ANNUAL CONGRESS MOTIONS:THE 42 motions that go before next month's congress in Cork are largely dominated by the experimental yellow-card rules, but as always there are a range of other proposals all seeking to become part of the GAA rules.

Congress takes place on April 17/18th at the Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas and although the experimental yellow-card rules have been in use since the start of the season, it’s still uncertain whether or not they will receive the two-thirds majority necessary to bring them into rule – and that uncertain scenario is likely to remain until congress itself.

Motions 1-15 all deal with the matter, as proposed by Central Council, and as expected the first motion is the most critical.

That essentially calls for the support of the new “Highly Disruptive” playing fouls, which currently result in the yellow card – and with that the ordering off the field of the offender and his replacement from within the substitutes.

If that motion fails, then the rest fail as a matter of course – as they deal with the specifics of the “Highly Disruptive” playing fouls. In other words, congress will get to choose whether to incorporate some or all of the new yellow-card offences into the rule book, or first take the option of doing away with them completely. Motion 15 states that if passed, the new yellow-card rule won’t come into play in club competitions until the beginning of 2010.

The matter was raised by GAA Director General Páraic Duffy in his annual report, and while being careful not to influence congress, he did make a case for the benefits of the experiment to date.

“Few would dispute the need for a review of the disciplinary playing rules in light of the systematic – and occasionally dangerous – fouling that tarnishes our games,” says Duffy.

“The members of the Task Force responsible for introducing this scheme deserve credit for the manner in which they undertook their task.

“They ensured that a comprehensive education and information process preceding the beginning of the new season.

“The statistics issued by the Games Department in January also underlined the advantage of the new rules.

“Scoring levels were higher, the ball remained in play for longer periods, and fewer yellow cards were issued as the experiment proceeded over the weeks. It was an indication that those involved adapted quickly to the changes.

“Congress will now decide whether the experimental rules become a permanent feature of the playing rules, beginning with this year’s championship.

“I fully support the proposals that seek to eliminate negative play in our games – pulling down, tripping, illegal body-colliding, tackling around the neck, and aggressive remonstration with the match officials.

“Regardless of the outcome of congress’s deliberations, I have no doubt that the experimental period was worthwhile, and that in the longer term it will influence our perceptions of obstructive fouling in our games.”

The remaining motions are varied, and some more controversial than others.

Motion 20, from Tyrone, is aimed at restricting the ability to organise matches against nonamateurs, and clearly designed as a method of withdrawing support for the International Rules series. The motion is still to be referred to Central Council, although for now it is listed on the clár.

The motion comes in three parts, with part C stating “a member or any unit of the association shall not participate in games organised or controlled by any unit of the association in which players are remunerated for playing in the match or competition”. The penalty advocated is a 48-week suspension.

Motion 28, also from Tyrone, also coming in three parts, deals with the officially named manager of the winning team being awarded a winner’s medal.

In senior hurling and football, 30 players, plus the manager, would receive a medal, while in all other competitions, 24 players, plus the manager, receive the medal. It is also proposed county committees shall also have discretion as to the nature of prizes awarded to county champion winners.

Motion 29, from Louth, proposes that when teams finish on equal points for qualification for the concluding stages of the league, or for promotion or relegation, the tie shall be decided by a play-off.

Motion 34, from Antrim, calls for the provincial and All-Ireland club championships to be completed prior to the commencement of the following year’s National Leagues. This is one of the annual debates of the club season. The traditional break over the Christmas has its pros and cons, but it’s seems highly unlikely that the club finals will be removed from St Patrick’s Day in the near future.

There are also two motions dealing with the timing of the conclusion of the championship: Motion 36, from Leitrim and Clare, calls for the All-Ireland hurling final to be played on the third Sunday in August, and the football final the first Sunday in September.

In exceptional circumstances, Central Council may make other arrangements.

Motion 37, from Tyrone, calls for the All-Ireland hurling to be played on the last Sunday in August, and the football on the first Sunday in September. Again, in exceptional circumstances, Central Council may make other arrangements.

Motion 41 comes from Central Council and deals with player Burn Out: “Under-21 players shall not participate in the National Football Leagues while the county remains involved in the under-21 provincial football championship.”

Interestingly, that motion would help address the crazy situation Tipperary face this weekend where their under-21 football team are being forced to play a Munster final the day before a possible promotion-clinching game in the National Football League.