Welcome to the Canada GAA Transfer Guide! Here, we provide you with an easy-to-understand overview of how transfers work for GAA (Men’s Football and Hurling), LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football), and Camogie in Canada. Whether you’re planning a move or just curious, this guide has you covered.
There are two types of transfers; Inter-County and Intra-County transfer. Both types of transfers are designed to facilitate player mobility while ensuring fair play and competition integrity within the Gaelic game’s community in Canada.
Inter-County Transfers
Inter-county transfers refer to players moving from a club in one county to a club in another county, such as moving from any county in Ireland to a club in Canada. This type of transfer is typically relevant for players who are relocating for reasons such as work, study, or personal circumstances and wish to continue playing Gaelic games in their new location, with Canada being treated as a single county.
The process requires approval from the relevant counties to ensure the player meets the eligibility criteria for playing in a different county. The rules and deadlines for inter-county transfers can vary depending on the specific code (GAA, LGFA, Camogie) and the governing body’s regulations.
The transfer period for inter-county players is specified below for each code. No transfer will be accepted after that date. Canada GAA has final approval on inter-county transfer and does reserve the right to confirm the eligibility of the transferee.
Inter-County Transfers: GAA (Men’s Gaelic Football and Hurling)
- Transfer Deadline: For GAA transfers, there’s no specific deadline. You can apply for a transfer at any time, as per recent clarifications of the GAA Official Guide Rule 6.5 T.O. (October 2023) which governs inter-county transfers.
- Sanctioned Players: A Sanction entitles a player to play in Canada on a temporary basis from March 1 to October 31 in any given year. A Sanction will not be granted after July 1. GAA Sanction Form
- Remaining permanently after a Sanction: If the player is in Canada on a GAA sanction and remains permanently afterwards, the player will need to apply for a transfer by March 31st.
Inter-County Transfers: LGFA (Ladies Gaelic Football)
- Transfer Deadline: All transfers must be submitted and approved by March 31st.
- Sanctioned / Permit Players: A Permit entitles a player to play in Canada on a temporary basis from April 1st until September 30th . A Permit will not be granted after July 1. On the players return to Ireland, she will be entitled to resume playing with her club in Ireland if the player sends notification to the LGFA of her return. The player is not eligible to go and play again in Canada in the same year. LGFA Permit Form
- Remaining Permanently after a Permit: If the player is in Canada on a LGFA Permit and remains permanently afterwards, the player needs to apply for a transfer by March 31st.
Inter-County Transfers: Camogie
- Transfer Deadline: All transfers must be submitted and approved by March 31st.
- Sanctioned Players: A Sanction entitles a player to play in Canada on a temporary basis from April 1st until September 30th September. A Permit will not be granted after July 1. Camogie Sanction Form
- Remaining Permanently after a Sanction: To Be Confirmed
Intra-County Transfers
Intra-county transfers occur when a player moves from one club to another within the same county. In the Canadian context, this means transfers between clubs within Canada, as the whole country is considered a single “county” for administrative purposes.
This type of transfer is relevant for players, with a change in residence closer to another club or for personal preferences. Like inter-county transfers, intra-county transfers require approval, but the process is managed within the county’s governing structure. There is a transfer form that must be completed, and the transfer must be approved by the player’s current and prospective clubs and the County Secretary. Deadlines and specific procedures for intra-county transfers may also vary by each code and local regulations.
Transfer Deadline: All transfers must be submitted and approved by July 1st. This applies for all codes including GAA, LGFA and Camogie.
Notes for Transfers and Sanctions/Permits
Transfers:
- Any player transferring to a club in Canada must already be a resident of Canada.
- The CGAA has final approval on inter-county and intra-county transfers and reserves the right to confirm the transferee’s eligibility.
- A GAA transfer will be rejected if the player does not fill in his “Last Championship Match Played” information. If the player never played a championship game, then they need to identify that on the application.
- Canada Executive Committee is responsible for approving transfers within Canada.
- Approval Process: Final approval lies with the respective boards, ensuring all transfers meet eligibility criteria.
Sanctions/Permits:
- A player who obtained a sanction or permit in the current year but returned to Ireland or another County will have to apply again for a sanction / permit if they intend to return to Canada the next year.
For Club Secretaries and Chairpersons:
- Player Transfer System (PTS): GAA clubs should utilize the PTS for a smooth transfer process and for tracking the progress online.
- Documentation: Ensure all paperwork, including necessary signatures and insurance, is completed promptly to avoid delays.
- Deadlines: Be mindful of the deadlines for each code, these are hard deadlines. Sanctioned players have specific requirements and specific deadlines also for each code.
Sanction/Permit Insurance
Players who are travelling to the Canada (or the U.S.A.) for the summer MUST be registered club members in order to receive a Sanction/Permit to allow them play on a temporary basis with clubs in these areas. As per Official Guide Rule it is compulsory for all players to obtain appropriate insurance cover before a permit to Canada can be granted. The GAA has a scheme in place that provides adequate cover of which the LGFA and Camogie players can avail. Like the vast majority of travel insurance policies, the option offered by the GAA can only be purchased by individuals before they leave Ireland. Important point for players to note: Permits will NOT be processed unless insurance has been purchased and it is to be provided with the Sanction/Permit form.
Find more information on sanction/permit insurance, including a list of approved insurance providers, on the GAA Overseas Sanction page or the LGFA Permit Insurance page.
Here is a list of Transfer Forms:
CGAA Player Transfer Within Canada
GAA Inter County Transfer Form
Camogie Inter County Transfer Form
CGAA-LGFA-Transfer Exemption Form
Permission to Play Hurling/Football Exemption
GAA PTS – Player Transfer System