Welcome to the Parents Corner!
Here you will find General Information & Frequently Asked Questions.
General Information
In order to comply with Federal & State Regulations, please note that the Delaware County Gaels Youth GAC will never request or accept information submitted by or received from minors under the age of 18. Additionally, all information submitted to the Club via the Internet will be confidentially maintained in accordance with the rules of the Association.
Indoor League Registration Fee - $90/player; $230 family max. The Registration fee applies to either the mixed league or Gaelic4Girls. Both leagues also include Hurling/Camogie instruction. T-shirts are provided to all registered players. The Gaelic4Girls program will be initiated based on the number of applicants in each age group.
Outdoor League Registration Fee - $90 per player; $230 family max. The Registration fee applies to all children playing in the Outdoor League.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where and when do you practice?
The Indoor League is held at MapleZone on Saturday evenings from 6 - 10pm from January through March. The older children are generally scheduled for later game times. See Fields for directions to MapleZone.
The Outdoor League is held at various field locations, but generally Club practices are held at the Polo fields though mid-June and then moved to the Haverford Reserve for the remainder of the season. Coaches may also schedule additional practices for travel teams at other available locations throughout the season.
2. What equipment does my child need to participate?
Gaelic Football players are now required to wear a mouthguard, but players may also choose to wear shinguards. It is suggested a ball be purchased for practice at home.
Hurling/Camogie players are required to wear a helmet. This is not optional! It is suggested that a hurley and sliothars (balls) be purchased for practice at home. Please check with the Hurling Development Officer for spare/used equipment.
3. What age group is my child?
The age group in which your child is rostered is based on his/her birthdate as of January 1 of the current year. Eg. a child born on November 1, 2005 will be 6 on January 1, 2012, therefore this player will be rostered in the U8 age group. Competitive age groups are U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 & U18(Minor). Children may play in their age group, eg. U8 and in the next older age group, eg. U10. This decision is at the discretion of the player's coach, based on the player's ability and with permission of the player's parent/guardian. Younger children who wish to participate at practices are considered Tiny Tots (U6).
4. What are the eligibility requirements to participate in Gaelic games?
Children must be residents of the United States as of January 1 of the current year.
Children registering with the Club must have health insurance. Parents/Guardians will be asked to provide health insurance information during Online Registration.
A player transferring from another club must complete a transfer form, signed by their current Club's Registrar. Transfer forms must be received by the Divisional Registrar by April 30 of the current year.
5. How do I register my child?
Registration should be completed and paid for online at www.delcogaels.com. All players are required to upload their birth certificate and a current photo. Health Insurance must be provided at this time also. These document will transfer each year but the photo and insurance should be updated.
6. Can my daughter play on a boy's team?
The Club introduced the Gaelic4Girls program in January 2012. These teams are comprised of girls who wish to play Ladies Gaelic Football and/or Camogie. Until 2012, girls played on mixed teams. Girls may choose to continue to play on mixed teams, Gaelic4Girls teams or both.
7. Does my child have to travel?
Travel is optional and should be discussed with your child's coach. The Club will on many occasions be able to provide volunteer chaperones for parents who may not be able to travel. The Club is also continually fundraising to allow all children the opportunity to travel at more reasonable costs.
8. Are injuries common?
It is more likely to be injured in a game of soccer or American football, than in a game of Gaelic football or hurling. Although the games are sometimes compared to Rugby, physical contact in Gaelic games is limited to shoulder-to-shoulder contact and only with the player in possession of the ball.
9. What is the GAA?
The GAA, or Gaelic Athletic Association is the governing body of the Gaelic Games of Hurling and Football. The GAA is an amateur, non-profit, community-based organization that promotes the Irish culture through sport, poetry, song, dance, and music.
