GAA clarify 'mark' experimental rule

The GAA have moved to clarify the protocol for the implementation of the proposed experimental rule in relation to the "mark", ahead of the pre-season competitions which begin this weekend.

The mark, which has been a popular element of Australian Rules Football, is among the rules being trialled in the pre-season competitions and Allianz National Football Leagues.

The rule states that "a free-kick shall be awarded to a player who catches the ball from a kick-out between the two 45-metre lines. This free-kick must be taken by the player who catches the ball."

An exception to this is that "the kick may be taken by another member of the player's team if the player who catches the ball is injured prior to the free-kick being taken."

The Football Playing Rules revision committee issued a statement this afternoon to clarify the rule.

"In practical terms this will mean that while the free-kick can be awarded, the referee, as with any other foul, 'may allow play to continue if he considers it to be to the advantage' of the player who catches the ball," the statement read.

"Once he allows play to continue, he may not subsequently award a free.

"It should also be noted that there is an experimental adjustment being made to the advantage rule which has been extended to include the following: 'He (the referee) shall signal that advantage is being played by means of a raised and extended arm.'

"The purpose of this proposed amendment is to provide a standardised, common signal which will be used by all referees, and which will be visible to, and understood by, spectators and players alike."

The new experimental rules will be exhibited in competitive action for the first time this Thursday night, when the delayed McGrath Cup gets underway with Tipperary hosting UL at Dr. Morris Park in Thurles, Kerry facing IT Tralee at Austin Stack Park and Limerick entertaining Waterford IT at the Gaelic Grounds.