GAA regulations on pitch incursions to be tightened

GAA PRESIDENT Nickey Brennan has admitted that GAA regulations are not stringent enough to curb “unsightly” pitch incursions by mentors and officials.

He warned yesterday that fresh regulations would be drafted for next season to deal with the problem.

“I understand the pressure which players and the backroom team are under, but that does not give anyone the right to blatantly ignore the regulations approved by the Ard Comhairle.

“Part of the challenge we face is to improve the monitoring process to ensure fairness and consistency,” Mr Brennan said yesterday.

“As soon as the championship is over, we will commence work on new regulations for 2007. It is most unsightly to see so many people on the field of play throughout the game. By far the worst transgressors are the water carriers, and we even have a situation now where some team mentors are acting as water carriers,” he said.

Laois coach Mick O’Dwyer has called for GAA chiefs to designate an official team “runner” to carry messages and tactical alterations on to the field of play. But Mr Brennan, writing in yesterday’s Croke Park match programme, referred to recent incidents when he declared: “We had a number of very annoying incidents this year, where various backroom personnel who encroached on to the field of play became involved with players. This carry-on is completely unacceptable.”

On the controversial deferral of the All-Ireland MFC semi-final between Roscommon and Meath, Mr Brennan said: “Last week’s draw between Mayo and Laois caused some headaches with our fixture schedule.

“While the three match programme this weekend does discommode some people, it was the logical solution to the dilemma we faced."