Umpires now face exam before lining-out in championship

GAA umpires will not be allowed officiate at championship matches this year unless they have passed a new exam.

Director General Páraic Duffy met with whistleblowers and Coiste Bainistí to prepare a training course umpires must undertake before the senior inter-county championship starts.

Following years of controversial decisions, most notably Martin Sludden’s decision (after consulting umpires) to allow Meath’s late winning goal stand against Louth in the Leinster final, the plan is likely to receive widespread support.