YOUTH AGE SHINTY SURVEY 2015
The Youth Age Shinty survey was set up on the Survey Monkey website on the
12th November 2015 and ran until the 7th December 2015. The survey was
promoted directly to clubs and qualified coaches and placed on the Camanachd
Association website and twitter.
Total responses: 93
Question 1: Please let us know which Club and or School you are involved in. (87)
Aberdeen Uni 1
Ballachulish 1
Camanachd CL 2
Fort William 5
Inveraray 1
Kinlochbervie 1
Milngavie/Bearsden 2
Park PS 1
Strathkelvin 2
Aberdour 4
Alvie/Kincraig 1
Banavie 2
Beauly & Ord 3
Cam Leodhais 2 Cornwall 1
Glasgow Gaels 3 Glasgow Kelvin 2
Inverness 3
Kilmallie 4
Kinlochshiel 2 Lochaber HS 3
Newtonmore 4 Oban Cam 4
Portree PS 1
Uddingston Gr 1
Taynuilt 1
Appin 1
Ardnamurchan 1
Bute 1
Caberfeidh 1
Dervaig/Mull 1 Dhun Eideann 9
Glenurquhart 1 GMA 2
Kilmory/Lochg 2 Kincraig 1
Lovat 1
Mallaig 1
Oban Celtic 2 Oxford 1
Skye Cam 2
Strathglass 3
Question 2: Please let us know in what capacity you are involved in Shinty (90)
Parent – 17 (18.89%)
Club Official – 14 (15.56%)
Other:
1)
2)
3)
4)
All of the above
Player
PE Teacher
Teacher
Qualified Coach – 32 (35.56%) Helper – 4 (4.44%)
Supporter – 6 (6.67%)
Other – 17 (18.89%)
Question 3: What, in your opinion, is the main focus for Under 14 Shinty at the moment? (80)
Competition – 16 (20.00%)
Skill Development – 26 (32.50%)
Fun & Enjoyment – 19 (23.75%) Winning – 13 (16.25%) Other – 6 (7.50%)
Comments:
1) Combination of competition and winning not enough focus on skills, fun and enjoyment
2) It should be skill acquisition, enjoyment and regular match play
3) Developing an awareness of the sport
4) There are two answers here - both Competition and Skill Dev.
5) If you mean for our Club (as opposed to u14 Shinty in Scotland), it's on participation for as many
of the local youth as possible; improving their knowledge, fitness and skillset and also (of course)
their enjoyment of the game
6) Skill development in a competition structure
7) Games
Question 4: What, in your opinion, is the main focus for Under 14 Shinty in the future? (77)
Competition – 9 (11.69%)
Skill Development – 40 (51.95%)
Fun & Enjoyment – 21 (27.27%) Winning – 1 (1.30%)
Other – 6 (7.79%)
Comments:
1) Fitness matters a lot too, as doe’s skill development.
2) A combination of all of the above, with more emphasis on competition and skill development.
Winning, quite rightly , has a part to play, but I think it can eclipse the others
3) High quality coaching allowing the individual to flourish within a team environment and
competition that allow all teams to develop ie league not knock out cups within areas
4) Should always be enjoyable for players as lose too many players at this age group.
5) I believe there is too much emphasis on winning as promoted by the coaches. The geography
virtually dictates which teams are going to win.
6) Actually its Skills development, Competition, Fun & enjoyment and a winning mentality
7) Competition improves skill development
8) Speaking on a (Central Scotland) local basis, all of the above (in 3) and in that order.
Question 5: What, in your opinion, is the main focus for Under 17 Shinty at the moment? (72)
Competition – 36 (50.00%)
Fun & Enjoyment – 3 (4.17%)
Skill Development – 17 (23.61%)
Winning – 15 (20.83%) Other – 1 (1.39%)
Comments:
1) Looking after the bigger clubs interests
2) Skill development but there needs to be a competitive development structure
Question 6: What, in your opinion, should the main focus be for Under 17 shinty in the future?
(73)
Competition – 26 (35.62%)
Fun & Enjoyment – 6 (8.22%)
Skill Development – 33 (45.21%)
Winning – 5 (6.85%)
Other – 3 (4.11%)
Comments:
1) Fitness matters a lot too, as doe’s skill development.
