GAA players back new rules but warn of rising demands

GPA CEO Tom Parsons said player feedback regarding increased physical and mental load "emphasises the need for proper down time and a closed season" and that those "who are so happy to extend the inter-county season in 2026 should take note".

57% of inter-county players said their physical load has increased following the implementation of Gaelic football's new rules. Pic: ©INPHO/Andrew Paton

There is strong support for Gaelic football's new rules from inter-county players ahead of Saturday's vote at Special Congress.

According to the GPA's annual member survey, 94% of players feel their experience of the game has been improved by the new rules. Less than three per cent said their experience is now worse than it was under the old rules.

Reasons given for the improvements include players having more space and time for expression, the game being generally more enjoyable, the speed and intensity of matches increasing, and skills and scoring being more valued. 

The GPA says that it will monitor feedback from players regarding increased physical and mental load. 57% said the former has increased and 39% the latter. 

The increased physical load includes there now being more high speed running involved in games, greater distances being covered by some players, recovery being tougher, and there being a higher injury risk. 12% of players said balancing life outside of the sport with being involved in an inter-county panel has become harder. 

"We now have a better game for those playing it at the highest level but there are some watch-outs that we will continue to monitor in terms of the load, both physical and mental, on these elite amateur athletes," said GPA CEO Tom Parsons.

"This again emphasises the need for proper down time and a closed season. Those who are so happy to extend the inter-county season in 2026 should take note."

Other negative points regarding the new rules include pushback on constant mid-season tweaks, the possible amplified effect which windy conditions combined with the two-point arc could have on games, and short kick-outs being devalued. 

"What we have also found is there is an increase in contentment with the amateur status of the inter-county game among Sam Maguire (58%/up 7% on 2024) and Tailteann Cup (62%/up 8% on 2024) players," said Parsons.

"While we cannot say for certain that a direct link can be drawn to the new rules, the feedback definitely points to a positive impact in this regard. Protecting the amateur model of the inter-county game will continue to depend on tackling the player load of a now 12-month season and addressing financial pressures through enhanced government grant support.”