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Weekly Notes - 16th May 2007Refereeing was never my thing and there are many to attest to that! The phlegmatism and sangfroid , absolute essentials for success in this field, are not part of one's make-up. In faute de mieux situations one did take on these duties to invariably regret one's decision. Too easily disconcerted by biased and ignorant (rulewise and personalwise) sideline comment, one suffered agonies during games which had one constantly on the verge of handing the whistle to one of the more vocal slight-casters. Definitely an experience in which one saw few plusses, and a role not to be entered into again. How difficult it is to keep a resolution! Last Friday one agreed to referee some games in the u-10 Go Games blitz held in the Gaelic field, and contrary to one's expectations it proved to be a surprisingly pleasant task. What are Go Games? They are smaller-sided games developed by the G.A.A. for juveniles up to the age of 12 with the aim of promoting maximum player participation in a spirit of "playing, not winning is the name of the game". Professor Moyna, School of Health and Human Performance at D.C.U., in his research on these games has shown that, as opposed to the 15-man game, participants in Go Games experience increased enjoyment, more touches of the ball, a greater physical work rate and an improved perception of their own competence. The impetus for the development of these games came from a desire to off-set the tendency common in all sports at the juvenile level "to nurture the perceived best and to neglect the rest. This has contributed to adult training and playing conditions being imposed on young players leading to training and competition being geared for outcome and not for the process of development". In such an environment player error is seen as a negative rather than a step on the road to learning, and the weaker players in a squad get little, if any, game time. The skill content of the Go Games is essentially that of the full-blown game but the games differ in their organisation which is aimed at the avoidance of the early role-stereotyping of players and ensuring that the less forceful are fully involved. Thus only the goalies change ends at half time so backs become forwards and vice-versa. Frees are taken by the person fouled and fifties by the person who kicked the diverted ball. Sidelines are taken by the player nearest the point where the ball crosses the line. The atmosphere prevailing at these games, based as it is on an ethos in which playing rather than winning is paramount, is free of that rancour which is often present when winning is the primary goal. Further it allows for friendly relationships to be formed between mentors and supporters of the opposing teams. It also allows the referee the opportunity to explain to players how they have transgressed. That element of competition, which is the hallmark of any game, is still present in Go Games but it is a healthy competition not tainted by pressure from adults. On Friday night Éire Óg fielded two teams each of which played a team fromKilmacanogue and a team from St. Feargals. The children obviously enjoyed themselves and their reddened and perspiring visages spoke of energetic involvement. The feed-back from parents was very encouraging. All positive indicators for the future of the Go Games format at this level. Friday night, the 25th, is the night of the 1st raffle in the club's Super Draw. The last of the three local draws, each with prizes to the value of 2000euro, will take place on the same night. Details next week. All the dea- ghuíonna of the club go with the county team to Croke Park on Sunday. We know they have a difficult task in hand but we hope nevertheless that they will do Wicklow proud. Parents remember Cúl/VHI camps - Football 2nd -6th July and Hurling 13th - 17th August. Contact Colm Gaskin 087-2711124 |
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