Four point goals, advanced mark change, new throw-in: Intercounty players set to partake in rule trials

Kerry's Diarmuid O'Connor competes at the throw in with Darragh Bohannon of Clare during the 2024 Munster SFC final. Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady

Players from counties knocked out of the 2024 championship will take part in a match trialling new rule proposals this week. The suggestions include four-points for a goal and 1v1 for all throw-ins.

The Jim Gavin-chaired Football Review Committee have amassed a host of new proposals to be trialled over the next month. It comes after over 5,000 survey responses, meetings with key stakeholders across the provincial councils, County Board Chairs, National Referee’s Committee and Ard Chomhairle members.

Players from Waterford, Longford, Wexford, Offaly and Carlow are set to partake in the first trial this weekend.

A suitable environment for trials has been an issue for the GAA in the past. Most recently, a series of trials took place in the Higher Education Freshers competitions. However, in one Gaelic football game, the rule that a kickout had to travel beyond the near 45-metre line was abandoned due to persistent wind.

The possible enhancements cover 13 different elements of the game. They are starting play, in possession of the ball, scoring, tackle, tactical/delaying fouls, cynical/black card fouls, aggressive fouls, accidental fouls, dissent, general fouls and the advantage rule.

They have also focused on game administration and current rules, such as steps and dissent, that need to be enforced.

In scoring, proposals include two points for a shot scored from outside a 40m arc. The radius will be centred on the midpoint of the goal line and arc back to the 20m line. A goal would be the equivalent to four points and a score inside the arc remains as one point.

The group plan to experiment a variety of rules before narrowing down the longlist. They will draft a report for Ard Chomhairle in November with a Special Congress set for December. The proposals will then be in place for the 2025 national league and championship.

Other suggestions include 1v1 for all throw-ins, including the start of each half or that both teams must keep 3 players inside the 65m line. The advanced mark could be adapted so that a kick must come from outside the 45m line and land inside the 20m line. The player can avail of the mark or play on until no advantage has accrued, where they can then return to take a free kick from the position of the original mark.

Tweaks to current rules such as removing the five-second limit for advantage or expanding the black card to include holding a player up but not grounding them or also under consideration. Referees have been consulted as part of the process and an expansion on the role of the line official is on the table.

The group is made up of several former intercounty managers as well as GAA staff. Their stated aim is that Gaelic Games will be the most enjoyable amateur games in the world to play and watch. They have examined previous reviews of Gaelic football and a report compiled by Chair of the Standing Committee on Playing Rules David Hassan on the tackle.

A stakeholder engagement process continues with a series of focus group meetings at Provincial venues over the coming weeks. Counties will send a wide range of representatives including current club players, former intercounty players, coaches and county board members.

The public survey will remain open until June 30. Anyone interested in taking part can do so here.