2) More competition, skills and winning
3) competition, skill and fun
4) Age group is not relevant anymore and should be replaced with under 16 or s3/4 age group
leagues area based
5) A lot of players at this age group will be playing senior shinty. Requires to be a combination of all
of above, but with main focus on skills development and building their confidence to play senior.
6) As above, but they don't get enough games /competition. Clubs are losing the interest of players
because of this
Question 7: What adjustments do you think should be made, if any, to the age grouping at
Under 17 Shinty? (74)
Under-17: 1st January – 28 (37.84%) No Change
Under 16: 1st January – 13 (17.57%)
Under-17: 1st July – 27 (36.49%)
Other – 6 (8.11%)
Comments:
1) It is currently far too complicated and splits/excludes classmates. Both groups should be based on
age on the last day of February, the same as the criterion for 'normal' school intake. For the older
group this should be under 18 on last day of February to allow all of S6 age to compete.
2) They should play in the age group up until the day before their birthday
3) Think it should be same cut off as U14
4) Make it s3/4 age group use school year as basis to avoid argument
5) For many u14s, the step up to u17 is quite a jump and so I think u16s @ 1st January as a
category/level above u14s is perhaps more appropriate
6) I feel it should be lowered to under sixteen and that the age qualification is under sixteen as of 1st
March of the year of competition to link in with a) the playing season and b) the school intake cut
off.
Question 8: What adjustments do you think should be made, if any, to the age grouping
at Under 14 Shinty? (73)
Under-14: 1st January – 46 (63.01%)
Under 15: 1st January – 10 (13.70%)
Under-13: 1st January – 6 (6.22%)
Other – 11 (15.07%)
Comments:
1) It is currently far too complicated and splits/excludes classmates. Both groups should be based on
age on the last day of February, the same as the criterion for 'normal' school intake. For the older
group this should be under 15 on last day of February to allow all of S3 to compete (excluding
those who opted to defer school entry, etc.)
2) Should be s1/2 age group
3) It should be ordered according to school year group e.g. S1-S3
4) U-14 at 1st July x2
5) I feel it should be 1st January for U14s & U16s to keep BOTH the same Date
6) 1st July for both 17 and 14 age group x2. So slightly younger kids can gain more confidence
7) I'm in two minds about any shift of u14s to u13s as, although it would help
participation/numbers, I feel the 'issue which must be solved' is how to keep 13 and 14 year olds
participating and not dropping out....and also encouraging others to join. What I haven't really
been that keen on is increasing the number of Primary kids who are asked to 'step up' to u14s
games before they are ready to....and u14s being asked to step up to 2nds (seniors), when many
aren't really ready for u17s.
8) I feel it should be lowered to under sixteen and that the age qualification is under fourteen as of
1st March of the year of competition to link in with a) the playing season and b) the school intake
cut off
9) separate U12 shinty
Question 9: Specifically for the Under-17 age group what are the key (on the move) skills you
think should be a main focus to develop? Please tick your top 6. (67)
3. Passing – 43 (64.18%)
4. Control using Caman 37 (55.22%)
2. Blocking – 44 (65.67%)
6. Shooting – 31 (46.27%)
Control using Feet – 10 (14.93%)
5. Shies – 32 (47.76%)
Long Hitting – 24 (35.82%)
Control using Chest – 10 (14.93%)
Clicking – 23 (34.33%)
1. Game Play – 48 (71.64%)
Other – 5 (7.46%)
Comments:
1) By this stage they should have mastered all the basic and intermediate skills. More important now
are fitness, intelligent team work, sportsmanship, club involvement through technical, coaching,
or organisational participation, and life skills.
2) Depends on what skill specific players need to work on. as a team a combination of all of them.
3) This is a nonsense question
4) I'm not really qualified to be so specific here.
5) Movement off the ball.
