ULSTER GAA: The role of the club registrar in the GAA

WITHIN the GAA, the club registrar plays a vital governance and administrative role, ensuring that the club operates in line with official rules and that all members are properly registered and insured.

At the heart of the role is membership management. The registrar oversees the registration of all players, coaches and non-playing members through Foireann, the GAA’s official online membership system.

This work includes processing new registrations and renewals, while ensuring that members are placed in the correct membership category.

Accuracy and attention to detail are critical, as a player who is not fully registered is not eligible to train or play and is not covered under GAA insurance.

The registrar works closely with the club secretary and treasurer to ensure compliance and financial accountability.

They monitor deadlines set by county boards and Croke Park, track registration numbers and provide reports to the club executive when required.

The role also involves liaising with the county board and provincial council to resolve registration queries and ensure that all documentation is correctly processed.

Beyond administration, the registrar safeguards the club. Proper registration protects both the individual member and the club itself in the event of injury or dispute.

It ensures that governance standards are upheld and that the club remains compliant with GAA regulations.

Often working behind the scenes, the club registrar’s role requires organisation, efficiency and strong communication skills. While it may not always be visible on the pitch, it is fundamental to everything that happens on it.

Without the diligent work of the club’s registrar in the GAA, fixtures could not be fulfilled, teams could not take the field and the club’s insurance and compliance position would be at risk.

In every GAA club, the registrar is a cornerstone of good governance, ensuring that the Association’s values are upheld both on and off the field.

All club registrations for this season should be paid by 31st March, 2026.