O’Neill baffled at hostility to new rules

RULES Revision Committee chairman Liam O’Neill has expressed amazement at the level of opposition from some hurling quarters to the experimental regulations and punishments which have been enforced during the National League.

GAA President Nickey Brennan, who wants the new proposals ratified at annual Congress in Cork next month, says that some people “are in denial” about the need for change.

O’Neill is adamant the changes will benefit hurling, commenting: “It doubly amazes me that some of the counties that are making the noises have skilful hurlers who need to be protected.

“We felt that our principal ‘defenders’ would be those who had skilful young players — and that would include hurlers because all our disciplinary changes are designed to protect the skilful player and make sure he has a chance to show his skills.”

Brennan feels that while the rule changes are working out well, the challenge to achieve a greater level of consistency in refereeing standards is key to the success of the project.

“I can’t deny that, but I believe we are getting there,” he said in his address to the Leinster Convention. “I believe it is imperative that these rules be passed at Congress. If they are not, we will know the type of games people want to play! I think it’s in the interest of our games, the whole element of skill, and quality of play we want to see in them. I believe it comes better with our current experimental rules, but you (delegates) will decide that.”

He had some interesting comments to make about a recent high-profile Sigerson Cup clash.

“People would know me more as a hurling man and certainly hurling people at times are in denial that we don’t need to tidy up aspects of our game as well.

“But, we are not trying at any stage to take the physicality out of it. Let’s be absolutely clear on that.

“And I’m at pains to point out to referees — as I will do at our next meeting in Athlone next week — that on every occasion, the player gets the benefit of the doubt. On every occasion. And be clear on that!”

Focusing on the rules as they apply to hurling, O’Neill made the comment that the trip “is a lousy foul” while “pulling down” isn’t acceptable in any code. He also pointed out that as well as cracking down on “careless use of the hurley”, the Central Council had asked the committee to include “careless use of the hands”.

In terms of trying to achieve greater consistency, he pointed out that the latest effort involves referees being put through to a test where they are shown 25 fouls on video and given five seconds to decide what form of penalty should apply.

“The referees must decide whether it’s a red card, a yellow card, a black card or a straight foul and that process has been working well,” Brennan commented.

“It’s the first time we feel that referees have a framework within which to make decisions and it’s helping their decision-making. And for those of us who are watching, our decision-making is improving as well. If we improve the process, it must improve refereeing.”

He continued: “We don’t want this to fail because of lack of knowledge. Whatever happens at Congress happens, but we have done our best on this ”

Admitting to being optimistic about the rule changes being ratified, he said that their campaign was given a huge boost by the televised Dublin/Tyrone game, which marked the first round of the NFL and the start of the GAA’s 125 year celebrations.

“That was a great showcase because it showed what the possibilities were,” said Brennan.

“Above all else, that game showed the power of the deterrent — that players were aware they were going to be put off. Admittedly they would be replaced, but they were going to leave the play if they fouled. The result was that you had open play with people ‘thinking’ their tackles and it was a lot safer, a lot more enjoyable and we had a lot more scores.

“Gaelic games are about entertainment and enjoyment and that is what we should be focusing on. We have no apologies to make for the fact that we are protecting the skilful player. The association is spending millions on the development of young players. It’s crazy to spend this type of money if you don’t protect them afterwards — and that has to be a very good rationale for doing what we are doing.”