6) Team skills
Question 10: Specifically for the Under-14 age group what are the key (on the move) skills you
think should be a main focus to develop? Please tick your top 6. (29)
2. Passing – 49 (71.01%)
3. Control using Caman 44 (63.77%)
1. Blocking – 50 (72.46%)
Shooting – 23 (33.33%)
5. Control using Feet – 35 (50.72%)
6. Shies – 33 (47.83%)
Long Hitting – 24 (34.78%)
Control using Chest – 9 (13.04%)
Clicking – 30 (43.48%)
4. Game Play – 36 (52.17%)
Other – 4 (5.80%)
Comments:
1) Even by this stage they should have mastered all the basic and intermediate skills. More
important now are fitness, building strength, accuracy and consistency, intelligent team work,
club involvement, technical knowledge, and life skills.
2) Getting confidence to go into tackles and not be afraid of getting hit with the opponents caman.
ie if they know how to block effectively they won't get hurt so often. Being aware of positions and
marking and how to open up space in a game
3) All of the above are needed to develop young players coaches should offer a balanced session and
can focus on individuals and their needs as required
4) Movement off the ball.
5) Team skills
Question 11: What activities would you like to see available during holiday periods
(Easter/Summer/October)? (64)
Continuation of league competitions - 16 (25%)
Club Shinty camps - 45 (70.31%)
Separate holiday competitions. 6-a-side – 36 (56.25%)
Separate holiday competitions. 9-a-side – 16 (25%)
Street Leagues (Cities) – 15 (23.44%)
Other - 0
Comments:
1) Many if not most of our players disappear to the corners of Scotland during holidays. We
sometimes manage to put on knockabouts, but struggle for numbers. Something high-profile,
advertised well in advance, with an exciting programme could be attractive.
2) ca shinty camps? Anything is worth a try.
3) For many years I have organised many camps mixed and girl only but they have been very poorly
attended.
4) The problem at the moment is that often activities are not near Edinburgh and are often on
Sundays which mean some of us can get involved.
5) Multi club camp
6) Difficult when children go on Holiday getting kids together during summer
7) Youth Shinty disappears during holidays especially summer which should be the main period for
competitions to take place We have the best weather pitches are at their best and we don't have
youth Shinty absolute madness Do not listen to clubs moaning about highland games or golf or
any reason not to play we have 45 days to offer as much Shinty as possible to youngsters
8) I think a district camp would be good on an annual basis for U14s during the summer holidays.
This could be on a district basis with emphasis on skills development. Could possibly be developed
into a competition between district teams at the end. Think a 9 a-side competition in Easter and
October holidays would also be good at this age, either side of the summer camp. If U17s already
playing senior level, then I think difficult to include any further competitions etc for that age
group as will be playing regularly each week. Possibly a 9 a side competition in October at end of
Season would be good before players move up.
9) I believe that shinty should be available to the kids over the summer period even just for
friendlies. This would keep up skill levels and prevent loss of players who may not return after
holiday period.
10) More fun days in the summer, for all ages.
11) Camps would enable young players to have time spent on crafting skills over a longer time.
12) A lot of players are away during holidays so therefor team comps are not viable but there should
be something for others made available
13) u17 league should start after exams are finished
14) Being in a big city myself with massive potential, street leagues should be at the first instance to
gather the youth into the sport. The youth want to do something and why not shinty? Every city
should have its own league with the CA fully supporting this with volunteers and equipment
available
15) Local reduced sized games to assist clubs in getting teams out due to holidays etc.
16) Informal sixes competition loosely club based but by no means limited to, as result of holiday
club/cluster of small clubs training days.
Question 12: What activities would you like to see available during the winter (November to
February)? (66)
Continuation of league competitions – 12 (18.18%)
Club indoor festivals – 34 (51.52%)
School indoor festivals – 20 (30.30%)
Separate competitions. 6-a-side on All weather pitches – 29 (43.94%)
Street Leagues (Cities) – 10 (15.15%)
Area Skill Development sessions – 31 (46.97%)
Separate competitions. 9-a-side on All weather pitches – 26 (39.39%)
Area Coaching Forums – 23 (34.85%)
Other - 0
Comments:
1) A structured winter season for u14/ u16 on all weather pitches would be ideal. Maybe 8-a-side?
Why not make these the existing competitions especially juveniles as the vast majority are playing
senior shinty during the summer.
