BY ALAN RODGERS

A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM

CLAIMS on the GAA's player insurance scheme have risen by a massive £3 million during the past three years. And, the dramatic increase has prompted warnings of tighter surveillance of the scheme in future.

At the moment the insurance scheme costs clubs £1,000 annually, with the remainder being heavily subsidised by Croke Park. But Roger Clancy, the Insurance Officer says a greater level of professionalism is now needed.

"On some occasions in the past few years we have seen clubs submitting claims dating back several years. That is something which has to change," he said.

"There is no clear evidence that there are occasions when false claims are submitted. But there are occasions when peculiar incidents are called to our attention.

"It is important that we can plan this scheme effectively in the future. This means that we really can't afford to have claims being outstanding for any more than a year.

"There is of course the possibility that the premiums would increase if the level of claims continues to rise. That's why we have to keep track of what the situation is," he added.

The GAA has appointed Insurance Officers at club and county level in a bid to address the situation. The scheme is run in conjunction with Coyle Hamilton Willis in Dublin and is widely acknowledged as offering good benefits to players for loss of wages and other medical expenses incurred during their involvement.

UP to the end of 2007 club registrations amounted to £5 million, with a gate receipts levy of £2.5 million and a further GAA contribution of £1 million.

But the claims and expenses paid out to players and others who have sustained an injury through GAA matches or training sessions increased from £6.6 million to almost £9 million in the same period.

And, the big fear is that the Association could be hit hard at grassroots level if a decision is taken to increase the contributions.

"There is a need for clubs to be more vigilant and make sure that all claims are properly completed and submitted on time," continued Roger Clancy.

"It is important that we avoid a situation where we're suddenly being bombarded with claims stretching back over two years as was the case with one particular club.

"Already the team contributions have been raised and it is a matter for the GAA to decide on their input to the scheme.

"But what we have to remember is that this is an excellent scheme which does provide much needed help to players at times of difficulty.

"Each club and county now has people responsible for the administration of this scheme and I would urge them to ensure that the proper guidelines are adhered to."

While the GAA has run a Players Injuries Scheme for over half a century, in the past decade the introduction of enhanced payments has been widely welcomed.