The GAA intend to “clamp down and bring sanctions against those involved in providing any form of competition” for players under 12 years, according to a journalist.

In an article published in The Irish News yesterday, it was reported that the GAA has informed all clubs that “any or all of the keeping, recording or publishing of scores; competitions, blitzes or events that involve knockout stages; and/or the issuing of winners or runner-up medal, trophies, awards or prizes” for players under the age of 12 is permitted.

Speaking to Lunchtime Live, The Irish News sports journalist Cahair O’ Kane said it is a “clamp down” on rules that already exist.

“All games at an age under 12 are non-competitive, or supposed to be non-competitive,” he said.

“Obviously, it is kind of being loosely applied.

“Clubs and counties and schools would have their own separate competitions, where there are forms of competition involved.

“That is what the GAA is trying to clamp down on.”

Blitzes

The GAA has claimed the non-competitive nature of Go Games for children under 12 has meant that “participation numbers continue to rise” and “the interest in Gaelic Games continues to grow.”

Mr O’Kane said blitzes and games can continue, but clubs, counties and schools have to fill out an online form where they are then granted permission – through their county games development manager – to either host or participate in any of these blitzes.

“Then they will tick a box that says that will be provided as non-competitive,” he said.

Mr O’Kane said some school blitzes had become "significant events” that drew “large crowds.”

“Taking away the competitive age, does that take away from those competitions?” he said.

“It’s such a wide debate and there are so many varied opinions on it from one end to the other.

“Some people would say that that's exactly the way to go … other people would say the thing has gone too soft.”

Self-esteem

Fiona said what is most important is that children are active, rather than competitive.

“I think a lot of children who wouldn't be particularly sporty are often put off from playing because they feel self-conscious,” she said.

“I think it's just for fun, and it's just for the love of the sport."

Fiona said children already have a grasp on the idea of winners and losers, “from the time they're old enough to speak.”

“Competition is throughout life; school is highly competitive,” she said.

“We're not hoodwinking them … I think if they can be introduced to the sport and understand that this is something to enjoy before it becomes something that you live or die by.”

‘What is the reason?’

Antonio said competitiveness in children is inevitable, even without keeping score.

“I think children are naturally competitive, I don't think they need league table [or] cups to be competitive,” he said.

“Whether you put down two goals or you put down four jumpers, children must still be competitive.

“It’s the adults that want to win more than the children themselves and that therein is the problem.”