Leinster begins ‘mark’ in positive Gaelic football rules experiment

The upcoming Leinster MFL will feature three experimental rules as GAA chiefs examine ways of bringing about more positive approaches in football. T

The competition gets underway Saturday, a total of 16 teams competing with three deviations from normal rules.

The most interesting sees teams limited to a maximum of three consecutive hand passes before the ball must be kicked (unless a fisted point is being attempted), while a mark is introduced and backpasses to goalkeepers are outlawed.

“There would be a view you have football at its purest form at minor level,” said a spokesperson for Leinster GAA, “so an experimental rule is treated like any other, whereas at senior level teams might try find a loophole. The game is a healthy state at minor, there’s no dominant force due to the turnover of players, so you’ll get an honest assessment of how the changes might work.”

A mark will be called when a player catches a kickout which has crossed the 45m line. The referee will signify this by blowing his whistle but, should the player so wish, he can continue on. If he opts to take the mark, all other players shall retreat 13m.

Should a team put together more than three consecutive handpasses, the opposition shall be awarded a free from which they cannot score directly, and the same penalty will apply for a pass back to a goalkeeper. If a defender is behind his keeper, he can pass the ball forward to him.

Leinster MFL fixtures:

Saturday: (2.30pm unless stated)

Grp 1:

Dublin v Cork, Parnell Park, 1pm; Kildare v Wexford, Hawkfield.

Grp 2:

Offaly v Meath, Clonbollogue; Longford v Limerick, Ballymahon.

Group 3:

Carlow v Cill Dara, Dr Cullen Park; Westmeath v Clare, Cusack Pk.

Group 4:

Laois v Tipperary, Crettyard, Louth v Wicklow, Darver.