2) Coaching and refereeing course in England
3) All necessary to benefit players and clubs
4) A coaching forum would be good in the area districts to organise a calendar of events. A
combination of Area Festivals, skills development sessions involving senior players; and
competitions over the winter period would be good. At the moment nothing coordinated and
each club trying their best to arrange stuff to keep the kids occupied. Needs to be coordinated
between clubs and structured.
5) In years past Oban and Lorn area coaching committee ran a successful Primary and Under 14
indoor tournament over the winter months. (1 per month for each age group). At that time,
before Summer shinty, it ensured continual competition throughout the academic year
6) I believe that there should be a winter league which if necessary are played at indoor 3G pitches
such as Ravenscraig. This prevents loss of fitness, skill level and children who gravitate away to
other sports.
7) For all ages??
8) Continuation of skillsets and coaching giving all round benefits to younger players
9) Under fourteens; Possibility of indoor competitions, including the Dalfaber five a side competition
held during this period. Under seventeens; nine or twelve a side local leagues held either on grass
or astro.
10) Not all clubs have access to all-weather facilities, but this would be good at U14 level and below.
Question 13: What, in your opinion, are the main barriers to developing Youth Shinty? (64)
Lack of coaches – 16 (25.00%) Lack of coaching resources – 3 (4.69%) Lack of equipment – 1 (1.56%)
Lack of Funding – 9 (14.06%) Lack of parental support – 4 (6.25%)
Lack of players – 15 (23.44%)
Players playing in both Youth and Senior teams – 3 (4.69%)
None - 3 (4.69%)
Other – 10 (15.63%)
Comments:
1) In my experience, it is lack of joined-up support that has done most harm. We can overcome most
of the above, but when there is no communication between school sessions and club, for
example, or no resource to fix a short-term problem, numbers fall away as a result, and youth
shinty suffers. I see, for example, cricketers going into every cluster school with a couple of
coaches for a whole term, with a plan to direct interest to local clubs who are set up ready to
engage new recruits. We can do some of this, but without the same level of support, there will be
things we can't do. And that is where we lose youth players. When players feel they're not special
for us to get it right, they tend to leave.
2) The drop off at high school age must be one of shinty's biggest issues. A structured winter season,
out with exams would help. Coaches and coaching resources could also be improved.
3) The main problem is lack of players but the lack of players is caused, I think, by the lack of
awareness of the game and the opportunities to play in a competitive environment. Kids want to
play competitively and we have to offer that, no matter how few players turn up. Not being able
to compete in leagues/cups because you don't have a full team just means the players lose
enthusiasm and do something else. Training and development is all very well but at the u14 and
u17 levels they want to compete, but also not get completely thrashed and beaten up when
playing other teams (more so at u14 level) all the other things like coaching resources/equipment
can follow if there are numbers
4) The attitude of the central belt coaches. The only focus is winning.
5) Until recently there was little coordination in Edinburgh so there was no chance of progression.
Hopefully with Paul this is now changing.
6) Small clubs require support in getting new players from school sessions from CA
7) Generally it's the same people coaching all ages and clubs should be doing more to encourage
parents and former players to get involved in the coaching and organisation of youth Shinty
8) Not a coordinated structure for youth shinty all year round, and too big a step from primary up to
U14 age and playing 12 a side. Should be a younger step and play 9 a side. I think you would also
get more teams competing as more likely to have a team - often difficult to get 12 players and
subs to travel to away games at u14. Think the distance involved currently at u14 to travel to
games sometimes crazy. Inverness to Portree etc on a Friday night. Should be more local leagues,
and have district qualifiers for National competitions or plays 2/3 shorter league games on a
Saturday/Sunday rather than travel long way for one game. I think more regular festivals and
district development camps with recognised senior players would be good at U14s to keep them
involved.
9) The playing season no longer allows for play evenly spaced across the academic year. Youth shinty
is dominated by players who are at school - their whole personal timetabling is based around the
academic year. Regular competition is essential to maintain interest and focus training sessions.
Therefore competitions should not be condensed which puts a strain on volunteer resources, but
spread throughout the year, with specific indoor/astroturf winter competitions
10) Lack of games
11) A combination of falling player numbers and lack of funding. I also believe that the Camanachd
Association should have a push to get Shinty as a school sport. There is a huge untapped resource
of children in both primary and secondary schools. I believe this should be in conjunction with
12)
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)
local teams and some form of fund set up to either lend Shinty Equipment or provided at a
subsidised rate. If it loaned to a school then if the school fails to maintain a team or training the
resources can be utilised elsewhere. I also believe that the CA should approach Scottish
Government to include Shinty as part of the curriculum.
