Football

GAA explains decision behind injury treatment clause

THE GAA has explained its decision to restrict the Player Injury Scheme to covering only the cost of treatments that are given on the island of Ireland.

From January 1 this year, treatments for injuries received in clinics abroad are no longer covered under the fund meaning that, in most cases, counties and clubs will have to foot the bill themselves if they decide it is necessary to send a player overseas.

Responding to concerns raised by Down chartered physiotherapist Frank Quinn from The Physio Group, the GAA said the decision to change the range of Injury Benefit Fund was taken in response to pressure being put on clubs and counties to cover travel expenses and accommodation costs for treatments abroad.

In a statement to The Irish News, the Association explained: “The Player Injury Fund is unique to the GAA and in 2018 there was €9m paid out towards the treatment of 6,233 injured players.

“In fact the fund has paid out close to €45m over the last five years and assisted an estimated 30,000 injured players in their recovery and assisted in loss of earnings in that time.

“It is important to stress that the fund is not intended to take the place of a person’s personal cover but to provide assistance in a time of need.

“The cover offers a maximum of €4,500 of a benefit towards medical or dental costs with an excess of €100 per claim. There is also loss of earnings cover of €300 per week with an excess of one week.

“The money in the Player Injury Fund comes from registration fees paid by clubs all over the country and raises €6m every year.

“However, this fund is not enough to cover the number of claims that are lodged and requires an annual top up fee of €3m to be paid by Central Council.

“The terms of the Fund were amended in 2010 to bring structure to the benefits offered and to ensure the long-term future of the Fund.

“Following a review in 2017, it was decided to update these terms and only allow treatments carried out on the island of Ireland to be covered.

“Travel expenses and accommodation costs have never been covered under the Fund.

“In response to pressure being put on clubs and counties to cover these costs for overseas treatments it was decided to limit cover to treatment taking place on the Island of Ireland.

“In addition to this, there is the Preferred Medical Provider Initiative where hospitals involved offer special rates to injured GAA players.

“As the Initiative came into effect on October 1st 2017, it was agreed to remove cover for any treatment outside the Island of Ireland.”

Read more: Down physio Frank Quinn questions GAA injury treatment clause

The GAA has sourced hospitals north and south of the border which met the specifics of the treatments required and the best practice standards they want in place.

Kingsbridge Private Hospital, North West Independent Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic are included on a list of “preferred medical providers” and there are 10 more in the Republic.

Gaelic Players’ Association Matt Hoban said that the new rules were aimed at “changing behaviours”.

“You don’t necessarily need to go to Norway when there’s a specialist clinic in Dublin or Belfast,” he said.

Hoban added that the GPA would never “abandon” a player who had been advised to go overseas for a career-saving medical treatment.

“We will never see a player abandoned, we’ll always go above and beyond,” he said.

“If a player is saying they need treatment abroad and they come to us we represent their welfare we’ll lobby hard for them and do an evidence-based submission for them as to why the treatment is required.”

Read more: Down physio Frank Quinn questions GAA injury treatment clause