GAA set to modify sin bin rule

The GAA are set to announce a change to the controversial sin bin rule today.

President Sean Kelly is set to make a statement from Hong Kong, where he is accompanying the 2003 and 2004 football All Stars.

The football task force met to discuss the new experimental rules last Monday night and the sin bin

rule is expected to be modified.

Under the new format being used in all the provincial competitions - with the exception of Ulster's Dr McKenna Cup - players who get yellow cards are sent off for 10 minutes with no replacements allowed on the pitch.

However, Mr Kelly is expected to announce today that players who get yellow cards will be replaced by a substitute.

The number of substitutes allowed is also expected to rise from five to six.

Laois manager Mick O'Dwyer, Donegal boss Brian McEniff, Connacht Council chairman Tommy Moran, players Paul Durkan (Sligo), Brian Dooher (Tyrone) and Dessie Farrell (Dublin) and referee Pat McEnaney are on the GAA task force.

The two other main football rule changes - the pick-up off the ground without using the foot and the use of tees for kick-outs - will be retained.