Semi-pro option is players' preference

GAELIC GAMES: A survey of intercounty footballers and hurlers has revealed a huge majority advocating a change to semi-professional status, while at the same time rejecting a move to full professionalism.

Ninety-two per cent of players are in favour of payment for the loss of earnings, while 70 per cent would prefer to become at least semi-professional.

This is according to a player welfare study produced yesterday by the Centre for Sports Studies at UCD, in consultation with the Gaelic Players Association.

"What's apparent here is that there has been a sea change in attitude of players over the last number of years," said GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell. "I think it is important now that we try and manage players' expectations as well and, in some way, move towards structures that do appease players and alleviate the burden they feel is placed on them currently."

In short, the GPA used yesterday's announcement to seek a meeting with Croke Park to discuss several facets of player finance, including improving current expenses like mileage and medical care.

"The amateur status, will that be eroded in any way? I'm not sure but I'm sure there is more than one way to skin a cat. It puts a greater focus and emphasis on issues like sports grants for intercounty players, commercial opportunities, endorsements, player pools. I think there are imaginative ways we can address this," added Farrell.

The report is the result of 1,779 surveys - containing 106 questions and a prepaid envelope for return - which were sent out to every senior intercounty player in Ireland. However, only 680 or 38 per cent of the target audience replied, an issue which Farrell and Prof Conal Hooper of UCD were quick to play down.

"Considering the bulk of the survey involved, the response rate is very satisfactory as far as we are concerned," explained Farrell. "This happens in a lot of other correspondence, like the player of the year awards, I think you have to take into account that players are genuinely very, very busy."

Tyrone's Seán Cavanagh confirmed the survey's findings in relation to a loss of earnings by members of this year's All-Ireland winning panel.

"I suppose I'm sort of different as I work for my uncle in an accountancy practice but I certainly know from talking to other players that they lose out from Mickey Harte asking us to take days off. It's not Mickey's fault nor is it the county board's fault but players have been left short and have got into bother with work by having to take unpaid leave. There have been huge financial losses in some instances."

Several other topical issues regarding player welfare were also addressed in the survey including player burnout; 60 per cent of players play over 30 matches a year with 73 per cent involved in five sessions (including matches and training) every week.

One of the most worrying results was regarding a lack of knowledge over the anti-doping laws with 40 per cent unaware of the Irish Sports Council's anti-doping programme. Sixteen per cent of players have been advised to use supplements despite a recent International Olympic Committee report confirming many of these contain drugs from banned lists.

Glaring deficiencies have also become apparent regarding the presence of a doctor at matches. "Respondents stated that doctors are present for almost all football championship matches but for less than half of the championship hurling matches. This falls dramatically for intercounty friendly games, where only half of footballers and less than a quarter of hurlers have the services of a doctor," the report stated.

92% of players favour payment for loss of earnings

70% of players prefer to be at least semi-professional

60% play over 30 matches a year

40% unaware of the Irish Sports Council's anti-doping programme

16% of players have been advised to use supplements