For 2010, we at St Maurs have introduced a new design to our Junior Academy. For the Boys Junior Infants group and the Girls Junior and Senior Infants group, we are working to a “Free Play” programme.

What this basically entails is:

• We are moving away from restricted drills based sessions, which we believe limit the childs imagination and skills progression.
• 40-60% of each session to be made up of play time, where children play to their own devices. We believe that young children need time to learn skills, without the confines of structures. By doing this, each child will be able to progress their own skills at a pace that is suitable to each childs needs.
• The remainder of the session is taken up playing fun games and exercises under the structure of a coach.
• We try to have at least 1 ball for each pair, and on certain occasions, each child will have a ball each, for Hurling and Football.
• We would encourage parents to get involved with the coaching as much as possible. Even if this means kicking the ball with your own child for 2 minutes during play time, then so be it. Just ask the head coach for assistance in coaching the skills. The more assistance on the floor, the better it is for the children.
• The core skills of Football (kicking and catching) and Hurling (striking and blocking) are crucial to each session, and other more complicated skills are coached in the older groups. However, if a child tries to progress the skills in play time, then we will assist in furthering their learning experience.

St. Maurs GAA asks parents to observe the following codes of conduct:
 

• Remember that children play sport for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Encourage children to participate – do not force participation upon them.
• Focus on the child’s efforts and self esteem rather than whether they win or lose.
• Encourage children to always participate according to the rules.
• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or for the team losing a game.
• Remember that children learn best by example – applaud the efforts of all players in both teams.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
• Show appreciation of volunteer coaches, officials and administrators, without whom your child could not participate.
• Respect referees decisions and teach children to do likewise.