Everyone wins if children stay playing sport so what is the point in keeping scores?

The Cumann na mBunscol finals took centre stage in Thurles last week as children from across the county picked up medals for their sporting efforts representing their schools. The GAA now, through the Go Games, has changed the dynamic of sport for young Gaelic games players.

The introduction of the Go Games until the age of 12 offers something completely new to the sporting mix. GAA Go Games are camogie, hurling and Gaelic football for children up to and including 12 years of age. The idea is that every child gets to play (or get a go) in every game, for the full game.

They were developed to ensure that all children get to participate and build a love for the game as well as skills in an enjoyable way. Many are finding it hard to warm to it as it doesn’t include the keeping of scores or playing of knockout games, such as semi-finals and finals. It also rules out the awarding of cups and medals for all games up to the age of 12.

But should winning and dealing with losing at sport be an educational part of life? Some argue that it is; but surely life offers us plenty of winning and losing opportunities anyway?

Ultimately, it is about how it makes you feel. If children feel good around sports they will stay playing. If not, they will stop.
Currently, when it comes to finals, not all panel members get game time and that can be disappointing for children who dreamt of the big day with their club.

For some, it is all about winning titles. But for many more still, it is just about being part of something bigger than themselves. It matters that everyone feels included, not just the “best” players.

There are young players currently playing sports where they aren’t seeing enough game time and as a result they leave the game they love too soon. When sport is competitive there is a probability that coaches will “nurture the perceived best and neglect the rest”.

The GAA’s National Participation and Programmes Manager, Seamus Kenny, says the debate around games for players up to the age of 12 not being competitive should be seen as a “positive” move as it brings issues out in the open.

The Go Games’ motives keep players playing longer. Children play because they enjoy the sport and winning or losing is more an adult concept. Is there clear approval? No there isn’t, but it is a noble idea to keep children happy and part of a team.