The Gaelic Players Association has warned of its serious concern over the potential reinstatement of pre-season competitions in 2025.
The proposal by Cavan GAA to reinstate the competitions follows the GAA Central Council's decision in September to suspend such competitions.
It has been mooted that the decision to scrap pre-season fare will be overturned at a Central Council meeting this weekend to allow for further testing of the Football Review Committee's proposed new playing rules.
Those FRC proposed rules will also be dealt with by Central Council on Saturday.
But the players association claims that any decision to reinstate pre-season competitions, despite clear risks to player health, would represent a significant shift in how certain factions of the GAA prioritised financial income over well-being and its values.
The GPA also recalled how the decision to end pre season competition was taken after extensive discussions, with strong backing from GAA President Jarlath Burns and several others.
The GPA says its concern centres around the importance of player welfare.
"Reversing that decision now would prioritise financial income – as recently articulated by the Connacht Council Secretary - over the health and well-being of our amateur athletes, despite overwhelming evidence of player burnout," a statement said.
"If the pre-season competitions are reintroduced on 2 January, the return-to-training date would need to be moved from 7 December to as early as 16 November.
"Sports science recommends at least a six-week preparation period to ensure that players are physically ready for competitive matches like the McKenna Cup. This adjustment would violate the "No Contact November" policy, which 78% of players supported, emphasising the need for adequate recovery time to prevent burnout, injury and allow players a guaranteed window to holiday with family, partners and friends."
The GPA claimed that the players’ voice seemed to have been disregarded in this proposed motion, raising concerns about attitudes towards player welfare and proper recovery time.
"Larger panels will need to be introduced to support these pre-season games, ensuring that high-load players who have already faced heavy demands at the club level are not required to take part.
"Additionally, we strongly urge consideration for student-athletes, who will already be balancing academic pressures, including exams, alongside their participation in the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup competitions in January. These additional commitments place considerable strain on players' time and energy."
The GPA also added that those advocating for publicly viewed competitive games to trial new rules should consider that the FRC's proposed new playing rules have not been formally voted in.
It also highlighted the impact the return of pre-season would have on counties is being overlooked, and added that provincial competitions, especially mismatches between Division 1 and Division 4 teams, might not be the ideal platform for public testing given the potential high score lines.
"Non-competitive, behind-closed-doors challenge/training games would also be an effective way for players to adapt to rule changes while ensuring their welfare, without requiring an earlier return to training across both codes.
"The GPA, remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting player welfare, which is a core value of the GAA.
"Any decision to reinstate pre-season competitions, despite clear risks to player health, will represent a significant shift in how certain factions of the GAA prioritise financial income over the well-being and values of the GAA.
"Removing the pre-season competitions was also a proposal of the GAA Fixtures Calendar Review Taskforce in 2020, when it was recognised the GAA cannot squeeze 10 months of inter-county demands into 7 months with the introduction of the Split Season and new championship structures."
