There are no plans to look at the Football Review Committee rule changes in the context of the women’s game. At the end of November, the proposals were overwhelmingly accepted by special congress and will be trialled throughout next year.
Although the FRC cast a big net to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, there were no specific briefings with representatives of Cumann Peil na mBan – although there were “informal conversations” and individual discussions on the subject of the countdown clock and hooter, which have been long-standing features of the women’s game.
A spokesperson, asked about any potential engagement with the FRC, was quick to play it down, as already the rules of each game are quite different and defensive football hasn’t been the same source of controversy.
“We haven’t had any discourse on that at all. Our rules are completely separate and there was no need for us to be involved at any level.”
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Mayo’s Cora Staunton is by consensus the greatest women’s player in the game’s history. She also has experience of the WAFL in Australia and is currently coach with Ballina Stephenites in her own county.
She thinks that the FRC proposals or enhancements, where not universally applicable could in some instances benefit the women’s game. Predictable, as one of football’s great scorers, she is interested in the two-point score from outside the 40-metre arc.
“If I was a forward playing now, the two-point shots from outside the arc, would be very appealing. I know the argument will be that there’s not the same frequency of shooting from 40 metres and beyond as there is in the men’s game, but I think it’s a great skill to reward. That’s a forward’s perspective but I’d have loved the challenge of kicking long-range points.
“In terms of physical power, female players don’t score as many long-range points. Kick-outs are completely different, out of the hand rather than off the ground so I don’t see that as being applicable.”
Staunton is in favour of the three/three structure with three players on either side having to stay in each half.
“The idea of three up, I could see working in the women’s game. Whereas it’s not as defensive as the men’s game at times, it can depend on the opposition that you’re playing. There are times when the opposition can play quite defensively and there would be room for the three-up rule.
“I know myself playing club football in recent times that I’ve a tendency instead of being a forward, to be nearly like an extra six or playing that kind of centre back role when up against opposition that’s stronger than you, or you’re trying to compact the defence.”
In general, she is looking forward to the trialling of the rules when the intercounty season starts at the end of January.
“I’m excited, as a club coach. I’ll be fascinated watching the national league and seeing how high-level coaches adapt to the game. The interprovincials probably gave us a false picture of how the rules will play out in that there were the best players playing and the stakes weren’t that high.
“It will be interesting to see the tactics that emerge and will teams show their full hand or hold back something for the championship’s bigger days. I think they might. Players will also have to be more adaptable than they were in the past.
“It will be challenging for coaches and interesting to see how everyone gets on, including referees with the new dissent rule. I’ve seen it first-hand in the AFL where the respect referees are given is like rugby. As a coach, I’ll simply be watching a lot of football to see how it’s being played.”
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