Refs set for whistle-stop tour

The GAA will next month embark on a six-week blitz of the 32 counties to educate Gaelic football referees on the forthcoming black card rule.

From January 1, any player found to have committed one of three professional fouls, racist or sectarian abuse or having remonstrated with a match official will be forced to leave the field and be replaced by a substitute.

A dvd will also be released to educate players, management and officials on what the black card entails, the contents of which will also feature on the official GAA website.