There has been a sharp increase in the number of young male players who have been either the victim of, or perpetrator in, One Punch and/or off-the-ball incidents.
The severity of injuries which result, have increased over the past 10 years.
Medical and legal professionals are reporting an increase in the number of cases that are coming to their attention. They warn of the increased likelihood of someone dying due to injuries they sustain from One Punch on the field of play, if current trends continue.
There is evidence of a greater number of cases proceeding to court, and resulting in serious criminal convictions; something which might not have been so prevalent 10 or 20 years ago. Law enforcement now regularly benefit from the growing availability of video evidence through match recordings, phone recordings, and what is shared on social media
Currently there isn’t sufficient data to conclude why the severity of injuries are on the increase from a few decades ago; but the likelihood is that as strength and conditioning programmes become the norm for more players, our players are physically stronger and can generate greater force from a single punch. However, the anatomy of our skulls has not changed in that time; resulting in more serious head, facial, and brain injuries
Whether as a club official, player, coach, match official, parent, or supporter – we all have a responsibility to ensure that our actions don’t escalate the risk of violence at our Games.
Violence in our Games and Activities is a breach of GAA Rules and will be dealt with accordingly. The GAA Code of Conduct and Code of Behaviour clearly state what determines acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. The Codes support clubs in how they may appropriately respond to any incident of unacceptable behaviour. (link)
Please give your full attention to the video for the next 15 minutes
Following the video there will be an opportunity to discuss our thoughts on how, as a Club, we play our part in reducing One Punch and off-the-ball incidents
Links
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Tobar – Ulster GAA One Punch
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Ulster GAA Newsletter – One Punch Can Kill
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Ulster GAA Raising awareness about the dangers of one punch
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Ulster GAA One punch can kill use your brain not your fists
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Ulster GAA launch one punch can kill awareness initiative/
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Ulster GAA One Punch Campaign Schools Version
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https://tyronegaa.ie/one-punch-can-kill-important-event-for-all-tyrone-gaa-clubs/
