One word can curb sleight of hand

The evolution of hurling has not been reflected by the rulebook

Limerick played Waterford on Saturday and the five throw balls Seán Stack called looked correct decisions, with most being committed by Limerick players. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“Due to the increased speed, many hand disposals are effected in the blink of an eye. Some are legal; many — to the naked eye — appear not to be. It's telling that commentators often refer to players ‘shoveling’ the ball. The elite level of the code is now on a slippery slide towards permitting the throw. It's a slide that will only be halted by decisive action. What in recent seasons had been an occasional event has this year become a regular occurrence.

“That players are aware they are being given licence has become clear. In keeping with the non-interventionist style of officiating of many years, overseen by successive regimes, evermore rope has been given to the rule-bender. The umpires appear to take the view that unless they are absolutely certain a handpass isn't legal, they should turn a blind eye.