Today Carlow GAA launched a new initiative aimed at curbing negative influences from the sidelines at underage games. They hope that by encouraging supporters who attend their games to; ‘Be Sound or Be Silent !’, they can start to eliminate the use of foul or abusive language and aggressive behaviour from sidelines altogether.

Being ‘sound’ is a term very local to the County and they are looking to see as many ‘Sound Supporters’ as possible at matches going forward.

Referees will now have the capacity to discontinue games if they hear foul or abusive language from supporters. This step is one that is hoped will never have to be taken, however both officials and administrators are very prepared to act accordingly should the need arise.

Carlow GAA are working closely with their Clubs to ensure there is maximum engagement with this initiative and ask that all adult members lead by example. The feeling is that very soon, Carlow GAA’s sidelines will be populated only with ‘Sound Supporters’ who provide a positive environment for everyone to enjoy the games !

Speaking about the initiative Carlow GAA Games Manager Seán Gannon talked about how it came about “The feeling has been growing within the County over the last few years that something positive needed to be done to encourage better behaviour by all at our underage games. It is hoped that by launching this initiative we can start to make people conscious of their actions and aware of the role they play when attending our games.”