AFL agree new code of conduct in International Rules

Australian football officials agreed a new code of conduct for the International Rules series today to eliminate the violent tackles that had put its future at risk.

Both GAA bosses and members of the Australian Football League (AFL) said unsporting behaviour of some players during the 2005 series was totally unacceptable and not in line with the rules or the spirit of the matches.

After the two-day crunch meeting in Melbourne, GAA president Sean Kelly said: “Should the series continue, a number of initiatives have been agreed in relation to the training and preparation of match officials and the AFL expressed a strong desire to continue the youth series between our two countries.”

The GAA were prepared to walk away from the series unless Australian football bosses could ease their concerns over rough tackles during the two-day meeting.

Some of the new rules agreed include:

:: Any player guilty of a red card offence would automatically be sent off for the rest of the game with no replacement, and a penalty kick awarded to the opposition. A tribunal hearing would then determine any further penalty, with a minimum of a one-match suspension for any guilty verdict.

:: Any player guilty of a yellow card offence would be sent off for 15 minutes, with a replacement allowed, and no penalty kick. If a player received two yellow cards, he would be sent off for the rest of the game with no replacement. A tribunal hearing would then determine any further penalty.

Last season worries were raised after AFL player, Russell Robertson’s high tackle on Laois’ Tom Kelly in the first Test. Another of the most dangerous incidents that took place during the series was AFL player Chris Johnson’s flying clothesline tackle on Tyrone’s Philip Jordan.

Both AFL chief executive officer Andrew Demetriou and Mr Kelly said the International Rules series had been a major success since it resumed in 1998 with nearly 47,000 people attending each game.

A Joint Control committee for the series is to conduct a detailed review of the playing rules and the conduct of the series in May.

Both organisations are to report back to the AFL Commission and GAA Central Council before a final decision is announced on the future of the series.

Mr Demetriou said the AFL had also agreed to re-examine its rules on international player drafting, to address the concerns expressed by the GAA.

“The GAA is keen to ensure that younger players are protected to ensure they could complete their schooling and become established in their home counties,” Mr Demetriou said.

“We will examine our Drafting rules on international players and then come back to the GAA with a proposal in this area.”

Some concerns have been voiced by the GAA with some high profile players including Cork’s, Setanta O hAilpin, Colm Begley of Laois, and Tadhg Kennelly, who signed for the Sydney Swans as a teenager in 1999.