Biggest barrier is badly drawn up league structures (location ability) teams not willing to travel &
9 a side needs to be scrapped
This can't be a 'one size fits all' answer. Unlike much of Shinty north of the Central Belt (excluding
Bute & Kyles etc.), Shinty in the Central Belt is played primarily by kids from (for lack of a better
description) 'middle-class' backgrounds........with very little participation from traditional 'working
class' parents/kids and (crucially) involvement in the schools they attend. This is not intended as
criticism of the Clubs and coaches who have achieved great things to get Shinty up and running
here, but simply a recognition of the prime factor as to why Shinty remains largely unknown and
unaccepted by the vast majority of the population of Scotland. Until such times as 'Come Try
Shinty' is taken into all primaries and secondary’s in the Central Belt........and kids from all classes
start playing it in their communities (as opposed to having to travel miles simply to join a club and
train), the current perception of Shinty will simply not change!
Kids lose interest as they get older
Not enough games etc in South shinty
Lack of competition - under fourteens have this season played 12 league games across the two
phases of the league, one cup tie and one indoor five a side competition, 14 weeks’ worth of
shinty across a 52 week year leaves 38 weeks with no competitive shinty. To engage and retain
players there needs to be more competitive fixtures. Under seventeens have this season played 1
development day and one six a side competition, 2 weeks’ worth of shinty across a 52 week year
leaves 50 weeks with no competitive shinty. To engage and retain players there needs to be more
competitive fixtures, especially at this vital age group.
The distances having to be travelled, too frequent matches at times and having to travel after
school
The areas of Scotland where shinty isn't played or not played much means that the game doesn't
have the broader appeal and get the same publicity/coverage as other sports do. Shinty needs to
be promoted more in areas like Sutherland, Easter Ross etc.
Lack of proactive clubs embracing new ideas and giving support to coaches from everything such
as funding, equipment, creating a positive atmosphere, club leadership and direction, lack of
means of both internal and external communication, poor planning and inability to provide
defined roles and responsibilities to operate within a thought-out structure. The CA interpretation
of the rules of youth competition that it lays down leaves a lot to be desired, leading to the
detriment of individual clubs resulting in less youth players playing shinty.
lack of parental support
Question 14: What more would you like to see implemented to enhance what is already going
on at Youth Shinty? (61)
Qualified Coaches – 7 (11.48%) Coaching Course – 7 (11.48%) Coaching Resources – 13 (21.31%)
Competition – 13 (21.31%)
Skill Development – 16 (26.23%)
Other – 5 (8.20%)
1) Yes, the above, but to some extent it's already happening. We need good quality activities that
are fun (shinty, and maybe some extended social activity) that are reliable and well-attended.
2) Better monitoring of some club attitudes. Many players have been lost due to 'always field your
strongest team' taken to ludicrous lengths players left feeling undervalued and dejected. I have
watch 2 games going on at the same time with a club A and B team on adjacent pitches and
players subbed off the A pitch when they are winning to put on the other pitch to win it for the B
team. The children being removed to allow the 'star players' on left completely demoralised.
3) As mentioned previously - district coaching forums; calendar of events; shinty camps and 9-aside
competitions.
4) Competition and Skill Dev.
5) 'Come Try Shinty' taking into all schools and those schools accepting it as 'our' sport!
6) Local area competition to save on traveling during the week - anything greater than 45 minutes to
1 hour of traveling on week nights (school nights) is hard on volunteer coaches who work, parents
who work and most important of all the players, many of whom are sitting exams in April and
May. Sunday youth shinty must be considered in the north as well as the south.
7) Coaches who are prepared to travel and sell the game to areas not currently embracing shinty at
all/enough
8) Also would like to see better leadership/role models from youth coaches and players. Bad
Behavior dealt with by Governing body. Clubs to stick to Guidelines set out by Governing Body i.e.
Qualified Referee's at all times and apply the same rules for everyone.
