Injury Benefit Fund

What is the GAA Injury Benefit Fund? 

 

The GAA Injury Benefit Fund is a self-funded initiative created by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Its primary purpose is to offer financial assistance to registered players who experience accidental injuries during official GAA activities. Here are the essential details about this fund:


1. Eligibility: The fund is available to registered GAA players.

2. Coverage: It provides financial support for injuries sustained during official GAA events.

3. Self-funded: The program is financed by the GAA itself, not by an external insurance company.

4. Accidental injuries: The fund specifically covers injuries that occur accidentally during GAA-sanctioned activities.

5. Official activities: Coverage applies to injuries sustained during authorized GAA events, such as matches, training sessions, and other approved activities.

6. Financial support: The fund aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with sports-related injuries.

7. Complementary nature: It is designed to supplement, not replace, personal health insurance or other forms of coverage.


This fund serves as an important safety net for GAA players, helping to ensure that financial concerns do not impede their recovery from sports-related injuries.We understand that dealing with injuries and insurance claims can be a stressful experience. Please know that we're here to support you through this process. This information outlines the fund's structure, eligibility criteria, and limitations, helping players understand its role in supporting them in case of sports-related injuries.  Here are the key points to understand:

  • Public Health System Priority: Players with coverage under the Public Health System or National Health Service must utilize that coverage before submitting a claim to the GAA Injury Benefit Fund.
  • Private Insurance Claims: Players with private medical insurance or personal accident policies must first file claims with these providers for both inpatient and outpatient expenses.
  • Documentation Requirements: After submitting claims to private insurers, players must obtain a statement of account (Benefits Statement) detailing covered and non-covered benefits. This statement is required for GAA Injury Benefit Fund claims.
  • Last Resort Coverage: The GAA Injury Benefit Fund is designed to cover benefits that cannot be claimed elsewhere. Claimants must exhaust all other coverage options before applying to this fund.
  • Individual Responsibility: The fund is not a guarantee for payment of expenses. Players are responsible for ensuring they have adequate coverage for their specific needs.
  • Risk Acknowledgment: Participating in Gaelic games involves injury risks, and players should familiarize themselves with the fund's terms and benefits.
  • Physiotherapy Limitations: The fund does not cover pre-operative physiotherapy. Only post-operative, medically prescribed physiotherapy treatments may be claimed.
  • Terms and Conditions: Specific terms, conditions, and limitations apply to the fund. Players and parents should review the GAA Injury Benefit Fund Summary Document for detailed information on operations, benefits, and coverage.
  • Not Comprehensive Coverage: The fund should not be relied upon as the sole or comprehensive compensation for injuries sustained during play.

Understanding these guidelines is crucial for players to navigate the claims process effectively and manage their expectations regarding coverage under the GAA Injury Benefit Fund.


Reporting an Injury & Registering a Claim under the Fund


Reporting an Injury:


1. Match Injuries:

   - Team managers must inform the referee about the injury during or after the match.

   - The referee should be requested to note the injury in their report.

   - Team managers are required to report the injury to the Club Player Injury Administrator promptly after the game.


2. Training Injuries:

   - Players should inform team management about injuries during or after the training session.

   - Team managers must report the injury to the Club Player Injury Administrator as soon as possible following the training session.


Registering a Claim:


1. Time Constraint:

   - Claims under the GAA Injury Benefit Fund must be formally registered within 60 days of the injury occurrence.

   - Failure to register within this timeframe will result in claim ineligibility.


2. Notification Process:

   - The injured player, team coach, or mentor should notify either the Club's Player Injury Fund Administrator or Club Secretary as soon as possible after sustaining an accidental bodily injury.

   - This prompt notification is crucial to ensure timely claim registration if needed.


3. Importance of Timely Action:

   - Swift reporting and registration are essential to maintain eligibility for potential benefits under the Fund.


The GAA Injury Benefit Fund claim registration process requires several steps and documents. Here's a detailed breakdown of the procedure:


1. Initial Registration:

   - Complete the Injured Player & Injury Details Form > 

   - Submit this form to the player injury fund administrator as soon as possible


2. Additional Required Forms:

   - Player Declaration Form >

   - Medical Certification Form >

   - Both forms must be completed, signed, and forwarded to the administrator


3. Submission Details:

   - Send all documents to Orla O'Donnell, Club Player Injury Administrator

   - Email: Secretary.stsylvesters.dublin@gaa.ie

   - Include 'Player Injury' and the Player's Name in the email subject line


4. Further Documentation:

   - Additional information may be required depending on the claim type

   - DWF Claims (Injury benefit fund claim handlers) will determine necessary documents

   - Requests will be communicated through the club's Player Injury Administrator


5. Claimant Responsibility:

   - The player, parent, or guardian must ensure all required documentation is completed and submitted when requested

   - This is crucial for proper assessment and resolution of the claim


All forms mentioned can be found for download at the bottom of the referenced page. Timely and accurate submission of all required information is essential for efficient claim processing.


Club Player Injury Administrator:

For further information, please contact Orla O’Donnell, 

Email: Secretary.stsylvesters.dublin@gaa.ie.   

(please reference ‘Player Injury’ and the Player’s Name in the Subject line)


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