Jarlath Burns’ stirring brief on high fielding

Playing rules committee chairman Jarlath Burns insists the new mark rule is intended to reward high- fielding despite it stipulating any clean catch from a kick-out on or past the 45 metre line will be rewarded.

Central Council will decide on the date of its introduction next month after it received 68% of Congress delegates’ support on Saturday following a stirring brief from Burns.

The new rule states if a player collects the ball on or beyond the 45m line he is entitled to either take a free kick within five seconds or play on. Should the opposition not retreat 10 metres, the referee can bring the ball forward 13 metres but the retriever still takes the free.