McDermott slams bosses

GAELIC games rules analyst Gerry McDermott has criticised inter-county football managers for claiming there is no clear definition of the tackle.

Writing in yesterday’s Leinster final match programme, McDermott says bosses such as Jack O’Connor, Conor Counihan and Kieran McGeeney are wrong to claim the constitution of the tackle is uncertain.

Referring to a comment the Kerry manager O’Connor made about the absence of a defined tackle ‘thieving the game’, McDermott wrote: “Jack seems to be unaware that the tackle has been defined since 1991 and forms an integral part of the playing rules. He also should know that the referees must apply the rules as stated and do not have the authority to ignore the rules in the Official Guide.

“Under the rules of control, the referee are duty bound under rule 1.2 (i) to control the game in accordance with the playing rules.

“They do not have a choice here. If Jack thinks the referees should use common sense then he should set out clearly the rules in which he thinks the referee should ignore.

“He should realise that common sense is not nearly as common as many people think it is.

“They do not bother to state the existing rules that govern the tackle in Gaelic football, nor do they bother to quote the definition of the tackle.

“The critics never give them because that would destroy their assertion that there is no tackle in Gaelic football.

“Definition number 15 states that a tackle is ‘Any attempt to dispossess or reduce the advantage of opponent within the rules of fair play. With the exception of the charge (fair), the tackle is aimed at the ball not the player’.

“What could be clearer?”

Donegal native McDermott, who has worked with Mick O’Dwyer and Mickey Harte, also pointed out RTÉ Sunday Game pundits are using the wrong terminology in describing games.

“The hurling analyst do not seem to have any appreciation for rules at all.

“They keep referring to outdated terms such as ‘the square’, the 14 and the 21-yard lines.

“Are they not aware that we no longer have 14 yard or 21 yard lines on the field of play.

“The Official Guide has gone metric for at least 33 years.”