We would always allow a few overage players if it's necessary to field a team or even if it helped balance up a game as quality can vary greatly over here.
I think there is no set way of doing it and there shouldn't be. As long as the coaches of all the clubs involved have the kids best interests at heart then you should be fine. I tend to use mixed teams and teams based on ability and again, I would argue, this is the best way forward. As long as clubs all play mixed teams and then match teams based on ability then every player should have a positive experience.
Quote from: Zulu on March 12, 2014, 05:02:29 PM
In Britain it's a bit different but I'd support most of what's been said. We would always allow a few overage players if it's necessary to field a team or even if it helped balance up a game as quality can vary greatly over here.
I think there is no set way of doing it and there shouldn't be. As long as the coaches of all the clubs involved have the kids best interests at heart then you should be fine. I tend to use mixed teams and teams based on ability and again, I would argue, this is the best way forward. As long as clubs all play mixed teams and then match teams based on ability then every player should have a positive experience.
I agree completely! First time for everything Zulu!
Quote from: Zulu on March 12, 2014, 05:02:29 PM
In Britain it's a bit different but I'd support most of what's been said. We would always allow a few overage players if it's necessary to field a team or even if it helped balance up a game as quality can vary greatly over here.
I think there is no set way of doing it and there shouldn't be. As long as the coaches of all the clubs involved have the kids best interests at heart then you should be fine. I tend to use mixed teams and teams based on ability and again, I would argue, this is the best way forward. As long as clubs all play mixed teams and then match teams based on ability then every player should have a positive experience.
Cheats ;)
Ah Seanie, we agree on a lot of things. We just strongly disagree on one or two things!! But sure it'd be dull around here if we didn't have the odd toys out of the pram, feet stomping, my Da would batter your Da type of arguments! No harm ever meant.
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 13, 2014, 08:02:01 PM
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
Maybe you should help create it BBB?
And the bit about the score not being kept being a load of oul bollix ....well.... let the kids do the maths if they want but its important that the kids learns that the adults dont get to hot and bothered about win or losing but are more interested in them learning to play and enjoy the game.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2014, 11:00:49 AM
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 12, 2014, 09:56:07 AM
But again, why would you really care at that age? A 9 year old playing with 8s might win the game, but a) who cares and b) why would you bother if you didn't need to make up numbers.
That's how sensible people think. A lot of people are not sensible.
That's completely understandable, but I think it can be dangerous to get into a habit of continually letting lads play while overage. It should be really a rare exception where you pick someone out as not being good enough to play in their own age group
When it comes to keeping score and keeping tables, which I think is U12 in Dublin, then a line has to be drawn. Playing an overage player is just cheating, no matter what excuse you might convince yourself of.
Dangerous at 8 or 9..... ::)
Really?
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 13, 2014, 08:02:01 PM
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
I've regularly refereed underage blitzes and of course the youngsters want to know who won and I'd always ask them to work it out as I don't keep the score, I barely blow the whistle either, but much to my annoyance I was once asked by a mentor from a team who had won and smartarsedly I told him they all won..
I was doing my best not to tell him to go and catch a grip of himself, these were eight year olds FFS.
You could have said, "Well, the game is the real winner here". :D
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 13, 2014, 08:02:01 PM
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
Are you under the jurisdiction of East Down or South Down, Barry (fine hurler he was too)?
In hurling all clubs are invited AFAIK, and probably due to logistics and whatever some don't always travel. We've taken youngsters to Hilltown, Ballela and our camogs would go to Newry, Ballyholland and wherever. Warrenpoint and Laoitrim have been over at our place last year with u-8 and u-10 teams, but I haven't heard of selective invites being sent out, I'd check that out with your board rep as that's not on.
FWIW, we'd a very good U10 camogie team and weren't getting many worthwhile games, so entered them into an U12B league to get them competition.
Quote from: theskull1 on March 14, 2014, 12:51:45 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 13, 2014, 08:02:01 PM
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
Maybe you should help create it BBB?
And the bit about the score not being kept being a load of oul bollix ....well.... let the kids do the maths if they want but its important that the kids learns that the adults dont get to hot and bothered about win or losing but are more interested in them learning to play and enjoy the game.
Skull, while I appreciate the sentiment, that idea is so far from the reality I have seen. I presume you have experience of coaching at this level; if so, you know what would be said to you if you asked that the teams were evened out and for a coach to coach their teams a certain way because the kids won't enjoy the game.
Case in point 2: Under 8 tournament - The host team rearranged the draw when it came to semi final stage so that their A team would face a stronger opponent, that would have beaten their B team, and win, ensuring that both A and B team made the final.
My personal opinion for this attitude is that strong teams will take in professional coaches for Minor/Senior setup, so these daddies only have a few years to prove themselves or win something for the club (or have only a few years before they are deemed clinically insane).
When Burren won the Down U14 championship last year I counted 7 (seven) mentors! And that mentality prevails all the way to U8/U10 level, win at all costs.
(Would love to win something this year btw!!)
Quote from: johnneycool on March 14, 2014, 09:35:38 AM
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on March 13, 2014, 08:02:01 PM
I wish we were competing in the same utopian u8 and u10 blitzes as you guys are!
Case in point - we have a team that went up through u8, u10 and are now u12. Every other year they have been very strong as they are at the normal age and not playing a year above them. Two years ago when they were a younger u10 side, we were invited to every blitz going and got walloped by the stronger teams with bigger numbers. Last year, when we would have been known to be strong, we were invited to just two u10 blitzes - not kidding you. And we were given no reason for this; the management of the team holding the blitz purposefully left us out!
And to answer, who gives a toss about the results? The kids do. And this bollix about not keeping score, the first thing the teams will ask you if you are refereeing is "who won"?
It is very tough to watch a young team at that age going through the season without a win. And we stick to the rules of age groups. That's why it winds me up when I see teams fielding older players in their age group. We field with what we have got, if we held some of them back, we would have no u10 team at all this year!
Are you under the jurisdiction of East Down or South Down, Barry (fine hurler he was too)?
In hurling all clubs are invited AFAIK, and probably due to logistics and whatever some don't always travel. We've taken youngsters to Hilltown, Ballela and our camogs would go to Newry, Ballyholland and wherever. Warrenpoint and Laoitrim have been over at our place last year with u-8 and u-10 teams, but I haven't heard of selective invites being sent out, I'd check that out with your board rep as that's not on.
FWIW, we'd a very good U10 camogie team and weren't getting many worthwhile games, so entered them into an U12B league to get them competition.
It's not on Johnney and I could go on whingeing - ok I will.
The Go Games scenario is supposed to be U8 one week, u10 the next, therefore two games a month for the kids - from April to September, that is twelve rounds of Go Games. In 2012, there were TWO organised for our u8 team and for our area!
I brought this up at the county convention, and asked for a reason/improvement for the following year. Mumbled re-assurances given.
Last year, you know how many blitzes were officially organised by the county board youth development for u10 teams in our area?
TWO again!
The Go Games are invaluable in that they pit teams of equal ability against each other, with no-one having to make up scores or take better players off. Instead we have to make do with invites to blitzes (which I'm sure will be plenty as we have a weak side this year!)
Time to stop givin off
How do you transition between the P5/6 squad and u12? Do your u12's take priority? In other words which team do your stronger P6's train/play for?
Quote from: Sportacus on March 17, 2014, 09:20:52 PM
How do you transition between the P5/6 squad and u12? Do your u12's take priority? In other words which team do your stronger P6's train/play for?
Both the P6/U10.5 and u12s
Both sets of mentors should be communicating. On the very rare occasion there's a clash they play U10.5
No hassle what so ever