the gaelic athletic association

As the only indoor Gaelic sport, handball is very closely associated with the G.A.A. and is fully integrated in the general affaris of the Association. Handball units at all levels, from Club to national, are represented on the various G.A.A. units and are involved in G.A.A matters in general. The Irish Handball Council is the national governing body for handball. It is responsible for the promotion, development and organisation of the game through coaching, refereeing, administration and leadership courses. It organises over 100 All-Ireland Championships in 40 x 20, softball and hardball codes in 14 grades form under 14 to Diamond Masters Level. IRISH HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS The Irish Handball Council organises over 100 All-Ireland Championships from Under-14 to Diamond Masters in Singles, Doubles and Team Competitions in 40 x 20, 60 x 30 and Hardball codes. The initial stages of these events are run off at county and provincial level by the handball units by the Colleges Councils. In addition, the Ladies Handball organises Juvenile and Ladies All-Ireland Championships in 40 x 20 and 60 x 30 as well as an Under-14 Mixed Doubles competition. Handball is also one of the team sports for boys and girls in the Community Games. TYPES OF HANDBALL Hardball is the oldest of the organised types of handball and is played in a court 60 ft long and 30 ft wide. Softball is the more modern Irish game and is played in the 60 x 30 ft court. International Softball (40 x 20) code is the international game played in a court measuring 40 ft long and 20ft wide in which the ceiling, at a height of 20ft, is also used as a playing surface. Mini-handball can be played in many forms by children using sponge or "wind" balls. It is very suitable for small play area - all you need is a wall and a ball. A WORLD CLASS SPORT Handball players are very enthusiastic about their sport. They play the game for many reasons whether it be for fun, as a family activity or to enjoy the competitive dimension for the game. Handball is a fun game to play, facilities are readily available throughout the country and it suits all ages from the very young to the very mature. Even beginners can develop a reasonable level of skill with a minimum of training. Handball is a major international sport currently played in more than 20 countries. It is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the United States. The international status of the game is a very attractive factor for ambitious sportsmen and women with an eye to the international sporting stage. Irish players regularly participate in international competition and achieve major success. Indeed, Irish handballers are regarded as having a natural talent for the game and have won many honours outside the country. There are few sports which provide talented players with so many opportunities to travel and to compete internationally. By their very nature, many sports exclude the very young or those of advanced years or tend to be dominated by one sex; not so with handball. While younger players may be fitter and faster, older players have developed skills and tactical abilities which compensate. Men and women have equal access to the game and even very young children can learn to play and gain a great deal of enjoyment from handball. Some of the world's greatest handball players have remained at the top of the game for more years than is practical in many other sports. A person who takes up handball is entering a sport which will give enjoyment and stimulation for many years.