The GAA will review proposed football rule changes at a Special Congress this weekend.
This is not the first time the GAA has tried to change its rules. However, the current proposals seem more extensive than before. The rules were tested during the Interprovincial Championship last month, which was held for the first time since 2016. Feedback from this trial was mostly positive, but a proposed four-point goal was dropped due to concerns it could end games too quickly.
If the new rules receive enough support, they could be implemented for all levels of football by 2025. A full review will follow in late 2024, aiming for an updated rulebook by January 2026.
Armagh fans, celebrating their recent All-Ireland win, may not be thrilled about the new rules. Their manager, Kieran McGeeney, believes Gaelic football is in great shape. Still, many feel that the current style of play, which often sees teams defending heavily, has made the game less exciting.
Hurling has gained popularity, while football has faced criticism for becoming too cautious and focused on short passes. Many fans miss the traditional style of play, which was more about catching and kicking the ball. This context has led to the committee’s proposals, which are expected to gain the necessary support for change.
The Special Congress will start at 10:30 GMT and is expected to conclude by 13:00. Afterward, the GAA’s Central Council will meet to finalize the decisions made during the Congress.
Jim Gavin mentioned “seven core enhancements” during a preparation meeting in September. There are also additional proposals that will be voted on this weekend, making this a significant set of changes compared to past adjustments.
One notable change would reward long-range shots. Goals scored from outside a new 40-metre arc would be worth two points instead of one. However, there are doubts about whether this change will receive the needed support, especially after the four-point goal was rejected.
Another major proposal would require goalkeepers to kick the ball beyond the 40-metre arc during kickouts. If teammates catch the ball within this area, a free kick would be awarded to the opposing team. This aims to encourage more attacking play.
To promote offense, teams would need to have at least three players in each half of the field. This would prevent managers from pulling all players back when the other team has the ball. Additionally, players would only be allowed to pass to the goalkeeper if both are inside the large rectangle or if the goalkeeper is past the halfway line.
Other proposed changes include simplifying throw-ins to a one-on-one contest and allowing players who are fouled to immediately run with the ball instead of stopping for a free kick. There are also adjustments to the advanced mark rule to encourage longer kicks into the forward line.
The committee is also looking to reduce tactical fouling. Proposed changes include stricter penalties for quick free kicks and player dissent, which could result in significant yardage penalties.
The Congress will also discuss introducing a stop clock and a hooter to signal the end of play, similar to what is used in women’s Gaelic football. Delegates will vote on giving referees more discretion to play advantage and changing the title of linesmen to line umpires, giving them more authority to report fouls.
Most of these proposals are expected to pass, but predicting the outcome of Congress votes is always uncertain. There will be much interest in how the discussions unfold at Croke Park.
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