The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have published a wide-ranging report into the process that led to the successful merger of the association with its sister association the Women’s Gaelic Players Association, and the successful outcomes that have come about as a result.
In December 2020, 99% of male players and 97% of female players voted for this historic step at separate General Meetings before the formation of the newly integrated GPA.
A Good News Story: The Integration of the GPA highlights the opportunities brought about by integration and how lessons that were learned can be of benefit to other sporting organisations, both in Ireland and further afield. By sharing the narratives of the key stakeholders, this research report aims to provide an essential resource for any association seeking to implement meaningful change.
The full report can be accessed HERE.
The report outlines a values-led transformation which was ultimately guided by the over-arching principle of ‘Doing the right thing’. This was a consistent message that came back from the stakeholders interviewed for the report, as was the importance of male allyship throughout the process from initial conversations to implementation.
Key findings have been identified, that led to the GPA becoming a 4,000 strong player body, with equality embedded in all strands of leadership, governance and resources.
Significantly, the lessons learned from the process have also been highlighted to help other associations. These are:
- Good communication: All the participants spoke to the transparent nature of the communication throughout the integration process which proved crucial to its success given the large membership across the two entities.
- Data Driven Decisions: The integration process was guided by evidence rather than assumption, drawing on research and player surveys to inform decisions and build confidence. Reports such as Levelling the Playing Field highlighted the experiences of female players, while GPA membership surveys captured support for change among male players, helping to underpin and justify the decisions taken.
- Understanding and listening to each other: One key lesson learned was engaging in respectful dialogue with both parties – i.e. understanding and listening to each other. While this may be something assumed, it requires intentional action and reflection as bias, frustrations, and assumptions may cloud understanding and listening.
- Change Management: The skills and emotions associated with change management were identified as key strategies. Given the monumental change in integrating the two organisations, the effective management of such change was deemed crucial. Leadership needed to embrace risk taking, being brave, and feeling comfortable in the uncomfortable situation.
- Leadership: The participants recognised the crucial importance of leadership throughout this integration process. Individuals in leadership positions also had key personality traits and personal experience or observed experience of inequality. The leadership also needed to embrace the proposed mission of the integration and be able to clearly articulate this through communication with members and wider public.
- Having the ‘right people’: The participants consistently alluded to ‘having the right people’ as a strategy in the successful integration. The ‘right’ people were individuals who had excellent communication skills who made players felt heard and were available to answer any questions or clarify situations.
Professor Brian MacCraith is the Chairman of the Gaelic Players Association Board of Directors and has supplied the foreword to the report. On its publication he said; “The merging of the two players’ associations was based on a powerful principle: that female and male inter-county players deserve the same standards, protections, voice, and respect. Put simply, they deserve full equality. In 2020, we chose to move beyond symbolism and to embed that principle structurally, constitutionally, and, most importantly, culturally into our new, integrated association.
“The profound values-led change that has taken place successfully in the GPA offers a critical blueprint for gender parity across the sporting world, in Ireland and beyond. As the Gaelic Games family move towards the completion of its own important, integration process, the lessons captured here will resonate strongly.”
The report has been endorsed by the European Athletes and Players Association whose board met in Dublin earlier this week. Speaking on their behalf President Natalie Orive said; “The leadership shown by players within Gaelic games on the subject of integration has been nothing short of inspirational. More important than that, however, is their willingness to share their experience for the betterment of other sporting organisations in Ireland and across the sporting world. Ensuring a meaningful player voice in governance aligns with emerging European best practice, including recent European Parliament guidance calling for athletes to be involved in decision-making within sport.
“As more and more sports bodies move towards an integrated future, this report can be a key guide which will help circumvent some of the challenges presented and help those bodies fully grasp the opportunities presented. For that we thank the GPA for the leadership that they have shown.