Crucial calls for Congress

GAA Congress doesn’t exactly get pulses racing, but this weekend’s gathering in Derry is arguably the most important since 2005 when delegates voted to give Central Council the power to make Croke Park available for international rugby and soccer games.

A similar motion is on the Clár again this year when Central Council asks for the authority to open a number of GAA stadiums for games in the 2023 or 2027 Rugby World Cup should the competition be staged in Ireland.

In previous times, it might have been a big deal, but Cork, who were so militantly against the opening of Croke Park eight years ago, backed it last week. If that wasn’t an indication the proposal won’t receive the required two-thirds majority then nothing is.

Instead, it’s the Football Review Committee (FRC) proposals that are exercising most minds. They make up 22 of the 73 proposals being put forward. Here are some of the most interesting motions that should be passed:

Motion 1 — All-Ireland Hurling Championship structure

Not an earth-shattering variation of the competition with a qualifying group in Leinster and reducing the number of Liam MacCarthy Cup teams from 2014 onwards. All but certain to get the nod.

Motions 5-9 — defining cynical play

Last week, we explained why the sin bin is a better option in football than the black card proposal (motion four). Should the latter fail to receive the required 66% backing, it remains to be seen whether motions five to nine, which deal with cynical behaviour, will be voted on. Yet backing these definitions are important if the GAA is to be seen to take the issue of cynicism serious.

Motions 16, 17 — increasing 13-metre advantage to 30 metres

One of the most cynical acts in Gaelic football is stopping a player or his team from taking a free so as to give time for team-mates to get behind the ball. An increase of over 100% in the distance a referee can bring forward the ball would act as a deterrent.

Motion 18 — the definition of the tackle

What now constitutes a tackle in football is as clear as mud. This defines the tackle as a challenge aimed at the ball, not the player with the only deliberate physical contact being shoulder-to-shoulder with at least one foot on the ground. This is welcome.

Motion 19 — the advantage rule

As it stands, there is no real advantage rule in Gaelic football. Giving the referee the chance to call back play if no advantage has been gleaned by the team of the fouled player is not only applaudable but should be introduced to hurling.

Motion 21 — the clean pick-up

It’s worth pointing out that if this FRC recommendation is passed the ball can still be lifted via a toe-tap. For a player to pick the ball up from the ground, he must be in an upright position and have at least one foot on the ground. This is a measure that would add to the pace of games as well as assist the protection of players.

Motion 24 — the public clock

The end of the game would be signalled by a hooter. This should put an end to debates about referees not playing enough or too much injury-time. A long-awaited proposal that will bring transparency.

Motion 26 — match bans

Currently on trial, these suspensions are much more sensible than time-based bans.

Motion 27 — additional inter-county jersey branding

In these economically stricken times, county boards need to find more revenue streams and this is a novel idea.

Motion 52 — Hawk-Eye

We’ve been waiting quite some time for this trial period for the score detection technology to begin in Croke Park. Roll on June.

Motion 53 — Six-day turnaround and All-Ireland Championship scheduling

There’s no question the six-day turnaround for some beaten provincial finalists has been one of the cruellest aspects of GAA fixturing. However, this recommendation is much more than that and will give county boards the ability to plan their fixture schedules better although limiting the number of teams they could face in football qualifiers.

Motion 54 — Anti-sectarianism and anti-racism

Makes such behaviour a discredit to the GAA charge. A motion that should rightly and rightfully sail through.

Motion 60 — Helmets off for national anthem

Getting players to respect the entirety of the song would be a start but this would be another form of regard for it.