It's Gaelic football..but no longer as we knew it. How the game will look in 2025

From keeping three players in each half to two-point scoring arcs to tap and go, the GAA has endorsed a raft of game-changing rules for Gaelic football. Here's a handy guide of what to expect in 2025

MANDATE: Football Review Committee chairperson Jim Gavin speaking at the weekend's gamechaing Congress. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

THE landslide support for the FRC package was an emphatic statement on the need for Gaelic football change. The 48 rule ‘enhancements’ passed with minimal opposition - indeed, only four failed to get at least 90% and even the countdown clock and hooter motion got 74% support. 

So what's new and how will the game look next year?

*The throw in: From the get-go, approved for football across club and inter-county for 2025 is one-v-one throw-ins with the other two centrefielders positioned on the sideline.

*Kick-outs must now go beyond the new 40-metre arc. Defending player not allowed pass the ball back to the goalkeeper who has taken the restart. The keeper can't receive a pass except from a team-mate in the large rectangle or in the opposition half of the field.

*Three v three in top half: The game-changer will see teams required to have at least three players in each half of play, and signals an end to low blocks and blanket defences 

*The advanced mark is changed – now only awarded for a catch inside the 20m line from a kick outside the 45m. Defender can also be awarded it but attacker gets big advantage to go for goal, knowing that the original mark remains if he doesn’t score.

*Long range scoring: The art of long range points returns with two points now for a kick from outside the 40-metre arc.

*There are several moves to take cynicism out of the game. On delaying the game, the 50m sanction will surely reduce cynicism like blocking opposition from taking a free or not handing the ball back on concession of a free.

*The new solo and go will speed up the game and allows a player to play on immediately when awarded a free. Also on fouls and advantage: A player can now choose to to take a free from outside the 40m arc even though free awarded inside. Advantage period now at discretion of referee.

*Sanction for dissent: A major play on referee abuse with frees advanced 50m and at under-age level, black carding the player responsible. Only a captain or nominated deputy may communicate with the referee.

*74% supported introduction of a countdown clock and hooter. This won’t be introduced for hurling, though. All club grounds must feature public clocks and hooter systems in time for league action in the spring (March 31 at the latest). They must also be marked with the new 40-metre arcs and dashed halfway line

*Gaelic football at club and county level will now require three score flags - green (goal, three points), white (point) and orange (two points).

*Referees will be equipped with vanishing foam to show where a free can be taken.

*Linesmen renamed line umpires with additional powers.

*Despite the overwhelming mandate, the new rules will not be used for the third level Sigerson or Trench Cups next month. The final stages of the All-Ireland club football championship will be played under the current rules.

*Central Council have the authority to amend, rescind or introduce new rules

during the 2025 season. They will take advice on such from the Football Review Committee.

*Another Special Congress is required at the end of next year to decide which rules are adopted on a permanent basis.

*As it’s a year divisible by five in 2025, further playing rule changes from clubs will be debated at Annual Congress in February.