Question 15: How many players should be in a full Under-17 Shinty team? (63)
12 a side – 49 (77.78%) 10 a side – 6 (9.52%)
9 a side – 2 (9.52%)
Other – 6 (9.52%)
Comments:
1) I would go for 8-a-side as many teams can’t supply 12-a-side and some merge, some fall away.
2) no opinion
3) 12 unless that's not possible then whatever number is acceptable to both teams to ensure
participation takes place
4) Ideally under seventeens should be twelve a side as this is a stepping stone for the senior teams
5) 12 if possible to have a competitive competition, but in the interests of having as many players
playing in as many areas as possible it should really be ruled by the lowest common denominator.
I.e. if one team can only get 8 players then both teams should play 8 a side. Flexibility and honesty
is key here there should be an incentive to fulfil all fixtures in a competition. A team may have the
top 4 players at this age group but have a huge gulf to the other 4, it would be unfair for these
players to play in development teams. Having these players play for other clubs only drives a
wedge in abilities and motivation within that age group team, usually resulting in only producing
one or two players that have not been able to play for other clubs or at all at that level making it
through to the senior team and The better players go on to play for other clubs or not at all.
6) depends on club
Question 16: How many players should be in a full Uner-14 Shinty team? (62)
12 a side – 29 (46.77%) 10 a side – 11 (17.74%) 9 a side – 16 (25.81%) Other – 6 (9.68%)
Comments:
1) Ideally 8 a side. 9 a side too big a jump.
2) Again I would try 8-a-side as many primary aged players are pushed up too early.
3) less on pitch so players have more time on the ball
4) 10 a side to use as a stepping stone up to full 12 a side which I believe U17's should play in
preparation for senior Shinty
5) 8
6) I feel 10 a side at under fourteen level would encourage more teams to compete in the main
leagues.
7) 12 if possible to have a competitive competition, but in the interests of having as many players
playing in as many areas as possible it should really be ruled by the lowest common denominator.
I.e. if one team can only get 8 players then both teams should play 8 a side. Flexibility and honesty
is key here there should be an incentive to fulfil all fixtures in a competition. A team may have the
top 4 players at this age group but have a huge gulf to the other 4, it would be unfair for these
players to play in development teams. Having these players play for other clubs only drives a
wedge in abilities and motivation within that age group team, usually resulting in only producing
one or two players that have not been able to play for other clubs or at all at that level making it
through to the senior team after not playing any u17 competition and The better players go on to
play for other clubs or not at all.
8) depends on how big club is
Question 17: How many players should be in an Under-17 Development team? (61)
12 a side – 12 (19.67%) 10 a side – 7 (11.48%) 9 a side – 14 (22.95%) Other – 0
6 a side – 1 (1.64%)
Flexible to ensure maximum participation – 27 (44.26%)
Comments:
1) I assume this means for area/ counties select sides? If so 12-a-side. If purely development,
flexibility to ensure participation.
2) I believe that it should be 12 a side however being a realist this is not very often possible.
3) If it is a ten a side competition then it should be ten a side and the number of players should not
change.
4) 12 preferably
Question 18: How many players should be in an Under-14 Development team? (63)
12 a side – 7 (11.11%) 10 a side – 5 (7.94%) 9 a side – 16 (25.40%) Other – 0
6 a side – 4 (6.35%)
Flexible to ensure maximum participation – 31 (49.21%)
Comments:
1) If they can’t get 12
2) This age group should be about playing shinty and if its eight a side then both teams agree before
the game and play at that number.
3) 12 preferably
Question 19: In your opinion should cups and medals be awarded in Youth Shinty? (62)
Cups only – 1 (1.61%) Never – 0 (0%) Cups & Medals for all Cup Finals/League – 48 (77.42%)
Cups and medals for major Cup Finals/Leagues only – 10 (16.13%)
Other – 3 (4.84%)
Comments:
1) A mixture of the above. Cups and medals should be awarded to winners, as something for all
clubs to aim for. But clubs struggling to get onto full competition should have some access to
acknowledgement of their players too.
2) not too big an issue
3) Not sure but possibly for above s1/2 age group
4) Kids respond better when their hard work and dedication is recognised. It also provides a goal to
aim for. Parents also respond better and will keep their children going if they see a benefit at the
end.
