THE NATIONAL PIONEER SPORTS COMPETITION
The sports competitions were the first major event which the National Youth Committee put onto the Pioneer Events Schedule. They were started in 1998 but failed to reach All-Ireland level due to the fact that a very small number of regions took part in them.
In 1999 the National Youth Committee set up a sub committee to promote and organise the sports. The age groups and the list of sports were drawn up by this committee and have remained unchanged since this time.
The age groups are 9-12, 12-15 and over-15 with competitions for both male and female teams in the following sports, Gaelic Football, Soccer and Basketball while there are doubles competitions for male, female and mixed pairings in badminton.
After some difficulty in locating a suitable venue the first All-Ireland Sports finals were held in Oldcastle, Co. Meath on the last Saturday of June. This day in years to come will be remembered as one of the most important days in the history of the P.T.A.A.
The sports have grown spectacularly in their short time in existence. The All-Ireland finals in 2000 were held in the Vocational School in Cavan town while the 2001 finals were held in Rice College, Westport, Co. Mayo. 2002 saw the event go to Killarney in Co. Kerry while the turn of Longford came in 2003.
The sports produce more All-Ireland winning competitors
than all the other activities combined and are fast becoming the
most attractive activity on the Pioneer calendar. Profits from the
All-Ireland Sports finals are the property of the National Youth Committee.
| Longford
2003 |
| Killarney
2002 |
| Westport
2001 |
| Cavan 2000 |
| Oldcastle 1999 |
SPORTS RULES
General Rules For All
Competitors
All competitors must be members of the Pioneer Total Abstinence
Association in the Region or Centre they represent.
Teams can represent either
a Centre or a Region. (This is to facilitate Centres
who may find it difficult to field teams).
In all competitions at all levels the referee's decision is final.
The sports sub-committee of the National Youth Committee has the final decision in all matters relating to the Sports Competitions.
Any competitor found in breach of these rules will be disqualified along with the team of which he/she is a member.
In all competitions at all levels the referee's decision is final.
The sports sub-committee of the National Youth Committee has the final decision in all matters relating to the Sports Competitions.
Any competitor found in breach of these rules will be disqualified along with the team of which he/she is a member.
Gaelic Football
5 a-side team entry
(plus 2 subs who can be brought on or off as often as the teams requires ie. similar to the rules normally used in Basketball).
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half. (Total 20 minutes)
The normal rules used by the G.A.A. apply.
Soccer
5 a-side team entry
(plus 2 subs who can be brought on or off as often as the teams requires ie. similar to the rules normally used in Basketball).
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half (Total 20 minutes).
The normal rules of Soccer apply with the exception of the off-side rule.
Basketball
Panel of 7 players
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half (Total 20 minutes).
The normal rules used in Basketball apply.
Badminton
Ladies Doubles, Gents Doubles, Mixed Doubles
All matches the best of 3 games of 15.
5 a-side team entry
(plus 2 subs who can be brought on or off as often as the teams requires ie. similar to the rules normally used in Basketball).
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half. (Total 20 minutes)
The normal rules used by the G.A.A. apply.
Soccer
5 a-side team entry
(plus 2 subs who can be brought on or off as often as the teams requires ie. similar to the rules normally used in Basketball).
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half (Total 20 minutes).
The normal rules of Soccer apply with the exception of the off-side rule.
Basketball
Panel of 7 players
Boys teams and Girls teams
Duration 10 minutes each half (Total 20 minutes).
The normal rules used in Basketball apply.
Badminton
Ladies Doubles, Gents Doubles, Mixed Doubles
All matches the best of 3 games of 15.
AGE CATEGORIES
There are three age levels in each competition -
(a) Over 9 and Under 12 on the 1st January of the year of the final
(b) Over 12 and Under 15 on the 1st January of the year of the final
(c) Over 15 (No upper age limit) on the 1st January of the year of the final
ORGANISATION OF THE SPORTS COMPETITIONS
The All-Ireland Sports Final will be organised by The National Sports Committee
Diocesan and Regional Finals are the responsibility of the local Diocesan and Regional Councils along with any members of the Youth Committee from the area.
There are three age levels in each competition -
(a) Over 9 and Under 12 on the 1st January of the year of the final
(b) Over 12 and Under 15 on the 1st January of the year of the final
(c) Over 15 (No upper age limit) on the 1st January of the year of the final
ORGANISATION OF THE SPORTS COMPETITIONS
The All-Ireland Sports Final will be organised by The National Sports Committee
Diocesan and Regional Finals are the responsibility of the local Diocesan and Regional Councils along with any members of the Youth Committee from the area.
Insurance
Insurance
is a necessity in running these competitions. The
onus is on each organising committee to ensure that they are properly insured
for these competitions. (All Committees/Councils covered
under Sheridan's Insurance, Wexford are automatically covered). The National Youth Committee will obtain insurance for
the All-Ireland Finals and shall not be held liable for competitions at various
over levels.