The recent “Skortgate” episode within the Camogie Association has prompted widespread discussion about decision-making, communication, and stakeholder engagement in Sports Governance. This piece explores key lessons that National Governing Bodies (NGBs) can take from the events surrounding the shorts versus skorts debate, highlighting the importance of listening, transparency, and adaptability:

The Optics of Listening (or in this case, Not Listening)
Member organisations are morally and constitutionally bound to their members. Listening is an imperative, not an option. When #Skortgate erupted, the Camogie Association appeared tone deaf. The “democratic vote” argument offered little cover when a national player survey had already made members’ preferences clear.

All Stakeholders Are Equal
While stakeholders may have varying influence in normal times, in a crisis, all have the power to disrupt. The Association underestimated the players’ willingness to act, both on and off the pitch. Their decisive actions drew public and sponsor support. Stakeholder vigilance and consideration must be top of the agenda for all NGBs, especially as the GAA’s four codes come together.

Communication Is All
Silence can be deafening. After the first Congress vote against shorts, a lack of communication left a void filled by player protests. County boards and clubs rallied, running surveys and social campaigns that galvanized support. The disconnect between the governing body and grassroots was clear, making this a case study in poor communication.

To Govern Well Is to Make Good Decisions
Tradition is important, but so is progress. The Association clung to the “democratic vote” line, without acknowledging the reality of its predicament. Good governance means being willing to adapt and move forward. NGBs cannot hide behind tradition if they want to remain relevant and sustainable.

What Happens Next Will Determine the Legacy
It’s not the crisis itself, but how it’s handled—both during and after—that shapes an organisation’s legacy. The ripple effect of #Skortgate will persist unless the Association examines what happened, what could have been done differently, and how to rebuild trust with stakeholders.

For the past few weeks, camogie has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. With the All-Ireland Camogie Championship starting this weekend, let’s hope the focus returns to the game and its talented players.