5) Cups and medals for all leagues and cup finals and certificates for all participating players from
every club.
Question 20: In your opinion should all Clubs have a minimum number of qualified Youth
Referees? (62)
1 per team – 28 (45.16%)
No – 11 (17.74%)
2 per team – 18 (29.03%)
Other – 5 (8.06%)
Comments:
1) Any requirement is likely to be hard to fulfill at some time or other. Clubs should be *supported*
and encouraged to provide Youth Referees.
2) 1 would be minimum but if none available then games should be allowed to take place with nonqualified if acceptable to both teams
3) at a minimum
4) Coaches are usually the best coaches but the CA would need to run free training
5) Used for referee development by association
6) More the better
Question 21: The CA endeavor to keep the youth results/leagues up to date and monitor team
lines. This relies on clubs and referees submitting the correct information by mobile - text - email - post. How can the return rate be improved? Please insert below. (36)
Comments:
1) Not sure. Are responsibilities (referees, organising club contact, etc.) well defined and
communicated?
2) You could try using online project management software like "Slack" or "Basecamp", giving access
to all referees and asking them to submit all relevant info in that single hub. Info can also be sent
by email to such online hubs.
3) Improved clear communication. More publicity for youth shinty.
4) Just keep it the same
5) CA contact coaches
6) Despite results being returned to the C.A. the results of Development League games were never
displayed on C.A. website.
7) Emphasis how important this is to the clubs
8) Referees should inform CA by text of results
9) If the structure and set up is right, I think will get a lot more buy-in from clubs.
10) Specific area of website that can be logged into by designated club officials so that they can
manually enter scores, etc.
11) Mandatory requirement of home team, if you can’t enforce through referees
12) Allowing officials to use FACEBOOK private message to update results and/or create a login access
on CA website where results can be added and on verification can be uploaded into main league
tables.
13) By ensuring Games are not started till the Referee has checked team lines and returned them to
CA at end of Game
14) By having responsible appointed persons at each game relating current results to Asti Cameron
for updating on the website.
15) For all clubs to have Wi-Fi.
16) Allocate official referees only at all levels of youth shinty make it more professional, name the
referee when the fixture comes out, just like it's done for a Saturday fixture and pay the referees
accordingly.
17) Referees asking for them
18) Text number?
19) enforcement
20) After the game both coaches meet and send in the score/report together
21) If CA receives no response they should contact club
22) Wouldn't make any difference , the youth shinty website is not kept up to date anyway
23) E mail is most liked the most proficient way if disseminating information.
24) It's the clubs responsibility to inform you! When you get that information it's very important to
act with that info quickly! So that the clubs see that you are actively publishing them!
25) Deduct points if not sent in
26) 1) Results are forwarded to Alistair Bruce by the home club. If the home club fails to submit the
result then they should be punished. 2) The CA should be appointing match officials to youth
fixtures. This should be treated the same as an adult fixture in terms of the return of team lines.
27) At the moment, not all results are published which is a shame on the players and volunteers who
take part at this level. The website has to be more pointed at this level, many a time I've been on
it the fixtures aren't updated, no news unless it's the Dublin diaries, or the website has actually
been down
28) The arrangement of fixtures should not be dictated around the ease of posting the results on the
website. The youth coaches bear many responsibilities and have to communicate with all parties.
A Club fixtures secretary or other appointed person should make it their responsibility to inform
the CA, or the CA can remind such person by sending a text.
29) text is the best way
30) Could the qualified referees be responsible for texting the result? Not sure, about this one should be an easy thing to do but will also be easily forgotten about.
31) The CA keeping leagues /cups up to date in the first place. It is the responsibility of club and
coaches to do what is required for the CA
32) make it a necessity
Question 22: Do you have any comments you would like considered in this consultation? Please
insert below. (23)
Comments:
1) Thanks for seeking opinions. I think the CA should develop a set of promotional/educational
resources for clubs with the aim of recruiting more into our sport. For example, a few slick promo
DVDs to take into schools, recruiting and club development 'how-to' packs to save clubs
reinventing the wheel, regional shinty development conferences/gatherings for grassroots
enthusiasts.
