Critical Incident

Sometimes a critical incident – one that overwhelms one’s natural capacity to respond – will arise leaving individuals or communities struggling to cope. GAA clubs and counties have proven themselves invaluable in supporting their members’ and communities in responding to an array of tragic and seemingly insurmountable situations.

However, sometimes our units need support in responding to critical situations too.

Preparing a critical incident response plan in advance will better prepare units for the challenges such situations may present. This resource is intended to:

  • Reassure clubs of the importance of the natural support system they provide as a community organisation (in fact in most situations nothing more is required).

  • Highlight some of the recommended best practises for responding to crisis situations by community organisations such as the GAA.

  • Offer a toolkit from which units can develop their own critical incident plan highlighting key roles and responsibilities.

  • Help identify appropriate local and national agencies/entities that units can turn to during crisis situations.

  • Highlight the supports that are available through the GAA’s own structures.

What is a Critical Incident?

A critical incident is any event that is outside the range of usual human experience. It is an event that causes an unusually intense stress reaction which has the emotional power to overwhelm an individual’s usual ability to cope. It may impede people’s coping mechanisms immediately or in the future following the event. (GPA/GAA guidelines, 2014)

Examples of Critical incidents may include

  • Death or serious injury on or off the playing field

  • Exposure to the aftermath of a road traffic collision eg; the accident scene, the victim(s)

  • Personal loss or injury, real or threatened to a child or adult

  • Being violently threatened

  • Close encounter with death

  • Suicide of a club member (This tragic situation can cause extreme distress and confusion for everyone involved. Guidelines developed by professional services highlighting the most appropriate responses are available

  • A situation with excessive media interest

  • A natural disaster or act of God

  • Other incidents not covered above but which are associated with unusually strong emotional reactions.

Critical Incident Policy

You can download our club critical incident policy by clicking on the icon below