Wexford’s proposed ban on dual players is the wrong answer to county’s underage woes

The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

If a teacher was looking to explain that phrase to a group of children, or adults, then the Wexford County Board's nuclear option on dual players in the county would be a good place to start. The GAA in the county commissioned a detailed review of underage structures this season, after the Yellowbellies, in their eyes, screwed up royally at minor level by being beaten by Westmeath in the Leinster championship. Wexford's last Leinster minor title came back in 1985, but that doesn't seem to have hampered their Under 21 side that has been competing for that All-Ireland - without success, it must be said -  for the last number of years. The report makes a number of recommendations and also exposes major challenges and flaws in how the county have not only treated their younger GAA players, but also the steps needed to bring about a major changes in the fortune of all those in the South East. But one single paragraph stands out above all others, highlighted in purple in the report on the Wexford GAA website. And it is causing huge debate today,

"The current Wexford policy on dual players has not brought any real success to either code. It is generally agreed now that it is not physically possible to maximise one’s potential at both codes. We suggest that dual players be allowed on squad teams up to the age 15. After that players should opt for one code only. This will give other players a chance of representing their county."

@sportsdes There is plenty of literature to support early diversification in sport up to 18yrs and beyond. Giving the athlete a broader..1/2

— Paul Kinnerk (@kinnerker) October 7, 2015

@sportsdes 2/2 range of motor skills that mightn't necessarily be picked up in single sport specialisation. A big choice 4a teen 2make at 15 — Paul Kinnerk (@kinnerker) October 7, 2015

69 words that will not be taken well in Clare, Tipperary or Dublin or many other 'dual counties' where teenagers, who show talent at both hurling and football, are accommodated as much as possible. The poster boy for minor hurling and football success this year was Tipperary starlet Alan Tynan, who became one of a rare breed to play in two All-Ireland minor finals in the same season. Clare's Podge Collins also prospered as a dual minor player, while there are dozens more across the country who up to the age of 18 combined football and hurling and do so long afterwards with their clubs. Wexford feel that instead of allowing players indulge their talent at both codes up to minor, any underage panel after Under 15 should be uniform in only having hurlers or footballers in the set-up. Segregation in history hasn't really tended to be successful, and if the policy  fails for Wexford where do they turn then? Surely it wasn't dual players the led them to losing to Westmeath? But lost in all the furore of the 'dual' controversy, within the same report, the focus of where the county should be presenting their energy is laid out, just one paragraph above the 'dual solution'. It might be argued that a GAA player can ultimately only serve one master, and that may be true at senior level, but at underage, understanding, compromise and vigilance is the key. Burnout is correctly identified as the biggest issue facing dual players and this is where the county should be focusing their energy,

"The main barrier to a guaranteed improved performance at minor level at the moment is the conflict between college, squad, club and county teams. Some young talented players are obliged to play and train too often at certain times of the year. For example one player had twelve games and nine training sessions this year in the month of March. These games included 5 club games. Needless to say this is an example of mindless overload and can lead to burnout and is against all tenets of good practice and players welfare."

Wexford already know where the problem lies. It's in administrators fixing games and club managers organising training without proper consultation with parents and players. Managers can only go with what information they have on how many times a week a player is training or playing. But responsibility must also be accepted by club secretaries or the county board who must speak up if they feel a player, or team, is being put under pressure to play games. And at county level situations like what occurred after the loss to Kilkenny cannot be allowed take place again,

"Losing to the All-Ireland champions Kilkenny after extra time was no disgrace. However, a round of club championship games was fixed for a Sunday, 24 hours after the minors played and lost to Westmeath. Some of the players were more focused on the club game than on the game v Westmeath. This is no way to prepare a team for a Leinster championship."

The report suggest that a 'Special Welfare/Advisory Person' be appointed but surely every single person in a club, every parent, and every player, is concerned about their players welfare. Players will always want to play as many games as possible but it is up to mangers and clubs to ensure that the workload is even. Short term annoyance and frustration may result, but long term benefit surely for everyone involved. The group behind the report clearly had very good intentions but their report is likely to be now remembered for one thing more than their overall suggestions of of better coaching and more player focus.