Wide-ranging powers for provincial councils proposed

THE provincial councils will be given wide-ranging powers if one of many controversial recommendations from the Strategic Review Committee is adopted at the Special Congress in 10 days time.

It would give them "a monitoring and supervisory" role over county committees within their jurisdiction, in areas such as games development, competitions, financial performance and in the establishment of new clubs in areas of population growth.

And, specifically in the area of opposition to the establishment of new club units by existing clubs, an avenue of appeal would be opened to the provincial council.

According to director general Liam Mulvihill, speaking at a press briefing in Croke Park yesterday, it's viewed as an attempt to modernise the association and come to terms with increasing population growth in urban areas.

In total, 55 motions have been submitted all but a handful of them from the Strategic Review Committee, the balance from counties proposing amendments.

The standing orders for the Congress, which will be held over two days, makes allowance for the Strategic Review Committee chairman to give a 15-minute summary of the proposals at the start.

Apart from a recommendation to reduce teams to 13-a-side in the 2003 and 2004 National Football League competitions, there is a proposal to appoint sideline officials for senior inter-county games.

One of his duties would be to ensure all substitutes and temporary replacement players (under the blood rule) would come from the panel of 21 players an interesting development in view of what happened with Cork in the Munster football final replay with Tipperary. In effect, it would mean transferring responsibility from the county secretary. Interestingly, Limerick have tabled an amendment, suggesting the responsibility stay with the county secretary.

In addition to recommending that inter-county competitions should not be organised for any age group

under-16 (such as the Tony Forristal hurling tournament in Waterford, for under 14s), the SRC say players

under-16 should not compete at "more than grade" above their under-age level.

"The major concern would be 'burn-out,' players at this age having too much competition,'' commented Mr. Mulvihill. "The risk of injury would also be a consideration when you are playing against a physically stronger player."

Another interesting proposal relates to umpires and linesmen being given power to draw the referee's attention to incidents of foul play at all levels of competition. While the practice is encouraged in inter-county games, the belief is it could be difficult to implement at club level, especially if the referee is not working with neutral

officials.

The SRC want chairmen at different levels county, provincial and Central Council to be given a greater role. The hope would be that it would improve communications but, more importantly, that by involving them in decision-making processes, there would be a much greater chance of policies being implemented.

Apart from the natural objections from current Central Council delegates at least one of whom has served for more than 30 years it's understood that a number of county chairmen are not keen on the proposal. They argue they are busy enough under the present structures.

Under the terms of another recommendation to restructure annual Congress over a three-year cycle, there is a proposal to determine county delegations on the basis of one for every 20 clubs (instead of 10 at present). Minimum delegations would be reduced to three (from four) and that "a current adult player" would be included in the delegation.