GAA to meet AFL over player recruitment protocols
The GAA is planning urgent talks with the Australian Football League to establish new recruitment protocols for young players. GAA officials are concerned about the lack of transparency and regulation regarding AFL trials for their members.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between amateur sports organizations and professional leagues regarding the poaching of young talent.
GAA President Jarlath Burns has said that a meeting will be held with representatives of the Australian Football League (AFL) shortly to try and find a more agreeable protocol to GAA player recruitment by that association.
Unease has been expressed in a number of counties regarding the recruitment of young players by AFL clubs without the knowledge of their GAA club or county boards members.
Some management teams have told of only finding out about AFL trials of their members on social media.
Kerry county board chairman Patrick O'Sullivan said that the current situation cannot be allowed to continue and called for more regulation.
"The GAA cannot continue to pretend there is nothing wrong here. Action has to be taken," he said.
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