2) Weekend winter shinty on astro pitches is way forward for u14/u16 shinty. Keeping CA youth
website updated far more regularly. Why not do player interviews etc., match previews etc. an
example of way forward: Dublin and Galway went to Boston and played an amended hurling
match an on American football pitch (100 meters in length) only goals counted, no points over the
bar. I assume teams were smaller. Match far more entertaining as no full swings from defence
and far more goals as they were wider as well. An example of how to amend shinty at youth level
to make it more appealing/accessible.
3) I'd like it to be easier to know what leagues/competitions are available at the u14/u13/u17 levels.
Knowing when the games are essential for letting parents know but I find it very hard to get lists
of these dates. Looking through the shinty websites is quite difficult as not easy to find lists of
fixtures for the whole year
4) A guide where to get funding for club pitches would be advantage.
5) My son played in his first tournament recently and we were shocked at the over competitive
attitude from some clubs. This is really off putting for kids. Also could we have more tournaments
on Saturdays during the winter? Sunday sport means that many of us can be involved.
6) Youth players being "poached" by other clubs despite it being more than midway through the
season, such that a team can strengthen their team prior to cup finals. League play offs etc. This
causes huge levels of resentment at both player and coaching level.
7) This is the most important part of our sport Without a vibrant youth Shinty program supported by
an enthusiastic CA our sport will stagnate and eventually perish Do something now
8) Leagues have to be local - everything must be done to make life easier for volunteers. Better to
play an opponent 4x per season, than travel long distances.
9) As stated the loss of players at 17 level is alarming, should there be another age group to ensure
less leakage of players from 14 to 17 level
10) As I have previously stated it is my opinion that a robust and rigorous pursuit of Shinty being
included in schools as part of the curriculum should be followed by the CA with the support of all
clubs and should include the petition and lobbying of the Scottish Government for Scotland's
National game.
11) I'm sorry but I have a P 4 child and don't know anything about shinty myself so couldn't actually
answer much. We have a phenomenal coach who is so patient, Lisa
12) The shinty.com website is not a state of the art site and could be enhanced in so many ways. It is
sometimes slow to update data and when searching for such - it is missing. There is a wealth of
shinty media talent out there waiting to be asked to help but it seems the Camanachd doors are
often closed to such suggestions. By opening them and inviting new blood aboard, I think the
Camanachd would benefit immensely. An Comunn Gàidhealach are similar to the Camanachd
Association in that they are set in their ways and are reluctant to move with the times. In order to
progress successfully - we must move forward with new ideas that will captivate clubs and players
alike and make them strive to showcase our great game at the highest level.
13) The ca should help fund Wi-Fi, that's what everyone is looking for at games, so we can see other
game results as they happen.
14) Educating coaches and parents that winning at all costs will not be tolerated, taking part and
development is more important than winning.
15) South U14 league is poor teams are not willing to travel and the standard is low. 9 a side is a badly
thought out number when trying to set up a team. South teams should be able to join nearest
North league 12 a side to play at a higher standard therefor improving their development
16) Proper enforcement of age groups from dev to p7 is needed to prevent the use of overage players
in competitions. Not fair to anyone involved!!!!!
17) Pre-training under district coaches for those going to North selection tournament. Extra
incentives for representation from smaller clubs
18) If clubs do not play their games, because they think they do not have a chance of winning they
should be penalised, by exclusion from future competitions. This has happened too many times
this season at the 14 level. E.g. the central belt teams! We have travelled from Oban to play them,
but they don't travel to Oban. This is not acceptable!! Fulfill the away fixtures or be excluded from
future participation.
19) One authority for all youth shinty
20) Please define the ruling regarding youth players playing for other clubs at different levels. Who
pays for their membership, clarify the insurance responsibilities, especially at training nights. The
whimsical application of its own rules laid down to club coaches should be adhered to and not
ignored to avoid paperwork.
21) The structure for youth shinty u14 in the south is a disgrace there are not enough teams and
games as to when the u14 play in cups they come up against north teams who play 12 a side week
in out. Improvement needs to be done for the south or we will lose all the kids to football which
has a much better structure.
22) More development officers - smaller areas - geography is too vast to cover