Curley: handpass controversy will focus players’ minds

REFEREES chief Mick Curley believes the controversy surrounding the new handpass rules will help officials and players in championship action this weekend.

The regulation caused chaos in three provincial clashes last Sunday but Curley is convinced the debate which was generated since then will help focus minds and speed up the acceptance of the changes.

Curley admitted: “The controversy has generated a hell of a lot of debate and that in turn has brought the topic into focus.

“Maybe that is a good thing and footballers will know what they can and can’t do this weekend.”

Curley rejected suggestions that referees were against the new rule which demands that a fisted pass or a hand-pass be underhand only, with the over-hand option no longer allowed.

Top official Pat McEnaney says the new handpass rule is something referees “could have done without” but Curley insisted that it is a rule which is for the betterment of the game.

“No. I don’t accept that it is making life for referees more difficult or that referees are against it.

“Any time a new rule comes in there is a period of acclimatisation. There is always that time of difficulty.

“But our referees are fairly well tuned in to what is required of them and are acting accordingly.

“The referees were told that there are four distinct correct ways to handpass and are monitoring that.

“Referees are not superhuman, they may miss some of the passes but then again no referee is going to spot everything on a field of play.”

The former intercounty whistleblower said that any teams unsure of the specifics of the new ruling could receive a session from a referee.

“Any team that wants advice or assistance will be facilitated. It is not up to the referees to approach teams it is up to county boards to approach referees. I’m not sure if any teams have approached referees for help this week but the door is open to them to do so.”