Controversial rule restricting U-16 activity deferred for 12 months

THE controversial rule passed at the recent Special Congress restricting players under 16 to activity at just one level above their age group, has been deferred.

Widespread concern at the implications of the proposal and agreement that it was a very difficult issue to deal with in rule format, led to a 12-month moratorium on its introduction being accepted at the weekend meeting of the Central Council.

Kerry chairman Sean Walsh pointed out that delegates at Kerry Bord na nÓg convention on Friday night had been very concerned about the possible effects of the rule, particularly in relation to what players would be registered and in what age group.

Director-General Liam Mulvihill said that Cork suggested a moratorium in correspondence while Meath had also written to express concern on the basis that application of the rule could have serious consequences for rural clubs.

Vocational Schools delegate T.J. Egan took a different view, saying the rule related to under-16 players in the first instance. It was put forward to 'protect' these players and it was something that post-primary schools had been 'pushing for years,' he said. He quoted the example of a pupil playing with eight teams in hurling and football in his school in Tipperary, and who was involved in the county intermediate final on Saturday. "He's probably playing with the same number of teams in his club and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand it couldn't continue," he said. The motion was deferred for a year. There was a request from the GAC for clarification on the role of referees, in ensuring that players were 'safely attired.' It was eventually decided to discuss the matter further because of the threat of litigation in the event of referees being required to implement the relevant rule.

Tipperary and Offaly were advised to put things in order in relation to playing activity in parts of Offaly by Tipperary players and vice versa. This was the result of a long-term agreement which, president Sean McCague ruled, was sacrosanct. If there were allegations of players playing illegally, they should be named and the GAC 'would deal with them,' said Mr. McCague.

Tipperary delegate Noel Morris alleged that a member of the Offaly hurling team wasn't legal to play with the team or the club he was playing with for the reason that he was living in a parish that is affiliated to the GAA in Tipperary.

*Dublin and Donegal, who played a replay in the All-Ireland football quarter-final in Croke Park, are each to receive an additional 10,000 towards their player holiday funds, while Sligo will receive 7,500 arising from their replay against Armagh in Navan.

*As part of the GAA's commitment to 2003 as 'Year of People with Disability,' it announced that in addition to the provision of wheelchair accessibility and cover, county grounds will be asked to ensure proper toilet facilities are in place by the end of the year. A request to hold a concert in Croke Park in conjunction with the Special Olympics in June was turned down, but the Association will make a donation towards the cost of the event.