New match ban system introduced by GAA

A trial system of match bans will be in place for the upcoming Allianz Leagues and the Senior Championships in 2012, the GAA has confirmed today.

The move comes following a decision made at the Association's annual Congress last April.

Under the system, minimum one and two-match suspensions will replace the current four and eight-week suspensions for Category II and III infractions respectively.

However, penalties for Category I, IV and V infractions will remain time-based and in the case of Categories IV and V, applicable across all levels, codes and grades of the Association as per existing rule.

The new system will see match bans incurred in Allianz League action carried over to the Senior inter-county Championships in 2012, if applicable.

Match bans incurred during this summer's Championships may also be carried over to next year's Leagues, if applicable.

It should be noted, however, that in the current early season provincial competitions, like the O'Byrne Cup and Dr McKenna Cup, all suspensions incurred will remain time-based.

Category II & III Suspension Provisions for 2012 Allianz Leagues and Senior Championships -

Category II:

(i) Striking or attempting to strike with arm, elbow, hand or knee

(ii) Striking or attempting to strike with a hurley, with minimal force

(iii) Kicking or attempting to kick, with minimal force

(iv) Behaving in a way which is dangerous to an opponent

(v) Spitting at an opponent

(vi) Contributing to a melee

(vii) Abusive language towards a Referee, Umpire or Sideline Official.

Penalty:

Category II suspensions incurred in the Allianz Leagues and Senior Championships in 2012 shall carry the following penalty:

(i) Minimum: One-match ban, i.e. the next game in the Allianz League or Senior Championship as applicable

(ii) Minimum on Repeat Infraction: Two-match ban, i.e. the next two games in the Allianz League and/or Senior Championship as applicable

Category III:

(i) Striking or attempting to strike with the head

(ii) Striking with hurley, either with force or causing injury

(iii) Attempting to strike with hurley, with force

(iv) Kicking, either with force or causing injury

(v) Attempting to kick, with force

(vi) Stamping

(vii) Inflicting injury recklessly by means other than those stated above

(viii) Any type of assault on an opposing team official.

Penalty:

Category III suspensions incurred in the Allianz Leagues and Senior Inter-County Championships in 2012 shall carry the following penalty:

(i) Minimum: Two-match ban, i.e. the next two games in the Allianz League or Senior Championship as applicable

(ii) Minimum on Repeat Infraction: Three-match ban, i.e. the next three games in the Allianz League and/or Senior Championship as applicable

Further details on the new system are available here.