There certainly has, an awful lot done but still some improvements needed and not all need major effort. Some small tweaks to prematch procedure could have massive impact. An example would be the availability of defibs - they can be costly pieces of kit and are often kept locked up or safe in the boot of a coaches car. They are forgotten so often to be made available prior to a game, until needed, and there is a scramble. As per refs checking boots and shin guards, why not add defib to the list of checks before he/she allows kick-off. Maybe it is happened in more recent years but the FAI should be buying the likes of defibs in bulk so they can be sold on to clubs at as close to cost price as possible (sponsorship deals? with each senior clubs/international fixtures giving up some advertisment space and do it in conjunction the the IHF....cynically even if its to help rebuild public opinion of the FAI). There should also be a mandate to clubs to prioritise defib acquisition - before the new set of fancy jerseys. Community first responders groups already feed in to the 112 response to a cardiac event, but are thin on the ground, clubs especially in rural areas could really contribute to that system and gain some serious kudos in their locality and the organisation nationally.
Walk and Talk initiatives with clubs and communities to get people active, get some regular company to isolated folk - across all club players and coaches it isnt a huge burden to volunteer 40 minutes every so often to walk and chat to an elder member of the community. The list is endless and these are just off the top of the head that wouldnt take huge organising but the return of such embedding in to a community could be enormous.
Its not as off topic as it may seem as a lot of the concern for clubs changing things up is cost, and volunteers. There are so many ways to tap in to communities and by extension funding that goes under the radar as they dont initially flag as sporting related. People will point to the GAA as being in this role in communities already but its no reason not to step up too, build some bridges there with joint initiatives....Thomas Davis with SRFC would turn heads.
People assume that Development officers are all about structures for developing players, but there is argument for expanding the role, (or more there should be additional RDO's with a remit for structural & admin development) and then eventually all the dots can be joined and you have a cohesive system amost ready to roll out. Leagues and clubs wont want to be left behind and there could be joint or co positions on an interim bases to be phased out over time so easing the egos of those that feel their personal sense of importance is being abolished. I'll bet a lot of the types that are resisting change would be appeased with some symbolic title....Honourary President of local pitch inspectors, give them a badge to iron on to a jacket and a pat on the back every AGM.
Just a final point, I know clubs need to generate funds, but I really hate the idea that it could cost €200 for any kid to play football - throw in boots, shinguards etc. and its creating an 'elite' like game. I have no alternative to this in mind tbh bar maybe some sort of government subsidy to the game. It's worse again if parents are paying a premium to get their kids on the books of a particular club due the a perception of superior coaching - creating footballer farms?!