Collins calls for rules motion

THE experimental rule changes met with almost universal disapproval amongst football managers last weekend and moves are now afoot to alter the process of introducing such changes.

In recent years, proposals have been made by a sub-committee created by Central Council and gone directly to Congress for discussion. According to former Westmeath secretary Paddy Collins, this prompts an undemocratic situation whereby Central Council delegates must vote in favour of the proposals, even if it is against the wishes of the counties they are elected to represent.

Collins composed a motion, with the support of his club St Loman’s, seeking a return to the system whereby any proposed rule changes must be sponsored by a county. The motion was passed unanimously at the Westmeath convention and is likely to receive a lot of support at Congress in April.

“What prompted this motion was at the last Congress, where the motions on the disciplinary rules came via a Central Council sub-committee,” explained Collins. “That meant that Central Council delegates were mandated to vote for the proposals even though some counties opposed them. We have the feeling that this is wrong and if a county is against a proposal, their delegate should not be mandated to ignore that. A motion should come via county convention. So that even if a Central Council sub-committee comes up with proposed changes, they must find a county committee that will sponsor a motion.”