A parent's guide to underage hurling, camogie and football

Joining a club is one of the best things a child can do. Here's what to expect in the first season, and how you can help.

Nursery and the younger groups

Most clubs start children in a nursery or academy from about four to six. Up to around under-12, games are small-sided, with the focus on everyone playing and getting lots of touches of the ball, not on results.

Training and games

Expect one or two sessions a week, plus games at weekends. Coaches will ask whether your child can make each one. Answering, even with a no, helps them plan.

Who's who at the club

• Coaches run the team. All adults working with children should be vetted and have completed safeguarding training.
• The Children's Officer is there if you have a concern about how children are treated.
• The Designated Liaison Person handles child welfare concerns that may need to go further.

Keeping them safe

• Coaches shouldn't message children one to one. Messages should go to the squad, with parents included.
• Tell the coach about any medical condition, and keep emergency contacts up to date.
• If your child gets a knock to the head, they should stop playing that day and follow the return-to-play steps before going back.

Keeping it fun

Praise effort rather than scores, let the coaches coach from the sideline, and ask your child what they enjoyed. Children who enjoy it keep playing.

In My Coaching App

Parents use the app free. You reply to training and games for your child, follow live scores, and see their own stats and feedback. Under-16s don't have a login of their own: you run their account. See how accounts work by age.